Korea Says Increased Pacific Bluefin Catches Will Help Fishers

The WCPFC recently agreed to increase Korea’s Pacific bluefin quota for 2025, the decision made at the Commission’s 21st Regular Session that concluded earlier this week. Kang Do-Hyung, Korean Minister of Oceans and Fisheries announced that vessels flagged to the country can catch 1,219 tons of this fish, a 63 percent increase from the 748 tons that is currently allotted. The catch limit for small bluefin, under 30 kg, will remain at 718 tons as before, whereas, the capture tonnage for large fish, over 30 kg, has been increased from 30 tons to 501 tons.

This decision is expected to boost the income of Korean bluefin fishermen. The Korean Fisheries Ministry statement read: “If the catch limit of our country’s bluefin is converted into the amount of tuna sashimi, 600,000 people can consume it at one time. It is expected to increase the fishermen’s income by about KRW 50 billion (USD 35.21 million) or more.” The Ministry also claimed that the expanded catch tonnages could enhance tuna export volumes and positively impact the national economy. Japan had also secured increased Pacific bluefin catches for the next year. WCPFC scientific report released earlier this year revealed that this tuna stock is recovering and its population has improved.  However, it remains “overfished.”