Total Allowable Catch (TAC)

Total Allowable Catch (TAC) Latest News

A recent dispute involving the US and Russia highlighted the geopolitical and environmental implications of TAC enforcement.

What is Total Allowable Catch (TAC) ?

• Total Allowable Catch (TAC) refers to the maximum quantity of a particular fish species that can be legally harvested from a specific water body, such as oceans, seas, or lakes, within a defined period.
• It is a regulatory measure adopted by national governments and international fisheries management agencies to ensure the sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

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Why is TAC Important?

• TAC ensures the long-term sustainability of fish stocks by maintaining a minimum viable population size that can replenish naturally each year.
• In the absence of TAC, overfishing can occur, depleting fish populations to the extent that they are unable to recover, thus threatening marine biodiversity, ecosystem balance, and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
• It acts as a scientific tool for preventing resource collapse, especially in commercially valuable species.

Indian Context

• India implements a seasonal fishing ban, which functions as a TAC equivalent of zero for a specified duration to conserve fish stocks during the breeding season.
• The ban is enforced in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for 61 days annually:
  • East Coast: From April 15 to June 14
  • West Coast: From June 1 to July 31
• This restriction aims to protect spawning fish and support regeneration of marine life during peak monsoon when fish reproduce in large numbers.

Total Allowable Catch (TAC) FAQs

Q1. What does Total Allowable Catch (TAC) mean?
Ans. TAC is the maximum quantity of a specific fish species that can be legally caught in a given period to prevent overfishing.

Q2. Who sets TAC limits?
Ans. TAC is determined by national fisheries authorities or international bodies like FAO or Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs).

Q3. How does TAC help marine ecosystems?
Ans. TAC prevents overexploitation of fish stocks, supporting marine biodiversity and long-term sustainability.

Source: TH