Source: HINDU
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.
The Total Allowable Catch (TAC) was recently in the news in an escalating dispute involving the US and Russia.
Last month a US judge blocked the import of Patagonia toothfish caught in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Since 2021 Russia has refused to admit a TAC for this species in this area set by the Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
TAC refers to the maximum quantity of a particular fish species that can be caught within a defined area and period usually set annually.
It is designed to regulate fishing pressure and prevent the overexploitation of marine and freshwater fish populations ensuring sustainable use of fishery resources.
|
Purpose |
Description |
|
Conservation |
Prevents depletion of fish populations by capping annual catch. |
|
Sustainability |
Maintains fish stocks at levels that allow reproduction and long-term harvest. |
|
Biodiversity Protection |
Ensures balance in marine ecosystems by protecting predator-prey dynamics. |
|
Economic Stability |
Provides long-term livelihood security for fisherfolk by ensuring steady catches. |
|
Compliance with International Agreements |
Fulfills obligations under treaties like the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations. |
Monsoon Fishing Ban: India's TAC-equivalent practice is the annual 61-day monsoon fishing ban which serves as a de facto TAC of zero.
Purpose: Protects breeding seasons and juvenile fish, ensuring regeneration of fish stocks.
Coverage: Applies within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) up to 200 nautical miles.
|
Country/Organization |
Practice |
|
EU Common Fisheries Policy |
Sets TACs for member states in shared waters. |
|
USA (NOAA) |
Sets TACs under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. |
|
Australia & New Zealand |
Use Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) based on TACs. |
|
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) |
Sets TACs for species like the Patagonian toothfish. |
|
Challenge |
Explanation |
|
Data Deficiency |
Many regions lack reliable scientific data to estimate stock size. |
|
Non-Compliance |
Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing undermines TACs. |
|
Geopolitical Disputes |
Differing national interests often lead to disputes over quota-setting. |
|
Monitoring and Enforcement |
Difficulty in real-time surveillance in vast oceanic zones. |
|
Climate Change |
Shifts in fish migration patterns make it hard to estimate regional stock accurately. |
Enhance fish stock assessments using satellite and AI-based monitoring.
Adopt inclusive, science-based and community-informed decision-making.
Harmonize TACs through RFMOs and align national practices with global standards.
Use GPS, vessel tracking systems and e-reporting tools to ensure compliance.
Align fisheries management with blue economy goals.
Sources:
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Sustainable fisheries management is essential for ensuring food security and livelihood support in India. Discuss the role of Total Allowable Catch in this context. 150 Words. |
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