JONES CALLS ON ADMINISTRATION TO FIGHT FOR BLUEFIN TUNA QUOTA INCREASE

Greenville, NC – Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) called on the Obama administration to stand up for U.S. fishermen and fight for an increase in quota for western Atlantic bluefin tuna.  The issue will be decided at the upcoming meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) – the international body which manages Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks.  The meeting will take place November 10 - 17 in Genoa, Italy. 

For decades U.S. fishermen have been living under depressed quota levels in order to help rebuild the stock.  However, last month ICCAT scientists released new data showing that western bluefin stocks are more than twice the size suggested in previous assessments and are now more than rebuilt.   They also concluded that the western Atlantic quota could be increased from the existing 1,750 metric tons to up to 2,250 metric tons without hurting the stock.  In a letter sent today, Jones urged U.S. fisheries administrators to “follow the science and do all you can at the November ICCAT meeting to secure an increase in the western bluefin quota to 2,200 metric tons.”

“After years of steep quota reductions, U.S. bluefin tuna fishermen have more than done their part,” said Congressman Jones.  “The economic costs to them, their families, and the communities they support have been severe.  Now that science shows the stock is fully rebuilt, that sacrifice should not go unrewarded.”

Read Congressman Jones' letter below.