Japan and Mexico reached an agreement Tuesday to increase the catch quota for large Pacific bluefin tuna by 25% [1].

The deal ensures greater availability of the high-value fish for Japanese fisheries and markets, resolving a diplomatic deadlock that had previously stalled international negotiations.

The agreement was finalized during an online session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) on Aug. 18 [1]. Under the new terms, the total quota for large Pacific bluefin tuna in the Western and Central Pacific will rise to 14,836 tonnes [1].

The resolution follows a period of tension between the two nations. An earlier international conference, which concluded on July 14, failed to reach a consensus because Mexico opposed the increase [2].

Japan secured Mexico's support by presenting a detailed new calculation formula for the allocation of the quota [2]. This technical explanation persuaded the Mexican government to reverse its previous opposition.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ken'ichi Suzuki said the quota for large bluefin tuna in the Western and Central Pacific, including Japan, will increase by 25% to 14,836 tonnes [1].

Despite the final agreement, some Japanese officials expressed frustration over the initial delays. Fisheries Agency Councilor Takashi Fukuda said he felt strong indignation that the situation reached a point where an agreement could not be made due to the unreasonable response of one country [1].

Negotiations involved a combination of online sessions and in-person talks held in Mexico to align the two governments on the new mathematical approach to fish populations [2].

“The catch limit for large Pacific bluefin tuna will increase by 25%.”

This agreement reflects the critical role of technical data in international maritime diplomacy. By shifting the debate from political quotas to a new mathematical calculation formula, Japan was able to bypass a diplomatic stalemate. The increase in the quota suggests a growing confidence in the recovery of Pacific bluefin tuna stocks, allowing for higher commercial yields while attempting to maintain sustainable population levels.