Negotiations on Pacific Bluefin Tuna Quota Rules Again Encounter Disagreement, International Conference Fails to Reach Consensus

The Pacific bluefin tuna, once on the brink of resource depletion due to long-term overfishing, has been subject to strict fishing restrictions since 2015. According to scientific assessments by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the species' resource levels have shown signs of recovery in recent years. In 2024, countries agreed to increase the quota for large bluefin tuna by 1.5 times, marking a significant turning point in resource management. The focus of this meeting was designing "preset rules" for future quota growth mechanisms. If resource levels exceed the long-term recovery target line, countries hope to automatically adjust quotas through pre-established formulas or standards, without the need for repeated negotiations. Such a mechanism would not only enhance transparency and efficiency but also help reduce uncertainties arising from political negotiations. However, clear disagreements emerged during the meeting. Japan advocated for a ...