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Yellowfin tuna | 2017 – 2021 Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) can grow to more than 200 cm and weigh more than 180 kg. Pelagic, oceanic, apex predators, these majestic fish are common in tropical and sub-tropical watersof the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans. A seemingly insatiable demand for fresh (chilled), frozen and pasteurized YFT products, combined with the inability of fishing nations to evolve effective management measures resulted in the status of YFT stock(s) in the Indian Ocean being rated 'overfished' and subject to ‘overfishing’ by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission in 2021. Sri Lanka’s relatively large fleet (> 400 vessels) of small scale, multiday fishing boats (< 24 m LoA) targets yellowfin tuna using short longline(< 2,000 hooks. Big-eye tuna, swordfish, sailfish and marlin are important components of the longline YFT catch. pelagikos worked with six of Sri Lanka’s leading YFT exporters between 2017 and 2021 to improve the management of the IO YFT fishery, through the Sri Lanka longline fishery improvement project (SLL FIP). The FIP was initiated by the Seafood Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka (SEASL). Pre-assessments against the Marine Stewardship Council’s Fisheries Standard in 2019 and 2019 indicated that the big-eye tuna and swordfish fisheries would likely PASS a Full Assessment with conditions, however the yellowfin tuna fishery would likely FAIL due to the status of the stock. pelagikosis currently working with longline boat owners, skippers and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to research, develop, promote and document best practices for live release of protected species (i.e.,marine mammals, sea birds, turtles and sharks), accidentally caught in the longline fishery. The project is implemented in partnership with Blue Resources Trust (BRT) and financed by Oceans5. The bulletins below document the longline fishery’s progress to towards MSC Certification for yellowfin and big-eye tuna and swordfish
Bulletin No. 7 (E / S) Click here to download useful longline fishery references |
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