Resolution 02/08 On the conservation of bigeye and yellowfin tuna in the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC),

RECOGNISING the need for action to ensure the achievement of IOTC objectives to conserve and manage bigeye tuna in the IOTC area of competence;

RECALLING that the 5th Session of the IOTC Scientific Committee reiterated the recommendation that a reduction in catches of bigeye tuna from all gears should be implemented as soon as possible;

CONCERNED that about 70% by number of the total bigeye tuna catch is taken by the purse seine fleet, and consist mainly by juvenile fish, and that 80% of the catch in weight is taken by the longline fleet;

RECALLING the conclusion of the 5th Session of the IOTC Scientific Committee that catches of yellowfin tuna are close to or possibly above MSY, that catches by all main gears have been increasing in recent years and that the increase in the fishing pressure on juvenile yellowfin tuna by purse seiners fishing on floating objects is likely to be detrimental to the stock if it continues;

RECALLING that the FAO International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity (IPOA) provides in its Objectives and Principles that “States and regional fisheries organisations confronted with an overcapacity problem, where capacity is undermining achievement of long-term sustainability outcomes, would endeavour initially to limit at present and progressively reduce the fishing capacity applied to affected fisheries”;