Lisbon, Portugal, 4 September 2026. The 104th Meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) was held at the EPIC SANA Lisboa Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal, from 31 August to 4 September 2026. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Andrés Arens Hidalgo of Ecuador, with IATTC Director Dr. Arnulfo Franco, Senior Policy Advisor Jean-François Pulvenis de Séligny, and Coordinator of Scientific Research Dr. Alexandre Aires-da-Silva assisting the meeting. Dr. SungKwon Soh, WCPFC Science Manager, represented the WCPFC Secretariat at the meeting.
During the introduction of delegations, Dr. Soh expressed appreciation to the IATTC for the invitation and to Portugal for its warm hospitality. He also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation and support for activities of mutual interest across the Pacific.
A total of 39 proposals were submitted by Canada, Colombia, the European Union, China, Ecuador, the United States, Korea, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
The IATTC Secretariat presented an overview of the 2025 Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) fisheries, recommendations from the 17th Scientific Advisory Committee, and staff recommendations covering tuna and non-target species, fish aggregating devices (FADs), data reporting, electronic monitoring, the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM), seabirds, and other matters.
Most plenary discussions, including closed sessions, focused on consideration of the 39 proposals and the 2027 budget. The two proposals concerning Pacific bluefin tuna were adopted first, followed by seven additional proposals. In total, the Commission adopted eight resolutions and one recommendation.
The Commission also approved a total budget of USD 8,975,974. Chile and Costa Rica both offered to host the 105th Meeting of the IATTC, which is expected to take place during the first week of September 2027. The current Chair, Mr. Andrés Arens Hidalgo, will continue in the role next year.