ICES and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) have signed a Memorandum of Unde rstanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration on fisheries science, stock assessments, and ecosystem-based fisheries management.
ICCAT is the regional fisheries management fisheries organization (RFMO) responsible for the conservation and management of a variety of Atlantic marine species, including tunas, swordfish, marlin, and sharks, and adopts measures to minimize bycatch of turtles and seabirds associated with these fisheries.
Strengthening scientific cooperation
As both organizations progress ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) in the North Atlantic, the newly signed MoU will foster closer productive collaboration in key areas of mutual interest, including fisheries research, climate change, biodiversity conservation, improving stock assessments, and management strategy evaluation. It establishes a framework for the exchange of information, joint scientific activities, and improved coordination in stock assessments. The MoU also allows for reciprocal representation at meetings to ensure better knowledge-sharing and policy alignment.
ICES and ICCAT have enjoyed close collaboration in the past especially some elasmobranch species where joint assessments have been carried out previously. Many national institutes contributing to ICES also carry out research work for ICCAT , with several ICES experts active in ICCAT's Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS).
"It is important to have close dialogue and share knowledge on all areas of mutual interest", says Colm Lordan, Chair of ICES Advisory Committee, "We face many common scientific and advisory challenges and indeed many ICES experts are also active in ICCAT so working together to find synergies and improvements is essential".
The new MoU formalizes this relationship, ensuring a more structured dialogue and deeper integration of scientific expertise.
“ICCAT welcomes the recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with ICES, which formalizes the cooperation between the two organizations and clarifies the framework within which we will be working together. This MoU is, therefore, a relevant tool to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and coordination while mobilizing the best expertise and enhancing the quality of the assessments of stocks, namely but not exclusively of those of common interest, aiming for better-informed management decisions. We are confident that its implementation will contribute to a better response to our common challenges," said Camille Jean Pierre Manel, ICCAT Executive Secretary.
Looking ahead
As both organizations continue to address global marine conservation challenges, this collaboration will play a pivotal role in fostering sound scientific research and effective fisheries management.
Read more about the work of ICCAT.