In its latest report, International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF) reveals that although many of the world’s pole-and-line fisheries have been in a state of decline for numerous years, some of them are showing stable and even increased production.
The report, authored by Bob Gillett — IPNLF Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee member –, offers an overview of the catch trends in 22 key pole-and-line fisheries globally updating a similar study published in 2012.
IPNLF considers that in contributing to this vision, with support from its Member organisations and external partners and funders, they can help develop and support these fisheries.
One of the contributions from the organization is in advancing best practice and management to improve the long-term viability and sustainability of fisheries.
In progressing such work, the NGO shows willingness to increase their collective understanding of what the existing situation is with one-by-one tuna fisheries internationally.
This new technical report has also found that most of the world’s pole-and-line tuna is caught in Japan, Indonesia and Maldives, but that there are notable contributions from countries like Brazil and Senegal.
Reviewing the findings of this report shows a notable disconnect; we see that the majority of pole-and-line fisheries are in decline, reducing supply of pole-and-line tuna in the marketplace, while at the same time numerous international import markets (e.g. UK, Australia, USA) are showing increased demand for fish caught in this way, the report author stressed.
Moving forward, in order to bridge this disconnect, we need to delve deeper to understand the different local and regional drivers behind declines in pole-and-line tuna production (environmental, social, political and financial), and what mechanisms the international community can use to address them, he adds.
Finally, the report states that given the social and economic benefits these fisheries bring through the provision of local jobs for local people, nutrition, and wellbeing it is imperative that the international community supports them.
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