Canada Moves To Better Protect Tuna, Swordfish

The Atlantic bluefin tuna and North Atlantic swordfish are among several key species that will benefit from stronger management measures, following the 2011 annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

Members at the meeting - which was held in Istanbul, Turkey on Nov. 19 - agreed to not only strengthen the management of key species, but also enhance scientific capacity and data collection, and further the implementation of the Ecosystem and Precautionary Approach.

Concerning bluefin tuna, members made progress towards the implementation of a new electronic catch documentation scheme. Canada strongly supports the new tracking system as an important tool to tackle compliance issues that persist in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery.

Another major change and significant gain for Canada and ICCAT at the meeting was the adoption of a management plan for North Atlantic swordfish. Under this new plan, Canada secured additional quota, which will result in significant financial opportunities for Atlantic coastal harvesters.

?We are committed to the economic growth of the fishery industry in a sustainable manner based on scientific advice. The increase in our quota for North Atlantic swordfish reflects that commitment,? said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. ?While our quota was increased - through transfers from other member states - the plan also implements greater precautionary management measures.?

Canada also led the development of a plan of action for 2012 to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Commission itself. Canada is committed to ensuring that ICCAT remains a leading regional fisheries management organization.

Despite the success for swordfish and tuna, the Commission was unable to adopt management measures for North Atlantic porbeagle sharks. ?We remain committed to the conservation of all shark species while at the same time supporting responsible and sustainable fisheries. Canada was one of the first countries in the world to establish a National Plan of Action for Sharks,? added Minister Ashfield. ?Our small commercial Northwest Atlantic porbeagle fishery is grounded on the best scientific advice available. We are disappointed that no agreement was reached and will continue to work with ICCAT members to put in place management measures for this very important stock.?