20th Regular Session of the Scientific Committee

In response to concerns raised by an Observer delegation at WCPFC20 on the potential impacts of deep-sea mining on tuna fisheries, the Secretariat contacted the International Seabed Authority to gather information on the ISA’s activities that overlap with the WCPFC Convention Area. 

The IATTC’s 1st Working Group on Ecosystem and Bycatch held in May 2023 provided the following three recommendations to the Scientific Advisory Committee, which were endorsed by the 14th SAC meeting and recommended to the Commission. Also refer to IATTC brief: Potential Interactions between Deep-Sea Mining and Tuna Fisheries:

• Be attentive to, and monitor the development of mining in the international seabed area in terms of its potential effects on the ocean ecosystem and populations of tuna and tuna-like species; 

• Participate, as appropriate, in the process of discussions on the subject within the framework of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), as an observer and/or through appropriate collaborative mechanisms; 

• Collaborate, in a manner consistent with its mandate, work program, and the financial, human, and material resources at its disposal, in research on the potential effects of mining in the international seabed area among others on the ocean ecosystem and populations of tuna and tuna-like species.

As this is a new issue, SC20 will consider issues related to deep-sea mining impacts on WCPFC fisheries and provide any advice as needed to the Commission.