The Commission's objective is to ensure, through appropriate management, the conservation and optimum utilisation of the global SBT fishery. The Commission also provides an internationally recognised forum for other countries/entities to actively participate in SBT issues.
In pursuit of this objective the CCSBT performs a number of functions. It:-
- Is responsible for setting a total allowable catch and its allocation among the members;
- Considers and administers regulatory measures to meet Convention objectives;
- Conducts and coordinates a scientific research program aimed at providing information to support the Commission's management objectives ( the program is a mixture of member managed activities and activities managed directly by the CCSBT Secretariat);
- Takes decisions to support and implement fishery management;
- Provides a forum for the discussion of issues relevant to the conservation objectives of the Convention;
- Acts as a coordination mechanism for member's activities in relation to the SBT fishery;
- Fosters activities directed towards the conservation of ecologically related species (living marine species which are associated with the SBT fishery) and bycatch species;
- Encourages non members engaged in the fishery, to accede, apply for cooperating non-membership, or participate as observers in Commission activities;
- Cooperates and liaises with other regional tuna fishery management organizations in areas of mutual interest.
