FREE AND OPEN TO ALL. Presented by The Ocean Foundation. Regional Fishery Management Organizations (RFMOs) manage some of the world’s most valuable fisheries, yet the seafood markets that make up the consumer end of the supply chain rarely participate in their management decisions. Market actors can play a critical role in RFMO management by advocating for policies like harvest strategies, which promote long-term sustainability for the fisheries that supply global markets. Currently, only 10 of the 23 RFMO managed commercially important tuna stocks are managed by a harvest strategy, leaving 13 stocks unprotected, including some of the world’s largest tuna stocks. 2028 represents a key milestone and opportunity for markets to engage with RFMOs and protect these remaining tuna stocks, as nearly all of them have harvest strategies up for adoption over the next few years. By directly engaging with RFMO decision makers, market actors can help these policies get across the finish line. This panel will bring together harvest strategy, market, and RFMO experts to discuss the ways in which market voices can advocate for tuna harvest strategies and become a vital part of future international fisheries management. Food and drink will be provided.
