The Catch of Tropical Tunafish in the Ocean Atlantic (OA).

 

About 11 percent of the world’s tuna production comes from Atlantic Ocean (AO) stocks–FAO Major Fishing Areas 21, 27, 31, 34, 41 and 47. Catches of skipjack tuna, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, albacore tuna and bluefin tuna in 2023 totaled 544 700 tonnes, a 9 percent decrease from 2022 levels. The total catch has generally declined since the mid-1990s, followed by an upward trend since 2009 (FIGURE E.1.13). The catch of tropical tunas (bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna and skipjack) in the AO initially steadily increased by approximately 100 000 tonnes per decade, reaching 100 000 tonnes in 1963, 200 000 tonnes in 1971, and 300 000 tonnes in 1980. It then quickly rose to 0.4 million tonnes by 1982, before reaching 500 000 tonnes in 1994. Total catches declined to 300 000 tonnes in 2006 but then began increasing again, reaching a historical high of 520 000 tonnes in 2018. Since then, catches have fluctuated between 400 000 tonnes and 500 000 tonnes (FIGURE E.1.13). Catches of temperate tunas (albacore and bluefin tuna) also steadily increased from 1950, reaching 130 000 tonnes by 1964. However, they then fluctuated between 80 000 and 125 000 tonnes until 2007 when they began to decline, reaching a historic low of 54 000 tonnes in 2010 and a second low of 57 650 tonnes in 2014. Since then, catches have recovered, primarily due to the resurgence of bluefin tuna and the healthy status of North Atlantic albacore tuna. Recent catches are around 95 000 tonnes (FIGURE E.1.13). The average tuna catch over the last five years (2019–2023) was 551 010 tonnes. During this period, skipjack tuna accounted for 47 percent of the total catch by weight, followed by yellowfin tuna (25 percent), bigeye tuna (11 percent), albacore tuna (10 percent) and bluefin tuna (7 percent). Purse-seine vessels were responsible for 63 percent of the total catch, followed by longline (15 percent), pole-and-line (11 percent) and other fishing methods (11 percent). Skipjack tuna catches have continuously increased to peak at 300 000 tonnes in 2018, the highest on record, and have fluctuated between 230 000 and 290 000 million tonnes since then. Meanwhile, the yellowfin tuna catch reached its highest level in 1990, totaling about 200 000 tonnes, but then showed a decreasing trend until 2013, when it dropped to 130 000 tonnes. Since then, catches have increased, reaching 0.15 million tonnes in 2022 (FIGURE E.1.13). Similarly, bigeye tuna catches followed a continuous upward trend until 1994, when they peaked at 135 000 tonnes. Since then, they have declined, with recent catches ranging between 50 000 and 60 000 tonnes over the past four years. Atlantic bluefin tuna catches have also shown a continuous increasing trend, reaching a record high of 62 000 tonnes in 2007 before declining sharply to just 10 000 tonnes by 2011, when their populations were considered unsustainable. However, due to a recovery plan, bluefin tuna stocks have rebounded, and catches increased again to 40 000 tonnes in 2023. Albacore tuna catches peaked at 92 000 tonnes in 1964 and have since fluctuated between 53 000 and 85 000 tonnes until 2006, after which they declined to 40 000 tonnes in 2010. Since then, catches have increased, and current levels are around 53 000–59 000 tonnes.

 Atlantic bigeye tuna catches in 2023 were about 61 300 tonnes, a 2 percent decrease from 2022. Catches by longline, the main fishing gear (50 percent of the catch), declined sharply between 1999 and 2006, but they have declined more slowly during the last few years. Purse-seine and pole-and-line vessels account for about 31 percent and 10 percent of the catches, respectively (FIGURE E.1.14).

 YELLOWFIN TUNA Yellowfin tuna catches in 2023 were about 139 500 tonnes, a 6 percent decrease from 2022. The main fishing gear is purse seining (about 68 percent of the catch) (FIGURE E.1.14). Purse-seine catches showed a general decrease since the early 1990s but started growing again after 2007. About 13 percent of the catch is made by longlining and 5 percent by pole-and-line vessels.

