Albacore tuna, North Atlantic, Pelagic longline

Albacore in the North Atlantic has been scored a low risk. The spawning stock biomass (SSB) has recovered to levels above the level associated with maximum sustainable yield  B_MSY. Current fishing mortality rates (F₂₀₁₄) are 54% of those needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (F_MSY). Therefore the population is not considered overfished and overfishing is not occurring. We have awarded a low risk because the biomass has recovered and fishing mortality rates are sustainable.  

The management of North Atlantic albacore has been scored a low risk. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT), in charge of management of albacore in the North Atlantic, has adopted a scientifically based total allowable catch. Catches have remained well below the TAC for most years and this has likely aided in the rebuilding of this species. In 2017, ICCAT adopted an interim harvest control rule for albacore in the North Atlantic. 

The bycatch in the albacore tuna pelagic longline fishery operating in the North Atlantic Ocean has been scored a moderate risk. This is because longline fisheries operating in the North Atlantic Ocean incidentally capture many other species, including sea birds, sea turtles and elasmobranchs.

The habitat impact of the albacore tuna North Atlantic Ocean pelagic longline fishery has been scored as no impact. This is because pelagic longline gears fish at the surface and do not come in contact with bottom habitats.