Conservation Measures Needed to Protect Pacific Tuna Stock

*WASHINGTON, DC – 2 December 2010* – Action is needed in the Pacific Ocean to protect the vulnerable bigeye tuna stock from further decline, the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) cautioned fishing nations today.

The scientists that advise the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) recently counseled its member nations that current conservation and management measures are unlikely to ensure the region’s stock of bigeye tuna will remain at healthy levels.

“Nations must show leadership next week in Hawaii and reduce the catch of bigeye tuna before it’s harvested into an overfished state,” ISSF president Susan Jackson said.

“Close to 60 percent of the tuna we eat comes from the western and central Pacific Ocean and that means governments must come together and follow the scientific advice.”

ISSF also announced support for a cap at current levels on catches of yellowfin tuna in the equatorial region of the Pacific, where most yellowfin is caught. While yellowfin tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean is not being overfished, the most recent assessment indicates the stock is unable to withstand an increase in fishing.

To read the entire ISSF Position Statement to be presented to the WCPFC during its annual meeting in Hawaii next week, click here .

*The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation is a global partnership among scientists, the tuna industry and WWF, the world’s leading conservation organization, promoting science-based initiatives for the long-term conservation and sustainable use of tuna stocks, reducing bycatch and promoting ecosystem health.*

ENDS

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