Source: Ensenada
In order to ensure the sustainability of commercial tuna fishing in the Pacific Ocean an agreement was issued, on October 1st, modifying the closure periods for some tuna species in Mexican federal waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The measures, published by the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA), cover the species yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus orientalis) and skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis).
The agreement establishes a temporary ban for Mexican flagged purse seiners fishing for tuna in the high seas and in foreign waters that are in the area regulated by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC).
Furthermore, the agreement will also temporarily prohibit Mexican flagged vessels from commercially fishing the above mentioned tuna species at certain times and areas:
- from 00.00 hours of the day the agreement is put into force until 24.00 hours of October 29th 2010
- from 00.00 hours of September 29th 2010 to 24.00 hours of October 29th 2011
in the area between 96° and 110° West and 4° North and 3° South, in the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO).
Additionally, purse seine vessels flying the Mexican flag with the capacity to carry between 182 and 272 metric tons will be entitled to make a fishing trip of up to 30 days during the closed period, if and when they have a scientific observer on board during the trip.
The previous agreement issued November 20th 2009 is hereby revoked.