September 9, 2025 — The following was released by the NOAA Fisheries:
The United States took a bold leadership role last week at the annual Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) meeting, driving innovative measures to sustainably manage tuna fisheries in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Under the guidance of NOAA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Fisheries, Andrew Lawler, the U.S. delegation prioritized American interests by enhancing conservation efforts, strengthening monitoring programs, and expanding opportunities for American fishermen.
The IATTC, comprising 21 member nations, convened to manage highly migratory fish stocks using the best available science and consensus-driven decisions. The U.S. spearheaded critical advancements in tropical tuna management, Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) recovery, and regulatory simplification, reinforcing America’s commitment to both environmental stewardship and economic prosperity for its fishing industry.
Bolstering Tropical Tuna Management
The United States led discussions on managing bigeye, yellowfin, and skipjack tuna and secured $1.8 million in funding for the Regional Tuna Tagging Program. This U.S.-backed initiative will enhance understanding of tuna distribution and stock health, ensuring sustainable harvests that support U.S. fishermen. The U.S. also championed the creation of the Integrated Port Sampling Program, merging traditional and enhanced monitoring efforts to deliver precise data on stock health and fleet impacts. By reducing closure days for purse seine vessels—after scientific confirmation of healthy tuna stocks—the U.S. fought to ensure greater access for American fishermen to these stocks without compromising sustainability.
Pioneering Fish Aggregating Device Recovery
FADs are critical to efficient fishing in the Eastern Pacific, but abandoned FADs can harm marine ecosystems. The American Tunaboat Association, showcasing U.S. leadership, spearheaded a multinational industry coalition that committed significant funding to FAD recovery programs. With strong U.S. support, the IATTC adopted an expanded resolution to streamline FAD retrieval, promote biodegradable materials, and deploy tracking devices, in an effort to protect marine environments while supporting fishing communities.
Additional Measures to Support American Interests
Furthermore, the United States drove the adoption of measures to reduce regulatory burdens, ensuring American fishermen greater operational efficiency. In addition to securing several adopted measures, the U.S. also supported the creation of a South Pacific Albacore Joint Working Group with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, extending measures to protect silky sharks, and establishing a Dorado Working Group to assess stock health—initiatives that safeguard America’s long-term fishing interests while promoting global sustainability.
“America’s leadership at the IATTC demonstrates our commitment to sustainable fisheries that protect our oceans and empower our fishermen,” said Andrew Lawler. “These measures strengthen our economy, enhance conservation, and position the U.S. as a global leader in responsible fishery management.”
The United States remains dedicated to advancing science-based, America-first policies that ensure the prosperity of its fishing industry and the health of the Eastern Pacific’s marine ecosystems.