JONES APPLAUDS BLUEFIN TUNA QUOTA INCREASE

Greenville, NC – Today, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) thanked U.S. administration officials for heeding his call to fight for U.S. fishermen and secure an increase in quota for western Atlantic bluefin tuna.  The issue was decided in Genoa, Italy last month when the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) – the international body which manages Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks and of which the United States is a key member – decided to increase the quota from the existing 1,750 metric tons, to 2,000 metric tons, for each of the next two years.

For decades U.S. fishermen have been living under depressed quota levels in order to help rebuild the stock.  However, earlier this year ICCAT scientists released new data showing that the western bluefin stock is more than twice the size suggested in previous assessments and is 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 in October, 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.”  While ICCAT’s ultimate decision to increase the quota to 2,000 metric tons instead of 2,200 metric tons was less than preferred, it was still welcome news.

“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, I am pleased to see that their sacrifice will not go unrewarded.”

In a letter sent to administration officials today, Jones thanked them for their assistance is securing the increase.  He also encouraged them to continue to follow the science and work to secure additional quota increases at future meetings. See Congressman Jones' letter to the administration below.