ISSF is committed to supporting tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) in following scientific advice to protect and conserve tuna stocks, reduce bycatch, and improve the health of marine ecosystems.
RFMOs have the legal frameworks, geographic scope, and membership to facilitate positive change across global tuna fisheries.
Tuna are highly migratory, swimming through both international waters and waters belonging to many nations. To manage tuna stocks, countries sharing these resources joined together to create RFMOs.
Member nations of these RFMO governing bodies are responsible for setting catch limits, monitoring stock health, and regulating data collection, on-the-water monitoring, and methods to mitigate fishing’s ecosystem impacts, among other issues.
OVERVIEW OF TUNA RFMOS
Five RFMOs worldwide oversee tuna fisheries management in their respective ocean regions.
The Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) is governed by the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna and is responsible for the management of southern bluefin tuna throughout its range.
The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) is governed by the Antigua Convention and is responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in Pacific Ocean waters east of 150°.
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is governed by the ICCAT Convention and is responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas.
The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) was established under Article XIV of the FAO Constitution and is responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean and adjacent seas, north of the Antarctic Convergence.
- 2023 Position Statement (English)
- 2023 Position Statement (French)
- 2023 IOTC Position Statement (Special Session) (English)
- 2023 IOTC Position Statement (Special Session) (French)
- ISSF Priorities for IOTC
- “Some Hits, Some Misses for Indian Ocean Tuna Resources at IOTC Annual Meeting” (May 16, 2023, blog)
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) is governed by the 1982 Convention and the Agreement (The Law of the Sea and UNFSA) and is responsible for the management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Pacific Ocean west of 150ºW to the north of 4ºS and waters west of 130ºW to the south of 4ºS.
Largest Regional Tuna Catches
The five largest tuna catches in tonnes are Western Pacific Ocean skipjack, Western Pacific Ocean yellowfin, Indian Ocean skipjack, Indian Ocean yellowfin, and Eastern Pacific Ocean skipjack.
RFMO ADVOCACY PUBLICATIONS
Position Statements to RFMOs
Every year, ISSF produces Position Statements for RFMOs in advance of their policy-making meetings — outlining our recommended topics for discussion and priority actions for sustainable fisheries.
RFMO Best Practices Snapshots
As part of our policy and advocacy work, ISSF evaluates tuna RFMOs’ progress in implementing best-practice recommendations. Our “RFMO Best Practices Snapshots” (PDFs) cover compliance processes, IUU vessel listing, transshipment, and other fisheries management topics.
Conservation Measures to Support RFMOs
Several ISSF conservation measures were established specifically to support RFMOs and their regional tuna fleets in following best practices — specifically in vessel registration, listing, and authorization.
RFMO Priorities
RFMO Infographics
In our infographics library, you’ll find original ISSF graphics on key RFMO topics.
Biodegradable FADs Guide
Four tuna RFMOs already require the fleets in their regions that fish with FADs to use only non-entangling FAD designs. Some RFMOs additionally encourage fleets to use biodegradable materials in FADs.
ISSF’s Guide to Non-Entangling & Biodegradable FADs is a resource for RFMOs and fishers transitioning to more sustainable FAD designs.
RFMO NEWS