  EASTERN SKIPJACK TUNA Skipjack tuna catches in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean in 2023 were about 219 900 tonnes, an 18 percent decrease from 2022. Purse seine (89 percent) and pole-and-line (7 percent) dominate the catches (FIGURE E.1.14). The purse-seine catches had been decreasing from the early 1990s to 2009, but have increased substantially since then, reaching a peak in 2018 and again in 2022. Catches by other gears have remained stable. 

WESTERN SKIPJACK TUNA Skipjack tuna catches in the Western Atlantic Ocean in 2023 were about 29 600 tonnes, a 37 percent increase from 2022. Pole-and-line fishing dominates the catches (69 percent), followed by purse seining (8 percent) (FIGURE E.1.14). Pole-and-line catch levels remained relatively stable between the mid-1980s and the early 2010s, but have been much lower in recent years after a sharp decline in the 2014–2015 period. 

NORTH ATLANTIC ALBACORE TUNA Albacore tuna catches in the North Atlantic in 2023 were about 28 200 tonnes, an 11 percent decrease from 2022 catch levels. Catches are made by a variety of fishing gears, including pole-and-line (38 percent), trawl (27 percent), troll (19 percent) and longline (16 percent) (FIGURE E.1.14).

SOUTH ATLANTIC ALBACORE TUNA Albacore tuna catches in the South Atlantic in 2023 were about 22 100 tonnes (FIGURE E.1.14), a 6 percent decrease from 2022. Catches are made primarily by longline (78 percent) and pole-and-line (21 percent). 

MEDITERRANEAN ALBACORE TUNA Albacore tuna catches in the Mediterranean in 2023 were about 2 300 tonnes, similar to 2022 levels. Catches are highly variable and are made primarily by longline (95 percent), with the remainder by other surface gears (FIGURE E.1.14).

EASTERN ATLANTIC AND MEDITERRANEAN BLUEFIN TUNA Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna catches were subject to a high degree of misreporting from the mid-1990s until the recent past. However, in recent years, misreporting is thought to have diminished considerably. In 2023, reported catches were about 39 200 tonnes (FIGURE E.1.14), a 12 percent increase from 2022. Purse seiners take 62 percent of the catch, followed by traps (16 percent), longlines (15 percent), and a variety of surface gears including pole-and-line, handlines and trolling. 

WESTERN BLUEFIN TUNA Western Atlantic bluefin tuna catches in 2023 were about 2 600 tonnes, a 5 percent decrease from 2022. Sport gears (handline, rod-and-reel) take 61 percent of the catch, followed by longlines (32 percent) and other surface gears. Purse-seine catches in recent years have been very minor (FIGURE E.1.14)

BIGEYE TUNA The last (2021) assessment conducted by the ICCAT Standing Committee on Research and Statistics (SCRS) gave more optimistic results than the 2018 assessment (ICCAT, 2024). The SCRS indicated that while uncertainty on natural mortality was included in the grid, but the uncertainty related to the longline index was not incorporated in the advice, as it derived a more pessimistic stock status, which SCRS deemed unrealistic. Based on combining several model-data scenarios, the stock is estimated to be overfished, but overfishing is not occurring (TABLE E.1.4 and FIGURE E.1.15). Y

ELLOWFIN TUNA The most recent full assessment of yellowfin tuna was carried out in 2024 using an age-structured model framework applied to the available data through 2022 (ICCAT, 2024). These results were more optimistic than those of the 2019 assessment and indicated that the stock is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. The estimate of MSY is 121 661 tonnes, lower than in previous decades because the overall fishery selectivity has shifted towards smaller yellowfin, mainly through fishing on FADs. The current catch (139 500 tonnes) is above MSY and the adopted catch limit (110 000 tonnes); if this catch trend continues, overfishing might occur. 

EASTERN ATLANTIC SKIPJACK TUNA The stock was last assessed in 2022, using data up to 2020 and two different model platforms (ICCAT, 2024). The combined results of both assessment models, based on the median of an uncertainty grid with 18 scenarios in each model, show that the stock is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. 

WESTERN ATLANTIC SKIPJACK TUNA The stock was last assessed in 2022, using data up to 2020 (ICCAT, 2024). Stock status was estimated by combining the results of the nine scenarios in the uncertainty grid. It is estimated that the stock is not overfished, and overfishing is not occurring.

