E - Iccat

ICCAT REPORT 2006-2007 (II)
Turkey believes that efforts of ICCAT, GFCM and other similar bodies to protect the stocks of migratory and
other species contribute towards strengthening international cooperation on the matter.
As a consequence, Turkey started implementing the ICCAT regulations adopted in 2006 immediately after the
Dubrovnik meeting.
I would like to stress that Turkey is determined to comply with the ICCAT rules and regulations and to improve
cooperation among the Contracting Parties. We are also determined to bear our responsibilities with regard to
bluefin tuna stock management, preserving the ecosystem, statistical information and data exchange in
accordance with the ICCAT recommendations and resolutions.
Despite our positive approach to the matter, Turkish fishermen have been mistreated and disappointed by the
ICCAT quota allocations for 2007 and 2010.
In contradiction to that, quota allocation has been increased by 1.5 to 10 times over their traditional catches for
some countries which were in very similar conditions as Turkey.
Consequently, Turkey has lodged an objection to the unjust and unfair bluefin tuna quota allocation table of
Recommendation 06-05.
As I have mentioned before, Turkey complies with the ICCAT regulations and is determined to continue to do
so.
In this context, our expectation is to create an applicable management system which should be based on
scientific facts, objective criteria and equity.
The criteria used for quota allocations in the past have not been applied in last year’s allocation. To make it
clear, I should stress that during the quota allocations of the years 2001 and 2003-2006, the catch amounts of
1993-1994 were used as reference amounts while the 2004-2005 catch amounts have been used for Turkey only
for the 2007-2010 quota allocations.
I would also like to draw your attention to a very important issue which has been addressed in a letter sent to the
ICCAT Chairman earlier.
The average size of captured bluefin is getting smaller and fishing effort for achieving the same amount is
increasing by the years. This fact shows that the bluefin tuna stock is declining and this was confirmed by
ICCAT’s own scientific committee, the SCRS.
In this respect, sustainable management measures for eastern bluefin tuna should cover the following;
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− The TAC should be reduced to an amount which should be in line with the recommendations of the SCRS
as stated in the Article 8 of the Convention.
− In order to allow this magnificent specie to spawn, the time closure should cover an additional 15 days in
June. In other words, the closure should start on June 15.
− The minimum catch size should be 30 kg for the entire Convention area and derogations should
immediately be lifted.
Turkey supports the efforts of ICCAT, GFCM and other similar bodies to protect the stocks of the highly
migratory and other species, which contribute towards strengthening international cooperation in this matter.
Protection of the stocks should be the main aim of the management regimes of these organizations.
As I stressed at the beginning of my speech, sustainable exploitation and a fair distribution of the natural
resources is a humanitarian responsibility in order to maintain the resources for future generations.
My country has had for the first time ever a chance to host such an important meeting organization, and is
willing to host this kind of meetings in the future.
I hope that you will enjoy your stay in Antalya which is one of the most beautiful cities of Turkey, and return
home with very good memories.
I also wish you a very successful meeting.