Recent updates and notes from CCSBT 32:
- There was no stock assessment conducted this year, however, the latest stock assessment conducted in 2023 indicates that the stock is currently estimated to be 23% (21-29%) of initial Total Reproductive Output (TRO0). The previous stock assessment conducted in 2020 estimated the stock to be at 20% (16-24%) of TRO0. Projections indicate that the management procedure is on track to reach the current rebuilding target (50% probability of being greater than 30% TRO0 by 2035).
- The Extended Commission (EC) confirmed the global Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of Southern Bluefin Tuna of 20,647 tonnes for 2026, noting the advice from the Extended Scientific Committee that while exceptional circumstances were identified, specifically due to the change to the gene tagging program, it was agreed that there was no need to modify the TAC recommended for the 2024-2026 fishing years.
- Members agreed to defer the decision on the next TAC setting (2027-2029) to CCSBT 33.
- Members continued to discuss existing allocation arrangements and expressed a strong willingness to engage further to work intersessionally towards agreement on allocation that was acceptable to all Members. Members were urged to remain open and flexible on the approach to address this issue and allocation amounts.
- Members adopted the updated CCSBT Compliance Plan, which provides an effective framework to improve compliance with CCSBT obligations and supports the implementation of the Compliance Action Plan.
- Members adopted the revised Transhipment resolution, including a one-year extension to the Indonesian At-sea Transhipment trial using its national observers to 31 October 2026, subject to Indonesia providing, by 31 December 2025, a detailed plan with a timeline for the development and implementation of recommendations from the 2025 Quality Assurance Review.
- Members have adopted an Ecologically Related Species Bycatch Strategy to address bycatch issues not relating to seabirds.
- Members agreed to accept the recommendations from the ERSTech, including approving the 2025 SEFRA Technical Report to support the ERSWG’s ongoing work in line with the CCSBT’s Multi-year Seabird Strategy. The EC also agreed to make the SEFRA code publicly available on request to allow its use outside of CCSBT (e.g. within other tuna RFMOs), noting that such release would be strictly limited to the coding element and would not include any of the input data provided by Members.
- Members have revised the implementation date for converting the existing Catch Documentation Scheme to an electronic system to 1 April 2027.
- Members agreed to renew the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CCAMLR for an additional three years.
REWARDS - CCSBT tagging program
A REWARD will be provided for each SBT tag returned to the CCSBT. Two tags have been placed in most SBT. A reward will be provided for each of these tags, so please return both tags if they are present. For more information, please send an e-mail to tags@ccsbt.org.
