1.3  IOTC Yellowfin Tuna Rebuilding

The IOTC Scientific Committee presented new management advice and probabilities to recover the yellowfin stock in 2021 which suggested that the stock would recover to SSB_MSY by 2030 (around 2 generation times) with a 50% probability if catches are reduced by at least 22 % (i.e., down to 336,145 tons) relative to the 2020 catch level (430,956 tons). Larger catch reductions could allow the stock to recover with a greater probability. For example, a 30% reduction (i.e., down to 301,669 tons) relative to the 2020 catch level (430,956 tons) would have a 67% probability that the stock would recover to SSB_MSY by 2030.

The IOTC has not taken sufficient action to effectively implement either the 2020 or 2021 IOTC Scientific Committee advice. Further, compliance by some IOTC member nations with the existing and inadequate IOTC Resolutions has not been sufficient.

In order to support the advice of the IOTC Scientific Committee and thereby increase the effectiveness of the Indian Ocean yellowfin rebuilding plan currently contained in Resolution 21/01, and any further rebuilding plans adopted by the IOTC, processors, traders, importers, transporters, marketers and others involved in the seafood industry annually purchasing in excess of 1,000 metric round tonnes shall commit to:

1. Reduce sourcing of Indian Ocean origin yellowfin by between 11% and 22%, calculated with respect to the company’s average annual level of Indian Ocean yellowfin purchases from 2017-2019.
2. In deciding the level of reduction and its implementation, companies shall consider a flag State’s degree of compliance with the rebuilding plan and degree of past catch reductions in support of the rebuilding plan.
3. ISSF Participating Companies shall publish by 31 December 2022 a statement on its company website describing its commitment and implementation plan, and by 1 April of every year after to address any changes.