Managing Bluefin Tuna in the Mediterranean Sea

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is an important but not well managed fishery in the Mediterranean Sea. In this paper, management system is evaluated with information on stock status, resource rent, and total employment. The non-restrictive implementation of International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) policies is found to be the institutional reason for its management failure, while the common-property and shared stock nature of this fishery is the fundamental reason. To address these major issues, policy schemes are proposed to help sustainably manage this valuable resource in the Mediterranean Sea.

► The current status of the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna in the Mediterranean Sea, including its stock status, resource rent, and supported employment, is summarized in this paper.
► The reasons for management failure of this fishery are analysed.
► Comprehensive policy schemes are proposed to achieve the objective of sustainable management of this valuable resource in the Mediterranean Sea.