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Multi-stocks Tropical Tunas MSE
(Bigeye/Yellowfin/Eastern Skipjack)
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Overview
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ICCAT has initiated the development of a multi-species Management
Strategy Evaluation (MSE) for tropical tunas—bigeye (BET), yellowfin
(YFT), and skipjack (SKJ). The objective is to design and evaluate
robust Management Procedures that support the sustainable harvest of all
three species within a mixed-fishery context. Currently, the components
of the MSE simulations are finalized, and Candidate MPs are being
evaluated (preliminary). Refine evaluations in 2026 and produce final
results by September 2026. Adoption of a harvest strategy is planned by
2028 but potentially this could be ready for adoption by 2027.
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Reference OMs development
from 2021
Robustness OMs development
from 2025
CMPs developments
from 2025
ECP adoption
not yet
EC evaluation
not started
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History
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ICCAT Recommendation 21-01 established the foundation for the
development of harvest strategies for tropical tunas. This was further
reinforced by Recommendation 24-01, which reaffirms the Commission’s
commitment to adopt harvest control rules (HCRs) informed by Management
Strategy Evaluation (MSE) outcomes for bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack
tunas.
Recognizing the interconnected nature of these fisheries,
the SCRS initiated the development of a multi-species MSE framework
during 2021–2022. This framework builds upon previous single-species MSE
efforts for bigeye and skipjack, incorporating catch and effort dynamics
across multiple species, gear types, and fleets to better represent the
complexity of tropical tuna fisheries.
In 2024, ICCAT adopted
Resolution 24-02 on interim operational management objectives for
tropical tunas (bigeye, yellowfin and Eastern skipjack).
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Contents
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Operating Models
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The Operating Models (OMs) have been developed. Progress toward MSE
development for Western SKJ is reflected in a series of SCRS and CVSP
documents:
- Merino,
G. et al. 2023: Defines trade-offs and MMSY concepts in MSE
context. Proposed multispecies management objectives and highlighted
trade-offs between bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack harvests.
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ICCAT
Tropical Tunas SG 2023: Advancing framework formation and
institutional processes. Formalized the technical roadmap and engagement
with Commission panels.
- Merino
et al. 2019: Describes FLBEIA OM conditioning, candidate
MPs. Early simulations using FLBEIA to evaluate economic and biological
trade-offs among tropical tunas.
- Die
et al. 2024: Builds technical capacity among CPCs.
Delivered technical training to expand participation in the MSE process
across CPCs.
- Merino et al. 2024: SCRS/2024/P/103 Workplan for
tropical tunas MSE in 2024
- Merino et al. 2024: SCRS/2024/P/108
Development of operational management objectives for tropical tunas
-
Correa et al. 2024: SCRS/2024/118 Incorporating climate change effects
in the MSE for Atlantic tropical tunas
- Urtizberea et al. 2024:
SCRS/P/2024/081 Harvest control rule options for multistock tropical
tuna MSE: Demersal fisheries Bay of Biscay case study
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Materials
More materials can be found in Reference
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Management Objectives
Rec. 24-02
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Stock Status
Prob. >= 50% in green quadrant for all stocks
Safety
Prob. < 15% of stock falling below Blim for all stocks
Yield
Maximize overall catch for all stocks
Stability
TAC changes between periods +25%/-25% for all stocks
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Candidate Management Procedure
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CMPs being evaluated in 2025.
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Management Procedure
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The Commission will select the Management Procedure in 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
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Exceptional Circumstances
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The Commission will adopt the Exceptional Circumstances Protocol after the adoption of the MP.
character(0)
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References
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Materials
Rec/Res
Meetings
SCRS Docs
Others
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Updated: July 7, 2025
