Fishing nations have agreed a small cut in Atlantic
bluefin tuna quotas, after meeting in Paris.
The International Commission for the Conservation of
Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) set the 2011 quota at 12,900 tonnes, down from 13,500
tonnes.
Conservationists say the bluefin tuna is threatened by
overfishing, and much deeper cuts are needed.
They have criticised ICCAT in the past for failing to
ensure that the species and others are fished sustainably.
Correspondents say the 48 countries represented at the
talks were divided over what action to take, with some calling for a lower
quota or even a temporary suspension of bluefin fishing to allow stocks to
recover.
But industry representatives and the governments that
back them said the limits agreed at the meeting were sufficient.
“The actual catch level will be around 11,000, which
is a large reduction from current levels,” the head of the Japanese
delegation, Masanori Miyahara, said, adding that some members had promised not
to use up their quotas.
The decision was criticised by Sue Lieberman, policy
director of the US-based Pew Environment Group.
“Despite sound science to show how threatened these
species are… Atlantic bluefin tuna once again were denied the protection they
desperately need,” she said.
“ICCAT member governments had more than enough
information to act decisively. They failed to do so.”
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