Updated: November 16, 2009

2009 U.S. Longline Bigeye Catch to Date and Future Catch Forecast

Note: there is currently no catch limit.
A catch limit will be in effect only if and when NMFS issues a final rule.

• Click here for the catch and forecast.

In calculating the current and forecasted catch, we used logbook catch data provided by Hawaii 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 monthly average weight of the bigeye tuna landed in Honolulu in January-September 2009, based on an analysis of 2009 longline landings from the Convention Area. Previous estimates were based on long-term, pre-2009 average weights. The catch forecast is still 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 limit of 3,763 metric tons of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) that may be caught and retained by U.S. longline vessels in the western and central Pacific. Certain catches would not be counted against the limit; see the proposed rule for details. The proposed rule and supporting documents are available from the PIRO International Fisheries Program.

The proposed limit would satisfy United States obligations as a Contracting Party to the Convention on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (Convention) and a Member of the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC).

For details of the WCPFC decision that established the obligation of the United States to implement the bigeye tuna limit, see WCPFC Conservation and Management Measure 2008-01, Conservation and Management Measure for Bigeye and Yellowfin Tuna in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.

Background on the Convention and the WCPFC is available from the WCPFC.

The Convention Area

The Convention Area (see map) comprises the majority of the western and central Pacific Ocean. In the North Pacific, the eastern boundary is at 150° W. longitude. See the proposed rule for a complete description of the Convention Area.

Historical catch

For comparison, the amounts of bigeye tuna caught and kept over each of the last four years are shown in the second graph, below.