See a list of nations that are members of CCSBT.

Article 3: “…to ensure, through appropriate management, the conservation and optimum utilisation of southern bluefin tuna.”

• Southern Bluefin

NOTE: IOTC, ICCAT and WCPFC also have responsibility for southern bluefin in their respective Convention Areas. However, since CCSBT is responsible for the species throughout its range, members of these other organizations defer to CCSBT for assessment and management of the species.

• Sharks
• Seabirds
• Sea turtles

Note: Members are expected to comply with binding and recommendatory measures on these species and other ecologically related species adopted by IOTC or WCPFC when fishing for southern bluefin tuna in those Convention Areas. Members are required to use Tori poles in all longline SBT fisheries below 30° south.

• Longline
• Purse Seine

Open to States whose vessels fish for southern bluefin and to States having EEZs through which the species migrates.

The CCSBT is responsible for setting fishing quotas for the Southern bluefin tuna stock, both in terms of total allowable catch and its allocation among the member states. In this role, the CCSBT is responsible for:

• Being the coordination mechanism for member activities in the southern bluefin tuna fishery
• Considering and administering regulatory measures
• Conducting and coordinating a scientific research program to provide information in support of Commission objectives
• Supporting and implementing fishery management
• Fostering conservation activities for ecologically related species
• Providing a forum for dialogue and discussion
• Liaising with other RFMOs in areas of mutual interest

The CCSBT Convention makes no explicit mention about the Precautionary Approach or ecosystem considerations. However, the Commission requires data for non-target species. The CCSBT also has a working group on Ecologically Related Species that has begun to meet every two years and provides recommendations to the Commission.

The Scientific Committee (SC), composed of representatives from each Commission member and an independent scientific advisory panel, is responsible for all scientific work and providing scientific advice on management measures. The Secretariat plays primarily a facilitating role in organizing meetings, maintaining databases and making publications. The stock assessments are carried out by the SC. From October 2010, the Scientific Committee is required to incorporate advice consistent with the precautionary approach in its advice to the Commission.

Conservation and management measures are agreed to by consensus or unanimous vote of members present (two-thirds of members in a meeting constitutes a quorum). Binding decisions are called “Resolutions.”