Small Tunas and Other Finfish

As noted earlier, the catch of small tunas and finfish can account for up to 25 percent of a FAD set. Reducing this number is a priority for ISSF. Ongoing bycatch research work is testing various options on board commercial purse seiners. As effective techniques become available, ISSF will update this section of the guidebook.

Experimental release panel in a purse seine net. Tested during ISSF bycatch research cruise in the western Pacific, June 2012

Another common challenge for skippers is distinguishing between small yellowfin and bigeye tunas. This is a useful skill, particularly as RFMOs consider management options that would require data (or catch limits) on the catch of small tunas. The following galleries highlight some of the characteristic features of small yellowfin and bigeye that can assist in their correct identification.