Recent updates and notes from CCSBT 31:
- There was no stock assessment conducted this year, however, the latest stock assessment conducted in 2023 indicates that 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) confirmed the global Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of Southern Bluefin Tuna of 20,647 tonnes for 2025, noting the advice from the Extended Scientific Committee that exceptional circumstances did not exist.
- Members discussed existing allocation arrangements and agreed to further intersessional engagement on this topic. Members also agreed to submit any proposals and documents on allocation to the Secretariat by 1 August 2025 to ensure that Members had sufficient time to consider before CCSBT 32.
- Members have adopted a revised 5-year Compliance Action Plan (CAP) that defines specific activities to address identified priority compliance risks. The planning period for the revised CAP is from 2024-2029 inclusive.
- Members agreed to a new Capacity Building Workplan aimed at prioritising needs and delivering effective capacity building initiatives aimed at improving performance in key areas, particularly for developing Members.
- Members have revised the implementation date for converting the existing Catch Documentation Scheme to an electronic system to 1 April 2026.
- The EC adopted the revised Multi-Year Seabird Strategy that includes revised timeframes for each action item, taking into account the progress made and expected workload in the Ecologically Related Species Working Group.
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.
