For too long, ICCAT countries have overseen precipitous population declines of bluefin tuna, sharks and other marine species, while illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens any conservation action.
Atlantic bluefin tuna are severely threatened due to decades of overfishing, IUU fishing and irresponsible management. Populations have declined by up to 85 percent since 1970. These fish are hunted commercially to supply the lucrative sushi trade; a single bluefin sometimes sells for more than $100,000. To complicate matters, fishing nations regularly underreport their catches and scientists are forced to provide highly uncertain advice leading to what Pew calls the “crystal ball” approach to bluefin tuna management. ICCAT countries regularly settle on overly optimistic quotas, further threatening the species and the livelihoods of fishermen who depend on them.
Sharks caught in high-seas fisheries are among the oceans’ most vulnerable animals. Their low reproductive rates make them particularly susceptible to overfishing. Up to 73 million sharks are killed annually to support the global shark fin trade. ICCAT has set no limits on the number of sharks that can be caught. Sharks urgently need scientific, precautionary management plans in place with catch limits to ensure their long-term survival.
Read the complete story from PEW Charitable Trusts.