 NORTH ATLANTIC ALBACORE TUNA The most recent assessment for the North Atlantic albacore tuna stock was conducted in 2023 using data up to 2021 (ICCAT, 2024). The results indicated that the stock is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. 

SOUTH ATLANTIC ALBACORE TUNA The most recent assessment for the South Atlantic stock of albacore tuna was conducted in 2020, including data until 2018 (ICCAT, 2024). The results were more optimistic than those in the previous assessment and the new stock assessment indicated that the stock is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring

CATCHES IN MILLION TONNES (MT) OF BIGEYE, YELLOWFIN, EASTERN ATLANTIC SKIPJACK, WESTERN ATLANTIC SKIPJACK, NORTH ATLANTIC ALBACORE, SOUTH ATLANTIC ALBACORE, MEDITERRANEAN ALBACORE, WESTERN ATLANTIC BLUEFIN, AND EASTERN AND MEDITERRANEAN BLUEFIN TUNA IN THE ICCAT REGION BY GEAR TYPE FROM 1950 TO 2023

MEDITERRANEAN ALBACORE TUNA The Mediterranean albacore tuna stock was last assessed in 2024 using data up to 2022, but there is considerable uncertainty about the accuracy of reported catches, and the available indices of abundance show a limited ability to monitor stock trends. In particular, uncertainty related to the larval survey index made the SCRS consider two different stock status scenarios. Based on the most pessimistic scenario, which was used to provide the catch management advice, the stock is considered to be overfished and overfishing is occurring. 

EASTERN ATLANTIC AND MEDITERRANEAN BLUEFIN TUNA There is considerable uncertainty about its level of abundance. The last assessment in 2022 indicated that, although the current ratio of spawning biomass SSB/SSBMSY is unknown, overfishing is not occurring. Catches were reduced by over 70 percent in the years following 2007 due to strict limits and controls, but they have been progressively increasing in recent years as the stock has recovered. Catches are now ~50 percent less than the 2007 level. The existing TAC and strict controls have helped end overfishing. 

WESTERN ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA The last stock assessment in 2021 (ICCAT, 2024) indicated that while the current ratio of spawning biomass SSB/SSBMSY is unknown, overfishing is not taking place. The estimate of MSY is unknow

BIGEYE/YELLOWFIN AND EASTERN ATLANTIC SKIPJACK TUNA No management procedure has been adopted, however, ICCAT has started a process for developing a multiespecies management strategy evaluation for the three tropical tuna species. Interim operational management objectives are not yet defined, but have been suggested for consideration when developing a management procedure for these species (ICCATRes 24-02). 

WESTERN ATLANTIC SKIPJACK TUNA In 2024, ICCAT adopted candidate management procedures for Western Atlantic skipjack tuna to achieve agreed management objectives. It tasked the SCRS with testing these candidate procedures, allowing the Commission to adopt the final management procedures in 2025 to set the TAC for the 2026–2028 period.

NORTH ATLANTIC ALBACORE TUNA

The stock is managed through a full management procedure (including a harvest control rule) described in ICCAT Rec 21-04 to support the management objectives for North Atlantic albacore tuna, which have been set by ICCAT to maintain the stock in the green quadrant of the Kobe plot (SSB>SSBMSY and F<FMSY) with at least 60 percent probability.

SOUTH ATLANTIC ALBACORE TUNA

Management procedures are not currently used, but initial operational management objectives have been recommended for consideration when developing a management procedure (ICCATRes 24-09).

MEDITERRANEAN ALBACORE

Management procedures are not currently used.

EASTERN ATLANTIC AND MEDITERRANEAN BLUEFIN TUNA, AND WESTERN

ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA Both of these bluefin tuna stocks–the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, and the Western Atlantic–are managed through a management procedure described in ICCAT Rec 23-07 with the objective to have a 60 percent or greater probability of occurring in

the green quadrant of the Kobe plot (no overfishing occurring and not overfished); to have 15 percent or smaller probability of stock falling below BLIM; to maximize overall catch levels; and to limit any change in TAC between consecutive management periods in both the western and eastern management areas to no more than a 20 percent increase or a 35 percent decrease.

