NOAA Finds Endangered Species Listing for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Not Warranted
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WASHINGTON - May 27, 2011 - After an extensive scientific review, NOAA announced today that Atlantic
bluefin tuna currently do not warrant species protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The American Bluefin Tuna Association (ABTA) praised NOAA's decision to reject the petition by the
Center for Biological Diversity to list Atlantic Bluefin Tuna as endangered or threatened under the U.S.
Endangered Species Act. ABTA Executive Director Rich Ruais said "this wise decision by NOAA today to
stay the course with ICCAT conservation efforts is a huge victory for long term effective conservation of
Atlantic bluefin tuna and for the tens of thousands of American recreational and commercial fishermen
dependent upon or enjoying recreational fishing for this majestic fish."
Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank responded to the NOAA announcement stating ""I welcome
this announcement by NOAA that I and several other members requested, and I hope that this decision is
sign of NOAA's recognition that good science and good economics are fully compatible,"
Maine Senator Olympia Snowe stated ""I am pleased NOAA has made the right, scientifically sound
decision with regards to bluefin tuna. Listing the bluefin as threatened or endangered would have
jeopardized the livelihood of Maine's bluefin tuna fishermen. Additionally, such a listing would have
unilaterally penalized U.S. fishermen, particularly the hard-working, responsible fishermen of Maine, who
have been properly managing this valuable resource. For years, U.S. fishermen have led the world in
efforts to conserve highly migratory fish stocks and this decision reaffirms their commitment to re-build
these stocks. I commend and thank NOAA Administrator, Dr. Lubchenco for following this course of action."
The following is from NOAA's press release:
NOAA has committed to revisit this decision by early 2013, when more information will be available about
the effects of the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill, as well as a new stock assessment from the scientific arm
of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, the international body charged with
the fish's management and conservation.
NOAA is formally designating both the western Atlantic and eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean stocks of
bluefin tuna as "species of concern" under the Endangered Species Act. This places the species on a
watchlist for concerns about its status and threats to the species.
"NOAA is concerned about the status of bluefin tuna, including the potential effects of the Deepwater
Horizon BP oil spill on the western stock of Atlantic bluefin, which spawns in the Gulf of Mexico," said Jane
Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.
"We will revisit the status of the species in early 2013 when we will have a new stock assessment and
information from the Natural Resource Damage Assessment of the oil spill. We will also take action in the
interim if new information indicates the need for greater protection."
NOAA's status review, released with today's decision and peer-reviewed by The Center for Independent
Experts, indicates that based on the best available information and assuming countries comply with the
bluefin tuna fishing quotas established by ICCAT, both the western and eastern Atlantic stocks are not likely
to become extinct.
The status review team also looked at the best available information on the potential effects of the 2010
Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill on the future abundance of the western stock of bluefin tuna and found that it
did not substantially alter the results of the extinction risk analysis. While the NOAA team found that the
presently available information did not favor listing, it also recognized the need to continue to monitor the
potential long-term effects of the spill on bluefin tuna and the overall ecosystem. New scientific information
is expected in a 2012 bluefin tuna stock assessment and as part of the Natural Resources Damage
Assessment of the Deepwater Horizon BP oil spill.
"Based on careful scientific review, we have decided the best way to ensure the long- term sustainability of
bluefin tuna is through international cooperation and strong domestic fishery management," said Eric
Schwaab, assistant NOAA administrator for NOAA's Fisheries Service. "The United States will continue to
be a leader in advocating science-based quotas at ICCAT, full compliance with these quotas and other
management measures to ensure the long- term viability of this and other important fish stocks."
NOAA conducted the status review of Atlantic bluefin after determining on Sept. 21, 2010, that a petition for
listing under the ESA from a national environmental organization warranted a scientific status review.
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Read the status review report on Atlantic bluefin tuna,
the federal register notice and other information on bluefin tuna
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