New stock assessment reveals largest recorded biomass since assessments began.
The recovery of Pacific bluefin tuna has surpassed international targets ten years ahead of schedule, marking a significant achievement in fisheries management. This success resulted from international cooperation across the Pacific to address overfishing, guided by scientific expertise from the International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-Like Species (ISC), which includes NOAA Fisheries researchers. The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) implemented these measures.
A recent ISC stock assessment confirmed the species reached its second rebuilding target in 2021, indicating ongoing population growth if current management persists. Dr. Huihua Lee of NOAA Fisheries highlighted the resilience of the species and the importance of data quality in maintaining accurate assessments.
In the U.S., Pacific bluefin tuna, mainly caught using hook and line or purse seines, accounted for about 10% of total landings in 2022. The species, which migrates extensively across the Pacific, benefits from coordinated efforts within NOAA Fisheries and international management strategies.
Overfishing had previously reduced bluefin biomass to a historic low, prompting multilateral actions starting in 2011 to rebuild the stock. These efforts, based on science from the ISC, led to a remarkable recovery, with spawning biomass reaching 23.2% of its potential unfished level by 2022. This rapid rebound suggests possible increased future harvests.
Looking ahead, the IATTC-WCPFC Northern Committee Working Group will meet to recommend conservation measures for 2025 and beyond, aiming to develop a long-term harvest strategy with input from various stakeholders. The recovery of Pacific bluefin tuna demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative international efforts in sustainable fisheries management.