TROPICAL TUNAS The main binding conservation measure for bigeye, yellowfin and skipjack tuna established by the ICCAT is Recommendation 24-01. This multi-annual management plan for tropical tunas for 2025–2027 calls for: 

„ A TAC of 73 011 tonnes in 2025 for bigeye tuna, with catch limits established for members; for the 2026–2027 period the TAC will be maintained provided the 2025 stock assessment indicates a 65 percent or larger probability of the stock being in the green zone in 2034.

 „ An overall TAC of 110 000 tonnes for yellowfin tuna (unallocated by country) for the 2025–2027 period. 

„ A 45-day closure (17 March to 30 April) in 2025 for purse-seine and baitboat (pole-and-line) vessels fishing on floating objects (including their support vessels’ activities) on the high seas and EEZs. In addition, a prohibition on deploying drifting FADs during the 15 days prior to the closure. 

„ Observer coverage (human or electronic) of 100 percent for purse-seine vessels and 10 percent for large longline vessels. 

„ A limit of 300 FADs with operational buoys at any one time per vessel in 2025, which will be reduced to 288 FADs in 2026–2027. 

„ Fully non-entangling FADs constructed without netting. 

„ A phased transition to biodegradable FADs aiming for 100 percent biodegradable FADs (excluding the FAD tracking buoy) by 2028. Additionally, ICCAT Recommendation 17-01 establishes a ban on discards of bigeye, skipjack and yellowfin tuna by purse-seine vessels.

NORTH ATLANTIC ALBACORE TUNA In 2023, as a result of applying the management procedure, an annual TAC of 47 251 tonnes was established for 2024–2026 (ICCATRec 23-05). The TAC for 2024–2026 represents a 25 percent increase with respect to the previous TAC in the 2021–23 period and is above the MSY estimate for this stock (42 000 tonnes) because the current biomass is well above BMSY. The management procedure will be applied again in 2026. Additionally, the multi-annual management programme established by ICCAT for North Atlantic albacore tuna calls for a limit on the number of vessels from each member targeting North Atlantic albacore tuna to its average level of the 1993–1995 period. 

EASTERN ATLANTIC AND MEDITERRANEAN BLUEFIN TUNA The Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna stock has been subject to a rebuilding programme since 2006 (ICCAT Rec. 06-05). In 2022, ICCAT (Rec. 22-08, which was amended by Rec. 24-05), moved from that rebuilding plan to a management plan. And in 2023 ICCAT adopted a management procedure for the stock (ICCAT Rec. 23-07). The management plan set up in Rec. 24-05 is very comprehensive and combines multiple conservation and compliance elements. Using the results of the management procedure, the annual TAC for the 2023–2025 period is set at 40 570 tonnes. In addition to the TACs, the plan includes the following measures, among others:

Manages fishing capacity and farming capacity. 

„ Establishes closed fishing seasons for large-scale longliners (seven months closed season) and purse seiners (11 month closed season), and requires contracting parties or cooperating non-contracting parties (CPCs) to provide information on closed fishing seasons for other vessel types in their annual fishing plans.

„ Sets minimum sizes of 8 kg and 30 kg (75 cm and 115 cm, respectively), depending on the fishery.

„ Introduces bycatch limits on bluefin tuna. 

„ Establishes records of authorized fishing vessels, authorized traps and authorized farming facilities. „ Requires that CPCs establish annual farming management plans. 

„ Establishes provision for recreational and sport fisheries, requiring CPCs to regulate those fisheries. „ Establishes an observer programme with 100 percent coverage for purse seiners, for transfers to cages and operations in tuna farms, for operations from traps, and of towing vessels. 

„ Establishes an observer programme with 20 percent coverage for active pelagic trawlers, longline vessels and baitboats (all over 15 m). The multiple amendments made to the management plan since 2006 have resulted in increasingly tighter controls of the actual catches. Combined with lower quotas, fishing mortality rates have been reduced substantially

WESTERN ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA Western Atlantic bluefin tuna has been the subject of a rebuilding programme since 1998, which has been amended every other year since 2002. Recommendation 2022-10 sets up a conservation and management plan starting in 2023, that includes the establishment of TACs based on the application of the bluefin tuna management procedure (Rec. 23-07). The annual TAC set for the 2023–2025 period is 2 726 tonnes, allocated by country in Rec. 2022-10. This conservation and management plan also includes a 30-kg minimum size and the prohibition of directed fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico (the only known spawning area for the stock).