may be a problem and juvenile catches remain too high, suggest that further actions are needed to strengthen the CMM. CMM 2010-04 would be significantly strengthened by implementing science-based catch limits. In the eastern Pacific, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) adopted a two-year 10,000 mt hard catch limit for Pacific bluefin tuna at its June 2012 meeting and the fishery was closed in August when the quota was reached. The WCPFC should adopt a parallel measure for the western region of the Pacific bluefin's range. The Pew Environment Group calls on the Northern Committee to recommend a revised CMM that includes the following: A catch limit less than 15,567 mt (the 2002-04 average catch of Japan, Korea, and Chinese Taipei) for 2013, in line with the scientific advice to reduce fishing mortality to below the level; A 30 kg minimum size limit, with a 40% tolerance for undersized fish; and No exemptions for any CCMs. The first two elements would strengthen paragraph 2 of CMM 2010-04 and should be revisited at NC 9 when the updated stock assessment is available. We wish the Northern Committee the best for a productive meeting and emphasize the NC’s critical role in the WCPFC process. Sincerely, Amanda Nickson Director, Global Tuna Conservation Campaign Pew Environment Group
may be a problem and juvenile catches remain too high, suggest that further actions are needed to strengthen the CMM. CMM 2010-04 would be significantly strengthened by implementing science-based catch limits. In the eastern Pacific, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) adopted a two-year 10,000 mt hard catch limit for Pacific bluefin tuna at its June 2012 meeting and the fishery was closed in August when the quota was reached. The WCPFC should adopt a parallel measure for the western region of the Pacific bluefin's range. The Pew Environment Group calls on the Northern Committee to recommend a revised CMM that includes the following: A catch limit less than 15,567 mt (the 2002-04 average catch of Japan, Korea, and Chinese Taipei) for 2013, in line with the scientific advice to reduce fishing mortality to below the level; A 30 kg minimum size limit, with a 40% tolerance for undersized fish; and No exemptions for any CCMs. The first two elements would strengthen paragraph 2 of CMM 2010-04 and should be revisited at NC 9 when the updated stock assessment is available. We wish the Northern Committee the best for a productive meeting and emphasize the NC’s critical role in the WCPFC process. Sincerely, Amanda Nickson Director, Global Tuna Conservation Campaign Pew Environment Group
NC-Letter-Aug-2012-final.docx