Spain reaches out to yellowfin tuna sector

Acting on agreements reached during last month's Council of Fisheries Ministers quota talks in Brussels, Spain's Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs (MARM) reaffirmed its commitment to measures supporting those affected by yellowfin tuna quota reductions.

Spain aims to achieve balanced, sustainable exploitation of the species in the medium and long terms by working on a yellowfin tuna recovery plan developed with International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).

In addition to the plan, mitigating the socio-economic impact of fisheries management measures is a priority.

MARM is currently establishing quota exchange mechanisms with member states that could facilitate increased capacity for Spain's fisheries. The traditional craft of using trap fisheries has been agreed as an aid to establishing the structural environment and offering greater flexibility in the management of yellowfin tuna quotas.

Unanimously adopting ICCAT and Scientific Committee recommendations, the General Secretariat of the Sea will continue working over the coming days to put the proposals into action.