Mr Dominguez noted that the research should be shared with other EU member states and other Members of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), so they too can develop similar systems of control, for the good of the species.
As a result of the Recovery Plan for the species approved in 2008, the Secretary General highlighted the findings of the final report of the Scientific Committee of ICCAT held in early October, which found an improvement in stock status of bluefin tuna.
So, Mr Dominguez announced that due to the improvement of the stock, a reasonable increase in bluefin tuna Total Allowable Catch for the coming years should be seen.
"An increase to ensure the viability of recovery objectives and little alteration in market prices and can reward the sacrifices made by our fleet in recent years, especially the artisanal fleet," stressed the Secretary General.
In this context, Mr Dominguez stressed that "if we do not get a rise of TAC in the present circumstances, for reasons beyond biology, we have lost our credibility and legitimacy as managers and scientists."
However, Mr Dominguez has defended the need to continue working hard in the fields of research and strict control of the fishery.
Minister Urges Bluefin Tuna Research to Continue and TAC to Increase
SPAIN - The Secretary General of Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Carlos Dominguez, has highlighted excellent work done in the management of the bluefin tuna fishery and stressed that the research and protection of the species should continue.
by Lucy Towers
