September 10, 2019 — Japan’s proposal to increase its bluefin catch quota was rejected by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) last week, Japan Times reported.
The annual meeting of WCPFC, which is responsible for setting Pacific bluefin catch limits, took place in Portland, US, from Sept. 4-6.
Japan and South Korea each sought a quota expansion, citing a recovery in stocks, a proposal that is opposed by conservation NGOs.
Given a recent recovery in Pacific bluefin tuna population, Japan sought a 20% expansion of its 4,882-metric-ton large bluefin tuna quota, and a 10% hike in the small fish quota of 4,007t.