FisheryProgress.org - Fishery Improvement Project Progress Tracking Database and Tools

Indian Ocean tuna - longline (Thai Union)

Overview

FIP Description 

Nov 2024 - FIP has entered Full Assessment for albacore only - the FIP is no longer pursuing bigeye & yellowfin

The Indian Ocean Tuna Longline Fishery aims to meet the rising global demand for tuna in a sustainable manner by assuring catches do not exceed sustainable levels, promoting the ecosystem based approach to fisheries management and strengthening policy and governance systems in the region. The fishery being assessed is Indian Ocean Longline Tuna, targeting albacore (Thunnus alalunga), bigeye (Thunnus obesus) and yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) in the Indian Ocean using Malaysian and Taiwanese flagged vessels.

Indian Ocean Tuna Longline Fishery goals:

  • Sustainable Fish Stocks – To ensure tuna and other primary species catches across the Indian Ocean do not exceed sustainable levels
  • Minimising Environmental Impacts – To promote the ecosystem based approach to fisheries management
  • Effective Management – To strengthen governance systems in the IOTC and Indian Tuna Longline fishery.

How is this FIP Doing?

7% 25% 68%
This shows the proportion of actions in the workplan that the FIP has completed.
67%  
This shows the proportion of actions that are behind schedule, on track,completed, or not yet started.
Behind On Track Complete Future
33% 0% 67% 0%
This shows the proportion of actions specifically addressing red indicators that are behind schedule, on track, completed, or not yet started. This helps users understand the progress the FIP is making on the biggest challenges in the fishery.
Behind On Track Complete Future
67% 0% 33% 0%
FIP Objective(s) 
  • Achieve sustainable stock status’ for albacore, bigeye and yellowfin that is consistent with the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and management systems strengthened to achieve this.
  • To improve the availability of accurate data on catches, retained and especially bycatch by strengthening information systems and training.
  • To collaborate with other institutions working on tuna fisheries issues in the country, including working together to improve the management and policy towards sustainable fisheries for example Harvest Control Rules.
  • Increase observer coverage electronically.
  • Promote the adoption by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and member countries of precautionary and ecosystem-based management measures and encourage the IOTC to adopt management measures that will reduce fishing mortality.
  • Strengthen ETP and retained species management strategies and reduce bycatch
  • Promote Malaysia to join the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing as approved by the FAO Conference at its thirty-sixth Session.
  • Improve governance and decision-making process.
  • To achieve a certifiable status by 2024.
FIP Type 
Comprehensive
FIP Stage 
Stage 5: Improvements on the Water
Start and Projected End Dates
December, 2018
December, 2024
Species 
Common Name 
Albacore Tuna
Scientific Name
Thunnus alalunga
Buying Guide Link Image 
Albacore Tuna
Buying Guide
Gear Type 
Longline
Location
FAO Major Fishing Area
Area 51 (Indian Ocean, Western)
Area 57 (Indian Ocean, Eastern)
Exclusive Economic Zones
Country Flag of Vessel 
Malaysia
Country Flag of Vessel 
Taiwan
Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO)
IOTC
Estimated Total FIP Landings 
5000 metric tons

FIP Leads

Organization Name 
Key Traceability
Organization Type 
Consultant
Primary Contact 
Tom Evans
Email 
t.evans@keytraceability.com
Website Name 
Key Traceability
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Source URL:https://fisheryprogress.org/fip-profile/indian-ocean-tuna-longline-thai-union