U.S. Delegation Poised to Propose International Management of Sharks to the ICCAT

November 15, 2004

Release from:
NOAA

As the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) convenes on Monday November 15, Vice Adm. Conrad Lautenbacher will hold a press conference to announce a historic U.S. proposal calling for the international management of Atlantic sharks.

Sharks are apex predators that are vital to ocean ecosystems, but they are also vulnerable to overfishing because of their low reproductive capacity. The United States has already adopted measures to prevent overfishing and rebuild overfished shark populations. However, a major hurdle in managing sharks for sustainability in U.S. waters is the lack of a comprehensive global approach for the conservation of these shared resources. Since sharks are highly migratory species, the effectiveness of conservation actions taken in the United States depends on cooperation with other fishing nations that share access to these stocks.

Other important issues that will be considered at ICCAT this year include the integrated management of bluefin tuna, and measures that continue to address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. ICCAT is responsible for managing species that are of great economic importance to U.S. fishermen, including Atlantic tunas, swordfish and marlins. The United States is pleased to host this important international fisheries management commission for the first time. Results of the negotiations will be announced after the close of the meeting on November 21, 2004.

For continuing updates on ICCAT activities next week visit our online Media Center.