Increase in bluefin tuna quotas, new prospects for Japan

Changes to Quotas According to the new data, the quota for bluefin tuna over 30 kg will increase by 50%, allowing Japan to catch 8.4 thousand tons instead of the previous 5.6 thousand tons. For smaller tuna, the quota will increase by 10%, from 4 thousand to 4.4 thousand tons. These changes will come into effect in 2025 and reflect positive trends in the state of the bluefin tuna population in the Pacific Ocean. Historical context The decision to introduce quotas for bluefin tuna was made in 2015 in response to a sharp decline in the number of this species. The WCPFC, consisting of 26 members (Russia is not among them), sought to prevent overfishing, which threatened the ocean ecosystem. Since then, the bluefin population has gradually recovered, allowing the previously established limits to be revised. Impact on the Japanese market Japan is traditionally one of the world’s largest tuna consumers. In 2022, total tuna supplies to the Japanese market amounted to 62,000 tonnes, with ...