E - Iccat

ADDRESSES & STATEMENTS
Based on the advice of the SCRS, Canada is promoting the adoption of a TAC that is consistent with the
rebuilding plan adopted in 1998, while recognizing and rewarding the sacrifices of western Atlantic bluefin tuna
harvesters have made for years. At the same time, the Canadian delegation acknowledges that the SCRS has
indicated there are uncertainties in their advice on western Atlantic bluefin tuna and we will be seeking
additional precautionary management measures to further enhance the growth of the stock.
Canada is also seeking to work with other CPCs to develop a Recommendation on porbeagle shark caught in
association with ICCAT fisheries in the northwest Atlantic. Canada believes that science advice should be the
basis of the Recommendation. Canada’s Porbeagle Management Plan, under which a small porbeagle fishery is
undertaken, is fully based on peer-reviewed science advice, and fishing is strictly controlled to ensure
overfishing does not occur. The Canadian Management Plan, in place since 2002, has been credited with
stabilizing the northwest Atlantic porbeagle stock which is showing signs of recovery.
To Canada, ICCAT is an essential institution that has to work and work well. Our fishers and coastal
communities depend on healthy and sustainable fisheries in the Atlantic for their economic future. In this regard,
the Canadian delegation is optimistic that we will be able to continue to make progress on a path forward to
strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of the Commission. Canada acknowledges that there are some areas
where Convention amendment is necessary. In these limited cases, the amendments must be targeted and the
process set up to achieve them timebound.
Canada also urges the Commission to move forward on a parallel track to make changes that do not require
Convention reform. We look forward to discussing our proposed changes related to the Commission’s decisionmaking
procedures from which the Commission would benefit in the short-term.
With a strong commitment from all, we can take the necessary and important steps at this meeting to support the
sustainability of ICCAT managed fisheries and ensure long-term opportunities for our harvesters.
Croatia
Over the last several years, Morocco has been the host of our meetings more than once, showing us all
hospitality and making us always feel at home. This is one of the key ingredients in having a successful meeting,
and we have every reason to believe that it shall be the case this year as well. Croatia would hereby like to thank
the Kingdom of Morocco for organizing the meeting at the shores of the Atlantic, in the city of Agadir.
This year we have several important issues on the table. Bluefin tuna is again taking the spotlight of the meeting,
but it is with a positive feeling that we think the issues will be addressed this time. After a number of years of
hard sacrifices and cuts in the sector, after significant efforts made in securing the implementation and
enforcement of the Plan, and in particular in data submission, after all that has been done by all the Parties
around the table fishing for this magnificent species – the results are finally beginning to show.
Croatia fully believes that all the decisions in the framework of ICCAT have to be taken based on the scientific
advice. This is why we have awaited and read the SCRS Report with great interest. It clearly shows the signs of
recovery, and indicates the fruits of our labors are finally beginning to show. It is true that there are uncertainties,
but the SCRS Report clearly states that these are related to the speed and the intensity of the recovery. In our
view, this is a very positive signal and a piece of good and positive news after years of cuts. As such, this
positive news and a positive feeling have to be taken into account when making the decisions that are before us.
However, it is not just the SCRS Report that has given us indications that the stock of bluefin tuna is recovering.
Research undertaken in Croatia indicates that the quantities of tuna have increased, and have started interacting
with other fisheries targeting small pelagics.
As for the activities undertaken, and in accordance with the provisions of the Plan, the stereoscopic system was
applied in Croatia to estimate fish size at the point of transfer operations from towing to the stationary cages
located along the eastern Adriatic coast. Findings were elaborated and presented at the ICCAT Stock Assessment
meeting and then discussed at SCRS meeting. Results presented indicate the usefulness and the potential of the
tool, and provide rationale for further studies and usage in the future. Croatia continues to support research
activities related to tuna stock management.
During the duration of the Plan, since 2006, Croatia has fully adhered to all the management measures, including
the cuts in capacity, implementation of the ROP, data collection and reporting.
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