Description

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Context

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.

Details

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.

Importance of TAC in Fisheries Management

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.

TAC in Practice

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.

East Coast: April 15 – June 14
West Coast: June 1 – July 31

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.

Global Perspective on TAC

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.

Challenges in Implementing TAC

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.

Way Forward

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:

HINDU

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.