Skipjack Tuna, Indian Ocean, Pelagic longline
- Content last updated
- 02 July 2019
- Stock
- Indian Ocean
- Management
- IOTC
- Stock Status
-
Very low risk
- Management
-
Low risk
- Bycatch
-
High risk
- Habitat
-
Very low risk
Stock status
Indian Ocean skipjack 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.
Management
The management of skipjack tuna has been scored a low risk. The IOTC has adopted formal target reference points and adopted a harvest control rule for skipjack tuna. Scientific advice indicates current management measures are sufficient.
Bycatch
The bycatch in the skipjack tuna pelagic longline fishery operating in the Indian Ocean has been scored a high risk. This is because longline fisheries operating in the Indian Ocean incidentally capture many other species, including sea birds, sea turtles and elasmobranchs.
Habitat
The habitat impact of the skipjack tuna Indian Ocean pelagic longline fishery 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.