Recent updates and notes from CCSBT 30:
- According to the latest stock assessment conducted in 2023, the stock is currently estimated to be 23% (21-29%) of initial Total Reproductive Output (TRO0). The previous stock assessment conducted in 2020 estimated the stock to be at 20% (16-24%) of TRO0. Projections indicate that the management procedure is on track to reach the current rebuilding target (50% probability of being greater than 30% TRO0 by 2035).
- The Extended Commission (EC) agreed to adopt a global Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of Southern Bluefin Tuna of 20,647 tonnes per year from 2024 to 2026 inclusive as calculated by the current Management Procedure (Cape Town Procedure) and recommended by the Extended Scientific Committee. This is an increase of 3,000 tonnes from the previous three-year TAC.
- The EC agreed the TAC allocation to Members from 2024 to 2026 inclusive. Within the agreed TAC, the EC also agreed to a special temporary allowance of 130 tonnes to be provided to Indonesia yearly from 2024 to 2026 inclusive subject to specific conditions.
- Members have adopted a new Strategic Plan for the CCSBT, which includes a 5-year action plan for 2023 - 2028. The plan outlines a common vision for the CCSBT and sets out specific strategies and actions to achieve this vision.
- The Resolution on the Allocation of the Global Total Allowable Catch was amended to bring greater clarity to the process for providing allocation to new Members and Cooperating Non-Members.
- Members have agreed on an implementation date for converting the existing Catch Documentation Scheme to an electronic system (1 January 2026).
- Members also adopted a set of High-Level Electronic Monitoring/Systems Guiding Principles for the CCSBT.
- The EC adopted a revised Resolution on Establishing a Program for Transhipment by Large-Scale Fishing Vessels aimed at strengthening the CCSBT’s transhipment measures and better reflect ICCAT’s and IOTC’s measures along with UN FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Transhipment. This revised Resolution includes a two-year trial that will allow Indonesia’s national observers to monitor at-sea transhipments made by Indonesian wooden carrier vessels.
Â
REWARDS - CCSBT tagging program
A REWARD will be provided for each SBT tag returned to the CCSBT. Two tags have been placed in most SBT. A reward will be provided for each of these tags, so please return both tags if they are present. For more information, please send an e-mail to tags@ccsbt.org.