The ICCAT adopted a new conservation and management framework for North Atlantic swordfish, introducing a Management Procedure (MP) to set total allowable catches (TACs) for 2025–2027 and beyond. The recommendation also establishes measures for vessel authorization, minimum sizes, bycatch rules, and data reporting, while requiring ongoing scientific monitoring and robustness testing, including climate change impacts. A review of the MP’s performance will be conducted by 2030 and every six years thereafter, with an Exceptional Circumstances Protocol to be developed by 2025. This recommendation repeals and consolidates previous measures, aligning management with long-term sustainability objectives.
2024-01-01