Seville- Rome 17 November 2025 -  As the 29th meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) kicks off today in Seville (17–24 November), WWF urges member countries to strengthen their commitment to robust fisheries management based on the best available science. Only then can we ensure the sustainability of tuna populations, the health of Atlantic and Mediterranean ecosystems, and the well-being of families who depend on these resources.

We recall that many tuna populations show clear signs of recovery thanks to joint efforts in recent years. But these gains remain at risk due to fleet overcapacity and lack of effective control. We cannot allow history to repeat itself with overexploitation.

ICCAT has paved the way for recovery and sustainable management, and in Seville it has a decisive opportunity to demonstrate leadership and ensure that decisions are guided by science rather than short-term interests. 

1. Tropical Tunas

For yellowfin tuna, we warn that catches continue to exceed the annual limit (110,000 tonnes) and call for maintaining this cap, allocating quotas by country, and addressing fleet overcapacity. For bigeye tuna, we support maintaining a precautionary TAC of 73,000 tonnes, which would allow stock recovery by 2034. In addition, we urge the adoption in 2025 of a management strategy for Atlantic western skipjack and stronger control of fish aggregating devices (FADs) through mandatory registration and traceability systems.

2. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

We welcome the species’ recovery thanks to a science-based management framework but warn about rising unreported mortality, including the discovery of dead specimens at sea.
We request a review of quotas for the 2026–2028 cycle in line with Harvest Control Rules and improved compliance, with mandatory reporting of dead specimens in both purse seine and recreational fisheries. 

3. Swordfish

We call for intensified monitoring of Atlantic recovery plans, an earlier stock assessment in the Mediterranean, and improved data collection on new gears such as trap lines.
We also urge better traceability and full enforcement of the ban on drift nets in the Mediterranean.

4. Sharks and Rays

We request maintaining the total ban on catching shortfin mako, reducing the TAC for blue shark in the South Atlantic, and declaring a moratorium for Mediterranean blue shark. We also call for stronger bycatch mitigation and strict application of the “fins naturally attached” policy for all commercial sharks. We stress the urgency of protecting essential breeding and feeding habitats and strengthening cooperation through CITES, CMS, and the High Seas Biodiversity Agreement.

5. Fleet Control and Combating Illegal Fishing

We warn of growing fleet overcapacity and call for closed vessel registries starting in 2026.
We demand 100% observer coverage—onboard or via electronic systems—on industrial vessels and high-seas transshipments. We also urge enforcement of safety measures for observers, stronger action against illegal fishing, and complementary use of AIS alongside VMS to improve transparency and control.

To tackle these challenges, all Parties must ratify the ICCAT Convention adopted in 2018. Its entry into force will expand the organization’s mandate to conserve highly migratory species such as sharks and reinforce essential principles like the ecosystem and precautionary approach.

WWF will continue working throughout this meeting to ensure ICCAT takes decisive steps toward responsible, science-based fisheries management capable of guaranteeing healthy oceans and a dignified future for those who depend on them.