WWF calls for support of Japan's 50% bluefin reduction target; will boycott if not accepted by WCPC
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SCOM] September 2, 2014
At the 10th North Subcommittee of the Western and Central Pacific Commission the World Wildlife Fund (WFF) has called to reduce the harvest of immature Pacific blue tuna by 50 percent. The Fund said should their prospoal not be accepted they would push for a complete ban to all bluefin tuna catches.
The international meeting, taking place this week in Fukuoka, Japan, has gathered nine national governments to examine the situation of the bluefin tuna stock which is currently estimated to be at around 4% of the unfished population.
During the meeting the WWF proposed a number of fishery management stategies to help rebuild the stock, these include: The adoption of a long-term stock recovery plan, with limit/target reference point and management measures for Pacific bluefin tuna; a 50% catch reduction of immature Pacific bluefin tuna; the restriction of adult Pacific bluefin tuna catches to 2002 and 2004 average; and the introduction of a Catch Document Scheme in the Pacific bluefin tuna fishery to improve monitoring and management measures and secure traceability.
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