Albacore tuna, Indian Ocean, Purse Seine Associated

Albacore tuna in the Indian ocean have been scored a low risk. The current spawning and total biomass are considered to be at or near levels necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield The population is therefore not overfished. Fishing mortality appears to be below MSY levels, although there is some uncertainty in this with some models indicating catches have exceeded MSY in recent years. Overfishing is therefore not currently occurring. 

We have awarded a low concern risk and not very low because if current fishing effort is maintained or increased, biomass will decline.   

The management of albacore tuna in the Indian Ocean has been scored a high risk. There are few management measures in place for albacore tuna in the Indian Ocean. Recent scientific advice suggests maintaining or increasing current fishing pressure will result in a decrease in albacore biomass. The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, in charge of management of albacore in the Indian Ocean, has yet to act on this advice. We have awarded a high risk score to account for this. 

The bycatch in the albacore tuna Indian Ocean purse seine (associated) fishery has been scored a high risk. This is because purse seine sets made on floating objects and fish aggregating devices (FADs) have the potential to capture billfish, elasmobranchs, sea turtles and other bony fish.

The seabed effects of the fishery are scored a very low risk. This is because purse seine’s fish at the surface and do not come in contact with bottom habitats.