averting the collapse of shortfin mako sharks...Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT): averting the collapse of...
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November 7, 2017 John Henderschedt, Director Office of International Affairs & Seafood Inspection National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 Dear Mr. Henderschedt: We are writing with regard to the U.S. position on an exceptionally pressing conservation matter for the upcoming meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT): averting the collapse of shortfin mako sharks. As you know, the new ICCAT population assessment for Atlantic shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) has revealed alarming trends. In particular, the North Atlantic population has been significantly depleted, and overfishing continues. In order to have a reasonable chance (54% probability) of rebuilding by 2040, catches must be cut to zero. Accordingly, ICCAT’s Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) has recommended a “complete prohibition of retention” as an immediate step to stop overfishing and begin the long recovery. Measures to minimize mako discard mortality have also been advised, as additional (not alternative) steps. High post-release survival rates (70%) make retention bans effective for dramatically reducing mako mortality. Although South Atlantic population status is less clear, a retention ban is prudent in the face of this uncertainty, especially in light of the species’ vulnerability, enforcement challenges, and lessons from the North. With leadership from NMFS scientists, the SCRS Shark Working Group has conducted Ecological Risk Assessments (in 2008 and 2012) that rank shortfin makos high with respect to vulnerability to ICCAT fisheries. ICCAT has since banned retention of many other shark species, while skipping makos. Moreover, for nearly a decade, response to specific SCRS calls to cap or reduce mako fishing mortality has been wholly inadequate. It’s now make or break time for mako sharks. The U.S. has ranked fourth in North Atlantic mako catch in recent years, and therefore has both responsibility and influence for ensuring population declines are reversed. We urge US leadership in securing ICCAT agreement on measures to implement the shortfin mako scientific advice -- most urgently, an immediate prohibition on retention for the North Atlantic -- in line with U.S. domestic obligations.
Transcript of averting the collapse of shortfin mako sharks...Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT): averting the collapse of...
November 7, 2017 John Henderschedt, Director Office of International Affairs & Seafood Inspection National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 Dear Mr. Henderschedt: We are writing with regard to the U.S. position on an exceptionally pressing conservation matter for the upcoming meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT): averting the collapse of shortfin mako sharks. As you know, the new ICCAT population assessment for Atlantic shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) has revealed alarming trends. In particular, the North Atlantic population has been significantly depleted, and overfishing continues. In order to have a reasonable chance (54% probability) of rebuilding by 2040, catches must be cut to zero. Accordingly, ICCAT’s Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) has recommended a “complete prohibition of retention” as an immediate step to stop overfishing and begin the long recovery. Measures to minimize mako discard mortality have also been advised, as additional (not alternative) steps. High post-release survival rates (70%) make retention bans effective for dramatically reducing mako mortality. Although South Atlantic population status is less clear, a retention ban is prudent in the face of this uncertainty, especially in light of the species’ vulnerability, enforcement challenges, and lessons from the North. With leadership from NMFS scientists, the SCRS Shark Working Group has conducted Ecological Risk Assessments (in 2008 and 2012) that rank shortfin makos high with respect to vulnerability to ICCAT fisheries. ICCAT has since banned retention of many other shark species, while skipping makos. Moreover, for nearly a decade, response to specific SCRS calls to cap or reduce mako fishing mortality has been wholly inadequate. It’s now make or break time for mako sharks. The U.S. has ranked fourth in North Atlantic mako catch in recent years, and therefore has both responsibility and influence for ensuring population declines are reversed. We urge US leadership in securing ICCAT agreement on measures to implement the shortfin mako scientific advice -- most urgently, an immediate prohibition on retention for the North Atlantic -- in line with U.S. domestic obligations.
John Henderschedt November 7, 2017 Page 2 Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Sonja Fordham Ania Budziak Alejandra Goyenechea
President Associate Director, Programs Senior International Counsel Shark Advocates International Project AWARE Defenders of Wildlife
Robert Hueter, Ph.D. Shana Miller Rebecca Regnery Director, Center for Shark Research Program Manager, Global Tuna Conservation Deputy Director, Wildlife Mote Marine Laboratory The Ocean Foundation Humane Society International
Chris Fischer Gerald Leape Lora Snyder Expedition Leader, Founding Chairman Senior Officer, International Government Relations Campaign Director, Responsible Fishing OCEARCH Pew Charitable Trusts Oceana cc: Dr. John Graves
