Using stock assessment information to assess fishing capacity of tuna fisheries

Abstract

In tuna and tuna-like fisheries, there is a need for periodic assessments of fishing capacity to aid management. However, the nature and quantity of data needed to apply conventional methodologies for estimating fishing capacity are not usually available for tuna fisheries. We discuss simple alternative approaches to estimate fishing capacity and related quantities (i.e. capacity utilization, excess capacity, and overcapacity) directly from stock assessment inputs and outputs that are usually available for most tuna (and many other) stocks. Sensitivity analyses are performed to assess the effect of different levels of data aggregation and different assumptions made during the stock assessments on estimates of fishing capacity. Main advantages and disadvantages of the proposed methodologies are also illustrated using stock assessment information from different tuna stocks with different historical developments and trends in fishing mortality. © 2009 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Published by Oxford Journals. All rights reserved.