From stalled talks to a historic deal: nations advance landmark harvest strategy for Pacific bluefin tuna

In a historic victory for ocean conservation and Pacific coastal communities, international negotiators have agreed on a binding, long-term harvest strategy for Pacific bluefin tuna. The new harvest strategy replaces traditional annual negotiations over quotas with a science-based, precautionary, and long-term plan to manage Pacific bluefin sustainably. 

The agreement marks a dramatic turnaround after negotiations stalled in July, leaving the species' fragile recovery hanging in the balance. Recognizing the high stakes, delegates reconvened in August for a last-minute meeting to break the impasse. That diplomacy delivered a landmark deal, transitioning Pacific bluefin management from temporary rebuilding measures to a permanent, science-based framework.

For a species once depleted to just two percent of its historical population, the deal cements a 14-year recovery effort led by scientists, fishers, and conservation leaders.

“Reaching consensus on a binding harvest strategy is a monumental achievement,” said Josh Madeira, director of policy and stakeholder engagement at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and co-chair of the international joint working group. “This long-awaited plan will position Pacific bluefin tuna to remain an ocean icon that can support economic opportunities in coastal communities and serve as an example of science-based conservation success. ”

Locking in stability for working waterfronts

The new harvest strategy replaces traditional annual negotiations about quotas with a science-based, precautionary, and long-term plan to manage Pacific bluefin sustainably. This modern approach, defined as a harvest strategy, will support the businesses, workers, and communities that rely on a healthy ocean. It is intended to create stability and market opportunities for commercial fleets, charter operators, and tackle shops, while giving distributors, retailers, and chefs the confidence to invest and grow. 

A conservation victory you can taste

Powerful, fast, and capable of crossing an entire ocean, bluefin are among the most remarkable fish on the planet and part of the living legacy of the California Current. Bluefin’s rich flavor, vibrant color, and buttery texture make it one of the most celebrated seafood experiences in the world, from sashimi to seared steaks.

Decades of collaborative, science-based management wasn’t always easy. After the population dropped to extremely low levels in 2012, international managers, scientists and conservation organizations worked together across the Pacific to rebuild ahead of schedule. Bluefin successfully transitioned from the Seafood Watch "Red" (Avoid) list to the "Yellow" (Good Alternative) list. But a "Yellow" rating is a milestone, not the final destination and the species needs continued support to remain healthy, resilient, and productive for generations to come.

With this long-term harvest strategy win, chefs and consumers can now enjoy this delicacy knowing that it has potential to be among the best-managed fisheries in the world.

“Every responsibly managed bluefin landed on a California dock reflects years of hard work, scientific rigor, and sacrifice by fishers and policymakers,” said Jennifer Dianto Kemmerly, vice president of global ocean conservation at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. “We are proud to see this California-rooted story become a global model for sustainable fisheries.”

A lasting legacy for ocean stewardship

Reaching consensus during the August emergency session required extraordinary global cooperation. 

This landmark decision now moves into an international process for consideration. Adoption by the full memberships of Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) could happen as early as their upcoming annual meetings in September and December, respectively. The new strategy would go into effect January 1, 2027.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium supports Pacific nations to take the steps necessary to adopt these measures to ensure the future of Pacific bluefin tuna. 

Acerca del Monterey Bay Aquarium

Con la misión de inspirar la conservación del océano, Monterey Bay Aquarium es el acuario más admirado de los Estados Unidos. Es líder en educación de las ciencias, y una voz en favor de la conservación del océano por medio de programas integrales de ciencias y políticas públicas. Todo lo que hacemos está dirigido a proteger el futuro de nuestro planeta azul. Para más información: MontereyBayAquarium.org/español.