IATTC Fails To Achieve Consensus On Tuna Fishing Banff
2 July 2008
Panama
The 16 member countries of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) failed to establish an agreement on the tuna fishing ban period during 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Although this topic was addressed during the 78th IATTC meeting held in Panama, two of the 16 countries, Ecuador and Colombia, were opposed to the ways on implementing the ban; thus failing to reach and agreement.
The representative of Panama at the IATTC meeting, as well as president of the International Foundation for Fisheries, Mr. Arnulfo Franco, clarified that Ecuador and Colombia do not object to the ban, but are against the ways of implementing it.
Despite the scheduling of a new meeting in October, in La Jolla, California, conservation measures is not a topic set up on the agenda, Mr. Franco said.
However, Panama and the other countries agree to establish a unilateral ban, however, this requires a dialogue between all members to set up a date.
The IATTC meeting was considering an initial 49 day-ban to be applied in August. Also a second 53 day-ban to be implemented in the months of November and December of the three mentioned years.
