Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna
Oil on Canvas
by Melissa March


The Western and Central Pacific ocean is the Worlds largest Tuna fishery, and it is in danger of being over fished to the point of collapse.

Take heart, there are measures being taken to conserve and manage this delicate ecosystem.

Coming into effect in 2009, is a plan to reduce fishing mortality by 30% (over 3 years) on Bigeye Tuna, and to reduce the risk of overfishing yellowfin tuna, by restricting the use of purse seine fishing and the use of FADs in these sensitive areas.

This year there will be fewer days to fish the high seas, in an attempt to reduce the number of tuna caught. Sensitive areas will be closed to purse seine fishing for up to three months, and the use of FADs will be prohibited from July to September.

The use of FADs results in the mortality (in great numbers) of juvenile tuna, sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins, to name a few. It is the technique of using a float to attract sea life, creating an opportunity to net them in large numbers. The unwanted species are then discarded.

You can help the Yellowfin and Bigeye Tuna, by reading the labels on the fish you buy. To ensure that it is caught in good conscience, look to see that it was pole or troll caught.