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Multi-stocks Tropical Tunas Management Strategy Evaluation
(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 for tropical tunas—Atlantic bigeye tuna, Atlantic
yellowfin tuna, and eastern Atlantic skipjack. The objective is to
design and evaluate robust Management Procedures (MPs) 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/Robustness
OMs
Development
from 2021/2025
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 Atlantic bigeye tuna, Atlantic
yellowfin tuna, and eastern Atlantic skipjack.
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
(Atlantic bigeye tuna, Atlantic yellowfin tuna, and eastern Atlantic
skipjack).
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Contents
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Operating Models
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The Operating Models 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
