Final answer:
The false statement is that the line was established to protect eastern populations of bluefin tuna, while it was actually intended for western populations. The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Recovery Zone is based on scientific research, and the line has contributed to the recovery of the western populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Recovery Zone was indeed established with the intent of allowing western populations of bluefin tuna to recover from overfishing. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is an intergovernmental organization that has worked to address the overfishing of tuna in international waters but struggled with enforcement in its early years. The concept of a recovery zone is based on scientific research and data, aiming to manage and conserve the population of bluefin tuna effectively.
The statement that is false among the options provided is 2) 'The line was established to protect the eastern populations of bluefin tuna.' The main focus was on the recovery of the western populations, as indicated by the context provided about the decline of Atlantic bluefin tuna populations and the resulting conservation efforts.
The line has contributed to some recovery success, as strictly enforced catch quotas have helped to prevent further decline in the bluefin tuna population. However, the success of such measures often depends on international cooperation and effective enforcement against illegal fishing activities.