Europêche Tuna Group reaffirms science-based fisheries management at RFMO meeting, urging fair regulatory treatment and alignment with scientific assessments.
The Europêche Tuna Group has reaffirmed the importance of science-driven decision-making in regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) following a high-level meeting between industry and scientific experts.
The meeting, held in Bermeo on 21 January, brought together scientists from the French Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD), the Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), and Spain’s AZTI research institute. Discussions focused on improving the alignment of fisheries management with scientific evaluation and incorporating socio-economic indicators into decision-making.
Scientific Advancements in Tuna RFMOs
Experts at the meeting highlighted two significant developments in tuna stock assessments.
In September 2024, the Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) confirmed that catch limits introduced in 2019 had successfully reduced bigeye tuna catches. However, the 72-day FAD (fish aggregating device) closure in the Atlantic was deemed ineffective for bigeye tuna conservation. The SCRS also reported that the yellowfin tuna stock, last evaluated in 2014, remained healthy, recommending a one-month full fishery closure to maintain sustainable catches. However, opposition from non-purse seine fleets led to ICCAT adopting a 45-day FAD closure for purse seiners only.
In December 2024, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission’s (IOTC) Scientific Committee announced that yellowfin tuna in the Indian Ocean was no longer overfished, with an 88% probability that stocks had recovered.
Industry Calls for Science-Based Decision-Making
Anne-France Mattlet, Director of the Europêche Tuna Group, welcomed the improved status of Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna, crediting European purse seiners for their conservation efforts.
“The Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna stock’s healthy status is very good news for the European tropical tuna fleet,” she said. “Our vessels have implemented significant catch reductions since 2016 while maintaining a strong commitment to scientific research, particularly through high-quality data reporting, including FAD echosounder buoy data.”
She urged the IOTC to endorse the new findings and shift from a recovery plan to a long-term management plan at its 2025 session.
A Push for Equal Regulatory Treatment
Xavier Leduc, President of Europêche Tuna Group, emphasised the value of continued industry-science dialogue to ensure fair regulation across fleets.
“Through constructive dialogue and the transparent exchange of perspectives, scientists and representatives of the purse seine industry have established a strong foundation of mutual understanding,” Leduc stated. “These sector-science exchanges are a key step toward promoting the European responsible fishing model while calling for equal regulatory treatment of all fleets.”
With the latest scientific assessments pointing to stock recoveries, the European tuna industry is pressing for management measures that reflect the data rather than restrictive policies that disproportionately affect purse seiners. The upcoming 2025 RFMO sessions will be pivotal in shaping future regulations for these vital tuna stocks.
Reform and Progress Since 2013
The CFP underwent significant reform in 2013, integrating social, economic, and environmental dimensions to improve the sustainability of EU fisheries. Key measures introduced included:
- Multiannual plans for fisheries management in different sea basins.
- The obligation to land all catches under catch limits or minimum sizes.
- Conservation measures based on regional cooperation.
- Increased stakeholder involvement and improved decision-making processes.
The 2025 evaluation will build on previous analyses, such as the Commission’s 2023 communication on the CFP, which highlighted challenges and initiated dialogue with stakeholders.
Next Steps
The feedback gathered during this consultation, along with findings from other studies, will shape the Commission’s evaluation of the CFP’s effectiveness. A summary report detailing the consultation results and evidence gathered will be published later in 2025.
The evaluation will also inform related reviews, such as the assessments of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).
Background
The CFP is the EU’s regulatory framework for managing fisheries sustainably and ensuring a stable food supply. It includes both exclusive EU competencies, such as the conservation of marine biological resources, and shared competencies with Member States, including aquaculture and market policy management.
As part of its international commitments, the EU applies CFP principles both within its waters and through regional fisheries management organisations and sustainable fisheries partnership agreements with non-EU countries.
This latest consultation represents a critical opportunity for stakeholders to influence the future of Europe’s fisheries policy, ensuring it remains effective, sustainable, and adaptable to emerging challenges.
Have your say on the CFP Regulation by contributing to the consultation before 21 April 2025.