- Japan’s proposed 25% catch increase for large bluefin tuna failed to gain unanimous support.
- Mexico opposed plan to expand quotas as stocks recover.
- Fishers remain subject to existing limits despite signs of bluefin stock recovery.
An international conference to discuss the management of Pacific bluefin tuna stocks ended without reaching an agreement on catch quotas in Nagasaki, Japan on 14 July.
Japan had entered the negotiations seeking changes that would allow catch quotas to increase in line with the recovery of tuna stocks, particularly for larger fish.
The proposal failed to secure unanimous backing after Mexico objected, prompting criticism from Japan’s agriculture minister Norikazu Suzuki.
“Mexico’s insincere negotiating attitude at this meeting negates the sincere negotiating efforts of the countries and regions involved toward an agreement, and I consider this to be extremely regrettable. Furthermore, I also feel that the outcome is very disappointing, considering the feelings of the fishermen,” Suzuki told reporters after the conference.
Stock levels on the rise
Pacific bluefin tuna is among the world’s most valuable fish species and has been subject to stringent management measures for years amid concerns over overfishing.
Catch limits introduced by regional fisheries bodies have been credited with helping stocks recover from historically low levels.
“Our country’s fishermen are seeing firsthand the recovery of tuna resources the more they go out into the fishing grounds,” said Suzuki.
Citing this stock recovery, Japan proposed a 25 per cent catch quota increase to 14,836 tonnes for large tuna weighing 30 kilograms or more for 2027.
“Regarding Pacific bluefin tuna, we recognise that the resource is on the rise as a result of the strict catch management efforts of those involved in the fishing industry. The aim of these negotiations was to introduce a new management method in which catch quotas are appropriately set according to the recovery status of the resource,” said Suzuki.
At the same time, Japan also proposed to reduce the catch quota for small fish under 30 kg by 6 per cent to 5,125 tonnes.
Future uncertain
Despite the setback, Suzuki said Japan would continue pursuing its goals but stated there were no “concrete prospects at this time” regarding negotiations.
“We intend to explore all possibilities while gathering and analysing necessary information and engaging with the relevant countries to set appropriate catch quotas,” he said.
Suzuki added that any future progress on the discussions would require greater flexibility from Mexico.
“In order to achieve results, we believe that Mexico needs to change its current unyielding negotiating stance and participate in the discussions constructively. Therefore, we intend to engage with Mexico, while also considering cooperation with other countries, and explore ways to resume discussions as soon as possible.”
