International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is an intergovernmental organisation responsible for the management and conservation of tunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. The organization was established in 1969, at a conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and operates in English, French and Spanish.

pecies under management

Tuna and tuna-like fishes are highly migratory, and stocks cross numerous international boundaries. ICCAT is involved in management of 30 species, including the Atlantic bluefin ("Thunnus thynnus thynnus"), yellowfin ("Thunnus albacares"), albacore ("Thunnus alalunga") and bigeye tuna ("Thunnus obesus"); from the billfishes, swordfish ("Xiphias gladius"), white marlin ("Tetrapturus albidus"), blue marlin ("Makaira nigricans"), sailfish ("Istiophorus albicans"); mackerels such as spotted Spanish mackerel ("Scomberomorus maculatus") and king mackerel ("Scomberomorus cavalla"); and, small tunas like skipjack tuna ("Katsuwonus pelamis").

Work carried out by the ICCAT

Scientists participating in ICCAT carry out studies on biometry, fisheries ecology, and oceanography, focusing on the effects of fishing on tuna stock abundance. They also collect and analyse fisheries statistics which are relative to conditions the management of resources. ICCAT is also involved in work on data for other fish species that are caught during tuna fishing ("bycatch" - principally sharks) in the Atlantic and surrounding area, and which are not investigated by another international fishery organization.

Based on scientific and other information, each year the Commission decides on conservation and management measures aimed at maintaining target stocks at levels that permit the maximum sustainable catch for food and other purposes.

Criticism

ICCAT is widely criticised by environmental bodies for having short-term policies that favour fisherman over the long term conservation of the species. It is often jokingly referred to as "the International Conspiracy to Catch all Tuna". ["MSBN", [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5428979/ Bluefin tuna losing battle for survival] ] ["BBC news", [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7040011.stm Last rites for a marine marvel?] ] [Clover, Charles. 2004. . Ebury Press, London. ISBN 0-09-189780-7] [Citation
first = Alex
last = Renton
title = How the world's oceans are running out of fish
date = 2008-05-11
newspaper = The Observer
url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/may/11/fishing.food
accessdate = 2008-05-11]

References

External links

* [http://www.iccat.int International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas]