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Fish aggregation devices for Pacific islands tuna fishery

Tuna Fishing in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean is a lucrative industry worth billions of dollars annually.

The tuna industry is worth $15 billion annually, with the majority of the catch being sold to Japan and China.

The Western and Central Pacific: A Hotspot for Tuna Fishing

The Western and Central Pacific Ocean is a vast and largely unexplored region, covering over 20 million square kilometers. It is home to a diverse array of marine life, including tuna, sharks, and rays. The region’s unique geography and climate make it an ideal location for tuna fishing, with warm waters and abundant food sources attracting a wide range of species.

Tuna Species and Fishing Methods

The Western and Central Pacific is home to several species of tuna, including Skipjack, Yellowfin, Albacore, and Bigeye. These species are targeted by commercial and recreational fishermen, who use a variety of fishing methods to catch them. Some of the most common methods include:

  • Trolling: This involves dragging a line or lure behind a moving boat to catch tuna. Longlining: This method involves setting out long lines with baited hooks to catch tuna. Pole-and-line: This method involves using a pole to cast a line with baited hooks to catch tuna. ### Economic Importance of Tuna Fishing**

    • Economic Importance of Tuna Fishing

    The tuna industry is a significant contributor to the economies of many countries in the Western and Central Pacific. The region’s tuna catch is worth over $15 billion annually, with the majority of the catch being sold to Japan and China. The industry supports thousands of jobs and generates significant revenue for local communities.

    Japan and China: Major Tuna Importers

    Japan and China are the two largest importers of tuna from the Western and Central Pacific.

    But, as the ocean continues to heat up, tuna populations are predicted to move east or south, away from the islands whose economies they support. Tuna catches are expected to decline 30% by 2050, equivalent to losses of $40-140 million annually, 8-17% of government revenue per year for individual tuna-dependent economies. A generalised decline in tuna populations is also expected over the same timeframe, as climate-change induced ocean current and water chemistry variations become more extreme. The programme is aimed at providing tools to develop and support climate adaptation. Understanding when and to what extent ocean warming will change the distribution of fish stocks is a key part of solution identification, says Johan Bell, Senior Director for Tuna Fisheries at Conservation International (CI).

    Fish Attractants

    The fish are then caught by a fishing vessel using a purse seine net. The fish are then sorted and sold to markets around the world.

    The Science Behind FADs

    FADs are a complex system that relies on several key factors to attract and catch fish. These factors include:

  • The type of fish being targeted
  • The location of the FAD
  • The type of net used
  • The lighting used
  • The size and shape of the FAD

    • The type of fish being targeted plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of FADs. Different species of fish are attracted to different types of bait and lures.

    Entanglement Threatens Marine Life, MSC Steps In to Reduce Harm.

    The Problem of Entanglement

    Entanglement is a major concern for marine life, particularly in the context of FADs. The floating nets attached to these artificial reefs can become entangled with marine animals, causing injury or even death. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that FADs are often located in areas with high levels of marine biodiversity, making it more likely for marine animals to become entangled. Some of the marine animals that are most at risk of entanglement include: + Sea turtles + Sharks + Fish + Seabirds + Marine mammals

    The Impact of Entanglement

    Entanglement can have severe consequences for marine animals, including:

  • Physical injury or death
  • Disruption of feeding patterns
  • Changes in behavior
  • Increased risk of disease
  • Reduced reproduction rates

    • The Role of MSC in Addressing Entanglement

    MSC, the Marine Stewardship Council, has taken steps to address the issue of entanglement around FADs.

    Reducing bycatch through targeted fishing gear.

    Bycatch is the catching of non-target species, such as sharks, rays, and turtles, which can be detrimental to the environment and the fishing industry.

    The Impact of FADS on Bycatch**

    Bycatch is a significant concern for the Pacific Community, as it can lead to the loss of marine biodiversity and the depletion of non-target species populations. The use of FADS (Fish Aggregating Devices) can help reduce bycatch by targeting specific species and reducing the number of non-target catches. FADS are designed to attract specific species, such as tuna and mackerel, which are targeted by commercial fisheries. By using FADS, fishermen can reduce the number of non-target species caught, such as sharks and rays, which are often caught incidentally. FADS can also help reduce the number of turtles caught, which are often caught in fishing gear intended for other species.

    The Benefits of FADS**

    The use of FADS can have numerous benefits for the Pacific Community, including:

  • Improved catches: FADS can help fishermen target specific species, resulting in improved catches and increased revenue for the fishing industry.

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