Total Allowable Catch (TAC)
Context: The total allowable catch (TAC) is a limit on the total quantity of fish that fishers can catch in a particular area.
Important Pointers:
► TAC: A scientific and policy tool used to regulate the maximum quantity of a specific fish species that can be caught within a defined time period (usually annually) to prevent overfishing.
► Purpose: Ensure sustainable fishery practices; Prevent depletion of marine resources; Promote long-term ecological balance.
► Who Sets TAC? Set by national fisheries authorities or regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs); Based on advice from marine scientists, considering fish population health and ecosystem dynamics
► Key Characteristics: Species-specific and region-specific; Time-bound (e.g., annual quotas); Divided into individual quotas for countries, fishing companies, or vessels (under systems like ITQs).
► Global Relevance: Used by countries such as USA, Canada, EU members, Australia, and New Zealand; Aligned with UNCLOS and FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
► India’s Context: India currently follows open-access fishing, but TAC-based regulations are under consideration to align with Blue Economy goals and sustainable development; National Policy on Marine Fisheries (2017) hints at future TAC-like mechanisms.