No time to delay, markets should push for Harvest Strategy adoption

November 10, 2022

Author——————————-
Dr. Tom Pickerell
Executive Director
Global Tuna Alliance
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Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) meet every year to make management decisions for some of the world’s most commercially important fisheries. Species such as skipjack, yellowfin and albacore tuna make up staple products on shelves in markets across the globe. Protecting these stocks and ensuring a stability and predictability of supply is not only good for the planet but also the bottom line. The most effective way to ensure fishery health and stability is to push for the adoption of harvest strategies, also known as management procedures. Harvest strategies is a fisheries management tool that takes a proactive approach to implementing long-term fishery objectives, allowing fishers to maximize their yield without risking the future health of the stock. In comparison to traditional fisheries management schemes, harvest strategies provide an agile, efficient way to set fishing opportunities.  With pre-agreed objectives and rules, managers can respond quickly to changing stock conditions, resulting in long-term fishery health and profitability.

When it comes to protecting ecosystem health, fish stocks, and surety of supply, there is no time to waste. As a major stakeholder in the global tuna supply chain, the marketplace can make their voices heard by calling on RFMOs and delegations to adopt and implement harvest strategies without delay. Later this month, the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) will be discussing the adoption and implementation for skipjack tuna, one of the largest fisheries in the world. Without a robust and precautionary harvest strategy, the long-term health of the fishery and the supply of this sustainable, healthy food source could be at risk.

To protect your supply of sustainable tuna, make sure your suppliers and the WCPFC know the importance of implementing a harvest strategy for skipjack this November.  Click here to download a template letter to send to delegates that represent countries in your supply chain. Click here to find the name and email of those country’s delegates. These decisions influence your business. So, it is your business to influence these decisions.