Plan devised to rebuild stock of southern bluefin tuna

A formal strategy has been devised at an annual meeting in Bali to help rebuild the global stock of southern bluefin tuna.

The Commission for the conservation of southern bluefin tuna’s (CCSBT) new plan has set out a steady increase in the global catch allowance.

Australia’s bluefin tuna stocks are set to improve under the new plan with its quota increasing from 4,015 tonnes in 2011 to 4,528 tonnes next year.

The stocks had suffered after the Australian government reduced the fishing quota last year by 23.7%.

Globally the catch limit will also be increased from the 2011 limit of 9,449 tonnes to 10,449 tonnes in 2012 and 10,949 tonnes in 2013.

CCSBT’s objective is to ensure the conservation and optimum utilisation of southern Bluefin tuna.

Australia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and New Zealand are all members.