Shutterstock
Commercial tuna fisheries contribute more than $40 billion to the global economy annually and hold such enormous cultural and ecological significance that the United Nations has designated May 2 as World Tuna Day. Sustainable, well-managed tuna fisheries with transparent and accurate assessments of catch, fishing effort, and compliance can help preserve and build on the enormous value the fish generate globally.
Unfortunately, the past 14 months have been a difficult time for gathering fisheries data because, to stem the spread of coronavirus, many regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) suspended requirements that observers be on board fishing and carrier vessels. This necessary health and safety choice has led to a significant reduction in the independent catch information that fishery managers need to ensure sustainable fishing, safeguard vulnerable wildlife, and preserve marine ecosystems.