The objective of the agreement is to implement a multilateral programme for the protection of dolphins; to progressively reduce incidental dolphin mortalities in tuna fishery and, to this end, seek ecologically sound means of catching tuna while sparing dolphins; to ensure the long-term sustainability of tuna stocks and marine resources in the relevant areas. These objectives are pursued through the IATTC, which has the coordinating role under the Agreement. The contracting parties are Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, the European Union, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the US, Vanuatu, and Venezuela.