Colombia once again avoids international agreement on tuna fisheries conservation

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) brought Colombia to immediate terms to put up with conservation measures for one of the most important fishery resources in the world. WWF, Conservation International (CI), Malpelo Foundation and MarViva Foundation urge the Colombian government to prove its commitment on ecosystems’ conservation through its support of the latest resolution signed by the other members of the IATTC, aiming to adopt tuna species preservation measures applicable in 2009, 2010 and 2011; and formally make a statement before the IATTC as early as July 15.

Last 12th of June ended the eightieth meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission in La Jolla, California. One of the main topics of the conference was the need to reach consensus on conservation measures to maintain or restore tuna stocks in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). For the first time in quite a long period multi-year conservation actions were agreed upon, this strategy approved by all 16 members of the Commission would apply between 2009 and 2011. Nonetheless, Colombia was the exception, and it was given until the 15th of July [of this year] to ratify or object such ruling

These environmental organizations’ plea to Colombian government could not be more timely. Simultaneously whilst Colombia is internally debating whether to endorse or not the decisions taken during the last IATTC conference in La Jolla, California, WWF International launches warnings regarding tuna stocks in the world disclosing an assessment on Progress Made by Tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), which highlights the poor performance in the field of tuna stocks conservation and management by almost all member governments of the RFMO; and demands a more serious approach to such issue.

All studies up to date conducted by scientific staff of the IATTC have shown progressive relapse of tuna stocks, particularly big eye tuna, and likely overfishing of juvenile yellow fin. Therefore it is urgent to back multilateral actions anticipated by all member countries of the Commission, basically aiming to solve an annual ban on tuna fishing in the Pacific Ocean for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 through out 59, 62 and 73 days, respectively; also allowing to pick one of the two periods projected per year. The purpose of all this is to reduce fishing effort and tuna mortality by 18%.

Closures like this are precautionary and require the commitment of all signatory states; thus the lack of Colombia’s support certainly restrains the IATTC from adopting conservation measures crucial to keep up the fishery performance of all countries involved.

In case this resolution is not approved the negative implications would be of far-reaching for the tuna fishery in the EPO, as well as the environmental, socio-economic and commercial consequences. Considering this is the main fishery source in Colombia, its sustainability as an economic activity would be at stake, propping up unemployment and diminishing export and foreign currency income.

Since Colombia joined the 1949 Convention it has intervened four times. In 2008 it was pointed as the only country blocking the consensus on conservation measures; but thanks to efforts made by government institutions actions were taken in order to strengthen the country’s participation within the Commission.

It is then of utmost importance that Colombia joins the rest of EPO countries in its efforts to ensure the preservation and proper administration of the tuna fishery, one of the most valuable resources when it comes to food security of human population.