Mixed reviews for new tuna FAD use limits

A new limit for using fish aggregating devices (FADs) in fishing for tuna in the Indian Ocean is receiving praise from one fishing industry group and criticism from one NGO.

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) recently decided to impose a maximum limit on the number of FADs usable by any one vessel. Environmental activists have long criticized the use of FADs, charging they make it too easy for fishermen to deplete stocks, and they create too much bycatch.

Europêche, an organization supporting the EU fishing industry, issued a statement defending the use of FADs. Europêche said FADs “have been employed for hundreds of years,” and insisted yellowfin, big eye and skipjack tuna stocks have been healthy in recent years.

Europêche also supported the limitation of their use, however, calling it “the latest in a series of efforts to ensure sustainability.”

“Despite the majority of tuna stocks being at a safe level, the introduction of this limit will act as a further safeguard for stocks, and will hopefully demonstrate the industry’s commitment to sustainability,” said Javier Garat, president of Europêche.

By contrast, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), said in a statement it was “concerned” with the IOTC’s decision, calling the new limits “controversially high.” The statement acknowledged that the tuna stocks are “not yet over-exploited,” but there are already thousands of FADs in the ocean right now, and the IOTC needs to do more to control them.

“Comments from some IOTC members who question moves to improve the management of tuna fisheries, on the grounds that stocks are currently doing well, are extremely concerning,” said Wetjens Dimmlich, WWF’s Indian Ocean tuna program manager. “If they wait until there is a crisis before taking action, then they’ve waited too long.”

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