21 June 2019

The member countries of the IOTC have failed again to arrest the precipitous decline of the Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna population. This puts at risk the livelihoods, food security and economic wellbeing of millions of people, and further erodes Indian Ocean ecosystems.

The IOTC is demonstrating repeatedly that it is unable to deal with the impending collapse of the yellowfin tuna. WWF believes the time has come for the IOTC to convene an emergency session to focus on achieving a clear rebuilding strategy for yellowfin tuna. Each member state should register its commitment to reduce its catch to sustainable levels publically via the IOTC website, prior to the meeting.
 
If the member states cannot reach agreement to rebuild yellowfin tuna populations through the IOTC at an extraordinary meeting, then more drastic measures will need to put on the table including potentially a closure of the commercial yellowfin fishery until new, effective management arrangements are in place.
 
WWF recommends that seafood buyers should consider the option of avoiding purchasing yellowfin tuna from the Indian Ocean until the population has recovered.

Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) 

© Brian J. Skerry / National Geographic Stock / WWF