The IATTC originally established in 1950, and Canada was a previous member between 1968 and 1984. Canada has recently rejoined the IATTC in August after a 26 year separation from the commission. Today, there are currently 20 countries associated as members of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. Each country has a specific role in the development and conservation actions of the IATTC, especially Canada. As a major harvester and exporter in the fishing industry, Canada has the potential to contribute greatly towards the IATTC’s current and future goals.
The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission is comprised of two programs, the Tuna-Bluefish Program and the Tuna-Dolphin Program. The Tuna-Bluefish Program is devoted to understanding the biology of tuna and other fish species. The study of the fish’s biology is needed to understand reproduction rates, aquatic habitats, food source, etc. This information is essential for recognizing the appropriate conservation measures to take so that the sustainable levels of the tuna and other species will be maximized. The IATTC realizes the devastating effects of overfishing and, as a result, works to sustain fish populations while taking into account maximum harvest revenue. The Tuna-Dolphin Program is committed to recording dolphin populations and understanding dolphin deaths due to fishing practices. Long-lining is an example of a detrimental fishing practice towards marine ecosystems, due to the unpredictability of the catch and its chance of survival. The IATTC recognizes the harm in fishing practices such as this and, therefore, encourages safe fishing techniques that will limit, and hopefully end, dolphin mortality numbers.
On top of the Tuna-Dolphin Program, the IATTC is also associated with the International Dolphin Conservation Program. The goals of each program are significantly similar as they strongly work towards decreasing secondary dolphin mortalities to figures close to zero. Along with deaths due to fishing vessels, dolphins are threatened by many hunting and capturing practices by other countries around the world. By greatly reducing the number of dolphins killed by tuna-fishing vessels, the IATTC and the International Dolphin Conservation Program is eliminating an unnecessary threat for the dolphin species. With this threat out of the picture, the IATTC is giving the dolphins a chance to flourish and regenerate populations, while reducing additional degradation to this amazing species.The IATTC also accepted the international ban on shark finning in 2005. The practice of shark finning is even more gruesome than it may seem. Often when a shark finning vessel catches a shark they will slice off every fin while the shark is still alive and dump the suffering body back into the water as waste. With open wounds and no source of swimming abilities, the shark is bound to have a slow and painful death. This demand for shark fins is abundant in the Chinese culture. The shark fins are used to make shark fin soup, that actually has no taste (only texture), which is a high status symbol in China. Another exploitation of sharks is for their cartilage, which is said to have healing powers for many illnesses, including cancer. The reality is many of these sharks are endangered, such as the hammer head and leopard shark, and a decline in shark populations can have tremendous negative effects on the world’s environment. These negative effects include a decrease in atmospheric oxygen as sharks help to control fish populations that consume microorganisms
responsible for producing a large amount of the oxygen we breathe. By banning shark finning, the IATTC is making a great contribution towards helping shark population’s regenerate in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. These laws and regulations implemented towards abolishing unnecessary aquatic mortalities will only have positive outcomes for marine and land ecosystems. Canada’s re-introduction into the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission resembles significant contributions that will be put forth to accompany the commissions goals and current regulations. It makes perfect sense for Canada to be apart of the IATTC for a number of reasons. Firstly, the Canadian tuna fishing industry is large and continuously growing, allowing for an enhanced record of tuna and related species catches and biological information. Canada’s accessibility of advanced technology is useful for more in-depth understanding on the biology of tuna and other marine organisms. As apart of the IATTC, Canada will focus on albacore tuna harvesting and populations in the North Pacific. As a country, the dedication towards laws and improvement for a healthy planet establishes Canada as a perfect candidate for shark and dolphin protection, as well as appropriate fishing laws and practices for a number of species. Canada’s input with the IATTC will most definitely have a positive impact on both the commission, and the overall quality of life for multiple organisms.
By: Tyler Blauel
Article: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/international/dip-iattc-citt-eng.htm
References:
Canada and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. (n.d.). Welcome Page | Page d'accueil. Retrieved October 12, 2010, from http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/international/dip-iattc-citt-eng.htm
ENDANGERED SHARK . (n.d.). ENDANGERED SHARK . Retrieved October 12, 2010, from http://www.endangeredshark.com/
Inter-American-Tropical-Tuna-Commission. (n.d.). Inter-American-Tropical-Tuna-Commission. Retrieved October 12, 2010, from http://www.iattc.org/HomeENG.h
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