Thanks to the strengthening of the recovery plan and more effective control, the bluefin tuna situation is improving from 2009 onwards. Declared catches are decreasing, aerial monitoring shows that young bluefin tuna are more abundant, the spawning biomass is increasing, and fishermen are observing them more regularly. Today, the species is no longer “overexploited” but the current stock, although in better condition, is far from having recovered its preindustrial level, and bad practices such as illegal fishing persist.
With fishing quotas set to increase (32,240 tonnes for 2019, 36,000 tonnes for 2020 – including 19,460 tonnes for the European Union and 6,026 tonnes for France) – the highest levels since the recovery plan was put in place – it will be up to the international community, scientists and consumers to carefully monitor the situation of Atlantic bluefin tuna over the coming years. To be continued, then!