Updated: November 16, 2009
2009 U.S. Longline Bigeye Tuna Catch to Date
Note: there is currently no quota.
A quota will be in effect only if and when NMFS issues a final rule.
- Current estimated catch by vessels greater than 24 m in length:
143 metric tons
In calculating the estimated catch, we used logbook catch data provided by relevant U.S. longline vessels to NMFS so far this year. These data do not include fishing activity for which logbooks have not yet been received and compiled by NMFS (for example, fishing trips still underway or just completed). Logbook data on the number of bigeye tuna kept were converted to estimates of catch in metric tons using information on the long-term average weight of the bigeye tuna caught in the IATTC Convention Area and landed in Hawaii or California in previous years. The catch forecast is based on the average rates of catch by month during the previous four years. The forecast is uncertain because actual values of future fishing effort, catch rates, and average fish sizes could deviate from the values used in the forecast
Background
NMFS is proposing a quota of 500 metric tons (mt) of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) that may be caught in the eastern Pacific and retained by U.S. longline vessels greater than 24 meters (78.7 feet) in length. The proposed rule and supporting documents are available from the NMFS Southwest Region.
The proposed quota would satisfy United States obligations as a Contracting Party to the 1949 Convention for the Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical Tuna (Convention) and as a Member of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). For details of the IATTC decision that established the obligation of the United States to implement the bigeye tuna limit, see IATTC Resolution C-09-01, Tuna Conservation 2009-2011.
Background on the Convention and the IATTC is available here
Convention Area
The IATTC Convention Area (see map) includes waters bounded by the coast of the Americas, the 50 ° N. and 50 ° S. parallels, and the 150 ° W. meridian
Authority: 50 CFR 300.25
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