New Zealand albacore tuna troll

MSC status

Certified as sustainable in May 2011

Summary

Species:  Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga)
Location:  Western coasts of the North and South Islands of New Zealand, part of FAO statistical area 81.
Fishing methods:  Troll
Vessels: 175
Number of fisheries: 1

More about tuna

Albacore tuna is a highly-migratory pelagic fish species found throughout the world’s tropical and
sub-tropical oceans. The most recent stock assessment (Hoyle and Davies 2009) also provides background and references to the stock biology.

Mature albacore spawn in tropical and sub-tropical waters between about 10°S and 25°S during the
austral summer. Juveniles recruit to surface fisheries in New Zealand coastal waters and in the vicinity of the sub-tropical convergence zone (STCZ – around 40°S) in the central Pacific at 1 year of age, from where they appear to gradually disperse to the north. Subsequently, there are regular migrations between tropical and subtropical waters. Albacore migrate south during early summer and north during winter coinciding with the seasonal oscillation of the location of the 23−28° C isotherm of sea surface temperature.

More about the fishing methods

Trolling refers to the towing of artificial lures or natural baits near the surface from a moving boat. Commercial albacore trollers in New Zealand tow 12-18 lines simultaneously from the vessel's stern and from long outrigger poles mounted amidships. The line lengths or depths are adjusted to permit hauling of any one line without tangling or interfering with the others. The lines are either braided polypropylene, dacron or monofilament nylon and are hauled in by hand or by hydraulic haulers.

Fishery tonnage

3,000mt per annum

Commercial market

Most albacore is landed whole. Troll caught albacore are sent to a variety of markets for canning including Thailand and Pago Pago. In the most recent year a significant proportion of albacore was exported to canneries in Spain.

Actual eligibility date

23rd May 2010