IATTC statement
Posted October 7, 2010

The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) recently wrapped up its 81st meeting in Antigua, Guatemala. Due to the interference of international politics, the consensus required for IATTC action was almost nonexistent.

During the previous (80th) meeting of the IATTC, there was a general agreement that this 81st meeting would include formation of an ad hoc (i.e., special) working group to develop an operational definition of the ?current levels? of effort specified in Resolution C-05-02 (“the albacore resolution”), and to amend the Resolution to require nations to submit six-month reports on effort as well as catch.

AAFA looked forward to participating in the ad hoc working group and to contributing to development of a appropriate definition of “current levels of effort” — A definition that effectively asserted U.S. interests and did not sacrifice our U.S. fishery. As the IATTC meetings got underway, it became apparent that the U.S. delegation would not be convening the ad hoc working group. No meeting notice was issued and no input/participation was requested by the U.S. delegation.

The next albacore stock assessment is scheduled for 2011, and it appears that further management actions await the outcome of that assessment.