In W30 in the tuna landscape, it was reported that the Congress is evaluating a bill to resolve disparities between the 2016 amendments made to the South Pacific Tuna Treaty and existing United States (US) law. Established in 1987, the treaty grants American tuna vessels access to exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in 16 Pacific Island states and regulates their activities in the South Pacific. The American tuna industry asserts that this legislative change is vital for its struggling fleet. Despite extensive negotiations, the amendments were not integrated into US law, and only some of the modifications have been implemented through a memorandum of understanding between the US and the Pacific Island states. Also, in 2022, it was reported that tuna exports to Israel will reach USD 36.6 million, and Israel ranks 4th out of 10 markets. Vietnam's largest tuna import market, after the US, Canada, and Japan.
Ecuador's tuna sector has achieved significant success, with five companies obtaining Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for skipjack tuna, the largest fishing volume in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. These companies, part of Tunacons, have already achieved certification for yellowfin tuna in 2022 and plan to achieve the same distinction for bigeye tuna by 2024. The sector has 45 tuna purse seine vessels, meeting high standards across 21 indicators assessed by international experts. The Tunacons Foundation, in collaboration with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Ecuador and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, aims to ensure the responsible use of natural resources in fishing practices, industrial processes, and business decisions. Compliance audits will be conducted annually to maintain and meet future MSC standards.
Lastly, the Spanish government has granted an extension of the permit for the Grup Balfegó bluefin tuna fattening macro-farm in Tarragona without a public tender. This decision comes despite the environmental damage caused by Storm Gloria in 2020 and restrictions imposed on the Super-installation by Civil Protection. The super-installation spans one million square meters and is located in front of L'Ametlla de Mar. The extension of the permit has raised concerns about the potential impact on the environment and local communities in the area.
