Maria Damanaki

Keynote, 18/1/16 @ 0900 hrs

This keynote will discuss the current state of bluefin tuna and offer a suggested approach for reversing the disastrous decline of the world’s most sought after commodity. Drawing on her expertise and experience as the EU commissioner of Maritime and Fisheries, Ms. Damanaki offers a story of hope, but a hope that is grounded in reality.  In order to change the dangerous trajectory of the global decline of bluefin, we must focus on the following:  global governance, state of the art technology, and public opinion. Presenting a blueprint for action based on her work in the Mediterranean, Maria Damanaki will offer examples of international cooperation, bilateral and trilateral initiatives, clear enforcement and control, and why a strong education campaign will be critically important to a successful effort. A decade after the establishment of the Bluefin Tuna Recovery Plan and the implementation of a variety of governance mechanisms, the situation in the Mediterranean has been somewhat improved. But there is much work still to be done: establishment of further monitoring and controlling mechanisms against IUU bluefin tuna fishing as well as stricter regulations against bluefin tuna overfishing in the eastern Atlantic and broader Mediterranean.  In addition, we must address the need for a stricter framework for non-compliance with regulations and the need for strengthening ICCAT regulations in order to address the current challenges.

Contact:  M. Damanaki, Former European Union Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and Global Managing Director for Oceans, The Nature Conservancy, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.