Scientists seek decrease of Pacific bluefin tuna catches+

TOKYO, Sept. 4 Kyodo -
International scientists are advising countries to try to reduce their catches
of bluefin tuna in the western and central Pacific, particularly young fish,
citing a decline in stocks since the mid-1990s, according to a recent report.
Estimated stocks of the Pacific bluefin tuna declined in terms of spawning
biomass in 2008 to below the average level for the period from 1952 to 2007,
the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission's scientific committee
says in a report. Japan is the world's biggest catcher of the fish.
Member countries of the commission, which will begin a four-day regular session
of the resource management body's Northern Committee from Tuesday in Fukuoka,
southwestern Japan, are expected to discuss the number of tuna fishing boats,
their operating days and equipment in light of the advice in the report.
Calling for a decrease in the catch below the 2002-2004 levels, the report says
the average catch increased in the 2004-2006 period over 2002-2004 by 6 percent
for fish aged zero, about 30 percent for ages 1 to 4, and 6 percent for older
fish.
Concerns have been growing recently about large catches of young tuna with the
rapid spread of roll netting by Japanese, South Korean and other fishermen.
The WCPFC member states decided last year to try not to increase this year's
catches from the 2002-2004 levels, and to consider reducing hauls of juvenile
fish, but critics say the agreement is insufficient as it, for example,
excludes fishing within South Korea's exclusive economic zone.
==Kyodo
2010-09-04 23:16:30


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