Bigeye Tuna, Indian Ocean, Purse seine - FAD associated

Indian Ocean bigeye tuna has been scored a very low risk. This is because the stock biomass is well above levels necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield and fishing mortality rates are sustainable.

The management of the bigeye tuna Indian Ocean purse seine fisheries is a moderate risk. There are some management measures in place and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) has taken measures to improve monitoring of vessels fishing in the IOTC are of competence, but compliance with these measures continues to be an issue for some countries.

The bycatch in the bigeye 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 habitat impact of the bigeye tuna Indian Ocean purse seine fishery has been scored as no impact. This is because purse seines that target tuna fish at the surface and do not come in contact with bottom habitats.