IATTC – Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
IATTC Primary Ask
Adopt stronger FAD management measures in line with the NGO Tuna Forum’s Aligned Guidance on FAD Management.
Specifically in 2022 adopt a timeline for transitioning to 100% biodegradable FAD requirement; require the use of only non-entangling FAD designs with no netting or other meshed materials; and by 2023develop fully transparent FAD-recovery policy, a FAD marking scheme, clearer rules for FAD ownership and stronger rules for activation and deactivation of FAD buoys.
IATTC Crosscutting & Specific Asks
- Accelerate the adoption and implementation of comprehensive, precautionary harvest strategies. Specifically in 2022, adopt a harvest strategy for Northern Albacore, collaborate with the WCPFC in the adoption of a harvest strategy for Southern Albacore and by 2023 create a working group to enhance the dialogue among fisheries scientists, managers, and other stakeholders on management strategy evaluation.
- Continue to support the development of an EM program through the EM Working Group and EMS Workplan to make progress toward 100% observer coverage (human and/or electronic) in industrial tuna fisheries, including all those vessels engaged in at sea transshipment, by 2024.
- Amend the current at-sea transshipment measure (Resolution C-12-07) to be in line with best practices, such as those recommended in the NGO Tuna Forum’s Aligned Guidance on At-Sea Transshipment.
- Amend C-05-03 to require that ALL sharks be landed with fins naturally attached without exceptions, adopting the globally acknowledged best practice to prevent finning.




