Skipjack Tuna, Eastern Atlantic Ocean, Troll/pole and line

Eastern Atlantic Ocean skipjack tuna has been scored a moderate risk. It has been difficult to make a full stock assessment of this stock. However, assessment indicators suggest that the   current biomass is most likely above that needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (B_MSY) and fishing mortality rates are most likely below levels needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (F_MSY).

The stock was scores using the risk score was calculated using the RASS scoring guidelines data-limited approach where the moderate vulnerability score for skipjack tuna (38/100; FishBase, 2015) was weighted with a stable population trend.

The management of the skipjack tuna eastern Atlantic fishery is moderate risk. A full assessment was not feasible for this stock and the catches have exceeded the advised catch in recent years. There are no management measures in place specific to skipjack tuna but they likely obtain some protection through measures in place for other tuna species.

The bycatch in the skipjack tuna Atlantic troll and pole fishery has been scored a low risk. Bycatch and discards in troll and pole fisheries typically makes up a small proportion of the total catch (Kellher 2005). However, baitfish are often used in these fisheries. The ratio of tuna to baitfish is around 30:1 (Gillet 2012).

The habitat impact of the skipjack tuna Atlantic Ocean pelagic troll and pole fishery has been scored as low impact. This is because there is the potential for hooks to contact bottom habitats. Although in tuna fisheries, which target fish in open waters, this is a very minor concern.