ICCAD to Pilot Tuna Farms in the Canary Islands

The Socialist Party (PSOE) of Fuerteventura argues that the recent proposal from the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) to authorize an experimental plan involving industrial purse‑seine fishing and the installation of fattening cages for bluefin tuna and albacore in the archipelago’s waters must be consensual with the local artisanal sector. To date, Canary fishing guilds have generally defended the “one hook, one man” principle.

PSOE’s Concerns

José Cabrera, Secretary of Municipal Policy for the Primary Sector, Food and Food Sovereignty of the PSOE of Fuerteventura, highlighted several issues:

“It does not appear that this decision, which affects the Canary Islands, has taken into account the opinion and knowledge of our guilds about the waters they fish. ICCAT must correct its position and incorporate local agents into the process.”

Cabrera stressed that one of ICCAT’s core objectives is to collect scientific data, conduct monitoring, and manage fisheries to ensure the sustainability of marine populations. He argued that implementing qualitatively different systems in a marine territory without consulting the professionals who fish there is incomprehensible:

“The empirical knowledge that local fishers have of these waters and the species that inhabit and migrate through them holds evident scientific value.”

Call to Action

The PSOE of Fuerteventura urges the participants of the 29th ICCAT meeting, held last November in Seville, to:

• Review ICCAT’s decision‑making procedures in a general sense.
• Specifically ensure that the positions of the following bodies are considered regarding the experimental plan for industrial purse‑seine fishing and the installation of fattening cages for bluefin tuna and albacore in the archipelago’s waters:
  • Regional Federation of Canary Fishermen’s Guilds
  • Provincial Federation of Tenerife
  • Provincial Federation of Las Palmas

By incorporating these local stakeholders, the PSOE believes ICCAT can align its scientific and management goals with the practical realities and traditional practices of the Canary fishing community