US government body: No grounds for declaring Atlantic Bluefin an endangered species

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Friday decided not to list Atlantic bluefin tuna for protection under the Endangered Species Act, which would have prohibited U.S. fishermen from catching the species, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to Umami Sustainable Seafood.

"Based on careful scientific review, we have decided the best way to ensure the long-term sustainability of bluefin tuna is through international cooperation and strong domestic fishery management," said NOAA Fisheries Administrator Eric Schwaab. "The United States will continue to be a leader in advocating science-based quotas at ICCAT, full compliance with these quotas and other management measures to ensure the long-term viability of this and other important fish stocks."

This is in line with what Umami's management has maintained; that there is no imminent danger posed to the stock as long as quotas are set in line with scientific advice and compliance secured.  No reports of illegal fishing have been filed since 2009, according to ICCAT's illegal vessel list, in spite of much strengthened policing of the waters, lower quotas and tighter control of the fishing.