The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), a nonprofit organization formed earlier this month to promote conservation of global tuna stocks, is calling for strengthened management of the Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna fishery.
The appeal comes as the ISSF readies to participate as an observer in an Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) meeting in Bali, Indonesia, from 30 March to 3 April.
The IOTC is expected to consider a resolution strengthening management of the yellowfin tuna fishery based on recommendations from IOTC Science Committee and the European Union. A recent report by the ITOC's Performance Review Panel warned that existing regulations "have not prevented the stock from being overfished."
"It's important to the sustainability of this tuna stock that overfishing is eliminated," said ISSF President Susan Jackson. "While ISSF is new to this dialogue, we think it is important that the IOTC member nations realize our global partnership is committed to supporting the science. Right now the science is telling the IOTC that more needs to be done."
ISSF recently adopted a resolution to help Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) better compile fishing data. Jackson also testified at a U.S. House subcommittee hearing last week in support of increased funding to help nations better compile data and manage fisheries.
"ISSF is founded on the principle that RFMOs have an unequaled role in the sustainability of tuna stocks," said Jackson. "We're a supportive ally in this process."
Also attending next week's IOTC meeting are the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, Organization for the Promotion of Responsible Tuna Fisheries, International Game Fish Association, Indian Ocean-South East Asian Marine Turtle Memorandum of Understanding and Pew Environmental Group.
March 26, 2009
