Panama Pacific mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna - longline

The dolphinfish, or mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), is a highly migratory pelagic species accounting for several stocks found in extensive areas of the world’s oceans. It lives in tropical and subtropical areas of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans and is believed to migrate seasonally to warm areas. Coastal distribution and abundance seem to be strongly related to surface temperature and distance from temperature fronts. The dolphinfish has a high growth rate and fast sexual maturity, which may be associated with physiological adaptations for a pelagic predator. 

Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Yellowfin occurs approximately within thermal boundaries of 18° to 31°C. Tagging with acoustic transmitters or ultrasonic tags indicates that yellowfin spend most of their time in the upper mixed layer of the ocean (less than 100 m) and typically in temperatures above 17–18°C. 

Within the Panamanian ZEE there is a longline fishery for both species, conducted from around 70 midsize, semi-industrial vessels and several artisanal boats. Around 3,000 employments on land and at sea are depending on this fishery in Panama, with the products being exported mainly to the USA.