Albacore Tuna, South Atlantic, Pelagic Longline

Albacore in the South Atlantic has been scored a low risk. The current biomass is above sustainable levels associated with maximum sustainable yield and fishing mortality levels are below sustainable levels associated with maximum sustainable yield. 

The results indicate, with a high degree of probability, that albacore tuna in the South Atlantic are neither overfished nor undergoing overfishing.

The management of South Atlantic albacore has been scored a moderate risk. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT), the relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organisation, has adopted a scientifically based total allowable catch (TAC). Catches have remained below the TAC but not all countries comply with the regulations. We have awarded a moderate concern score because there remains uncertainty around their status and the effects of different catch limits on their ability to rebuild the stock. 

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

The habitat impact of the albacore tuna South 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.