Press Releases

Inaugural meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas

It is a profound honour and privilege to welcome you to Cyprus, our beautiful island, for the 24th Annual Meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), hosted here in Limassol from 11^th November to 18^th November. This gathering stands as a testament to our shared commitment to sustainably manage tuna and other highly migratory species in the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and other adjacent seas.

First and foremost, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to the ICCAT Secretariat and to all member nations for placing your trust in Cyprus to host this significant event. It is an honour for our country to serve as the host of this gathering. With its deep maritime heritage and profound connection to the sea, Cyprus offers not only a beautiful landscape setting, but a meaningful one –symbolizing our shared commitment to the sustainable future of our oceans. Here, at the intersection of three continents– Europe, Asia, and Africa– and a longstanding maritime heritage, we are reminded that the conversations we engage in today will shape the future for generations that follow.

Aligned with the European Union’s (EU) priorities, we remain committed to promoting sustainable, science-based fisheries management. Throughout the ICCAT and EU framework, we have pursued an evidence-driven approach, establishing well-founded quotas and policies guided by scientific assessments. A notable success is the Bluefin tuna management plan, where quotas were set based on comprehensive information on migration and reproduction data. This approach safeguards ecological sustainability while supporting the economic well-being of our communities.

As a coastal nation, Cyprus shares a deep commitment to marine conservation. The large pelagic fisheries, such as those targeting tuna and swordfish, hold great value for our economy and culture, supporting local communities and contribute significantly to our domestic and export product. However, these fisheries extend beyond economic considerations and are deeply embedded in our maritime traditions, representing a cultural legacy and environmental duty. As stewards of these valuable resources, we remain committed to ensuring their sustainability.

ICCAT’s conservation framework has proven essential in balancing responsible and sustainable fishing and management practices with the protection of marine biodiversity. Cyprus is dedicated to preserving a delicate balance between sustainable fishing and marine conservation, and pledges its unwavering support to ICCAT in safeguarding the longevity of these resources, preserving both our marine environment and the livelihoods dependent on it.

The challenges our marine ecosystems face, are complex and interconnected, demanding collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. This year’s decisions will shape the direction of conservation efforts and the sustainable use of marine resources for years to come. This will help build on the substantial work and dedicated efforts made by the European Commission to date.

Cyprus acknowledges the importance of setting balanced and equitable fishing limits, backed by tuna management framework plans, reflecting regional needs and the scientific advice. This responsibility is one we all share, a commitment that transcends borders and political differences. Moreover, in alignment with EU efforts, we encourage the advance in measures to minimise bycatch and reduce mortality of vulnerable species like shark species and marine turtles. We support proposals to implement best practices that minimise these unintended incidents, placing a strong emphasis on conservation efforts.

Furthermore, Cyprus remains at the forefront in the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing, and urge to take strict control and compliance mechanisms across the ICCAT conservation area. Through rigorous monitoring, we can better safeguard our tuna resources and ensure fairness for our fishers who operate responsibly.

Cyprus, with its unique geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, understands the importance of international cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges. The Mediterranean Sea, which borders our shores, illustrates broader oceanic challenges, underscoring that our actions, or inaction, have profound consequences for marine ecosystems.

As we gather here in Cyprus, let us be inspired by a vision of a thriving future for our oceans, sustaining and supporting the livelihoods of present and future generations. Working together, we can achieve a balanced approach to conservation and sustainable resource use, ensuring the well-being of marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

Finally, as a symbol of our collective commitment, we are pleased to share a specially created logo for this year’s ICCAT meeting, encapsulated in a video animation we would like to present. This logo has also been crafted into a symbolic statue, which was given to each head of delegation to take home as a memento of this meeting in Cyprus. May it serve as a testament to our collective commitment to collaboration and marine sustainability.

Thank you, and may this ICCAT meeting mark another milestone towards sustainable ocean stewardship.

(EFys/MS)