From Scientific Advice to Action: ISSF Priorities for ICCAT
Setting catch limits is only part of effective fisheries management. When Atlantic tuna fisheries managers meet November 16–23, they must also ensure those limits are followed and strengthen monitoring and bycatch protections. Our latest blog explores the decisions needed at ICCAT’s annual meeting to turn scientific advice into effective action for tuna stocks, sharks, and seabirds.
ICYMI: Progress and Unfinished Work at IATTC
Recent decisions in the Eastern Pacific offer context for the upcoming ICCAT meeting. At its 2026 annual meeting, IATTC advanced a management procedure for Pacific bluefin tuna, South Pacific albacore management, and electronic monitoring. But key decisions on tropical tuna management, FAD management, compliance reform, and stronger shark and sea turtle protections remained unresolved.
Our recap examines the results and the work still needed.
DID YOU KNOW?
Electronic Monitoring Can Help Close Data Gaps
Cameras and other electronic monitoring equipment can help document fishing activity and provide information needed to assess catches and bycatch. ICCAT adopted electronic monitoring standards for purse seine and longline fisheries in 2023. ISSF is urging members to use those standards to help increase observer coverage on large-scale longline vessels to an interim level of 20%, using human observers, electronic monitoring, or both.
Learn more about electronic monitoring
ISSF IN THE NEWS
EU-backed project strengthens science behind Atlantic, Indian Ocean tuna assessments
Undercurrent News
ISSF expands vessel sustainability tracking
World Fishing and Aquaculture
