Bluefin tuna capture. (Photo: AZTI)

Govt and industry seek bluefin tuna quota rise

SPAIN
Friday, October 17, 2014, 02:00 (GMT + 9)

The Group Balfegó requests that the fishing quota for bluefin tuna in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean to be increased by 37 per cent by 2015, taking into account evidence that this resource status is getting better.

Those responsible for the company presented the results of the fishing year, which exhausted the quota in record time, and the latest scientific reports on the status of the fishery, EFE agency reported.

According to Juan Serrano, CEO of the group, even with the "most pessimistic" outlook it would be possible to increase the total allowable catch (TAC) up to the 23,256 tonnes for the entire fleet that catches the species, that is to say, about 10,000 tonnes in addition to the current quota, which is13,000 tonnes.

With regard to the scientific information, Serrano mentioned the data provided by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

The entrepreneur argues that the increase in TAC could now be approved and implemented in the next two years: 5,000 tonnes in 2015 and an equal amount in 2016.

It is expected that between 10 and 17 November in Genoa, Italy, ICCAT members solve the issue of the tuna catch quotas.

Balfegó explained its proposals would involve increasing the quota by 37 per cent next year and the number of workers in the sector by 50 per cent.
In the case of this group, whose purse seiners had 1,000 tonnes this year, the new quota would increase to 1,400 tonnes.

The company emphasizes that according to the scientific reports of ICCAT, the spawning biomass is three times higher than the historical maximum. It, therefore, considers that the international entity must change from a recovery plan to a management plan that preserves the requirements of minimum sizes, closed seasons, the presence of inspectors and controls.

Balfegó exports 95 per cent of its tuna production destined for 24 countries.

The Spanish Government also aims to achieve greater bluefin tuna quota for its fleets.

The head of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MAGRAMA), Isabel García Tejerina, asked the European Commission (EC) to negotiate a bluefin tuna quota of 23,500 tonnes for the EU fleet.

"Now the time has come for fishermen, who have contributed to this management plan by significantly reducing catches, see their efforts rewarded," pointed out the minister.

Related articles:

- ICCAT could raise Atlantic bluefin tuna quota
- Govt and autonomous communities advocate for higher bluefin tuna quota

By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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