Mauritius shoots down proposed dFAD ban

Mauritius, along with other Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) members, successfully opposed a proposed ban on drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) during the Sixth Special Session of the IOTC in February.

The resolution sought a 72-day ban on dFADs between July 1 and September 11 to aid the recovery of overfished bigeye and yellowfin tuna stocks. Mauritius and other opposing nations argued that the resolution lacked specific scientific data to support the proposed closures.

The IOTC confirmed on August 8 that the proposal will no longer be binding due to opposition from at least one-third of the Commission’s membership. The ban was concerning for Mauritius, as it could disrupt the supply chain for its tuna-processing factories, particularly those relying on E.U. fishing vessels.

The E.U. also expressed concerns about the practicality and potential burden on purse seine fleets, advocating for a consensus-based approach in management decisions regarding dFADs and anchored FADs.

Source: SeaFoodSource