Press Release: Bluefin tuna: Commission proposes application of revised ICCAT recovery plan

The European Commission adopted a proposal to transpose into Community law the revised multi-annual recovery plan for Eastern bluefin tuna adopted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) at its annual meeting in Marrakech, Morocco in November 2008. It is important that this plan be implemented by all ICCAT Contracting Parties before the beginning of the main fishing season. Tough measures to secure the future of the bluefin tuna stock must be taken immediately. This revised recovery plan demanded further cuts in catch levels and fishing seasons, and reductions in both fishing and farming capacity. The revised plan also defined mechanisms for control throughout the marketing chain and closes many outstanding loopholes.