Albacore Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, Skipjack Tuna, Swordfish, Yellowfin Tuna. Monterey Bay Aquarium. Hawaii. Longline (deep-set), Longline (shallow-set)

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1 Albacore Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, Skipjack Tuna, Swordfish, Yellowfin Tuna Thunnus alalunga, Thunnus obesus, Katsuwonus pelamis, Xiphias gladius, Thunnus albacares Monterey Bay Aquarium Hawaii Longline (deep-set), Longline (shallow-set) October 22, 2014 (updated January 8, 2018) Seafood Watch Consulting Researcher Disclaimer Seafood Watch strives to have all Seafood Reports reviewed for accuracy and completeness by external scientists with expertise in ecology, fisheries science and aquaculture. Scientific review, however, does not constitute an endorsement of the Seafood Watch program or its recommendations on the part of the reviewing scientists. Seafood Watch is solely responsible for the conclusions reached in this report. Seafood Watch Standard used in this assessment: Standard for Fisheries vf2

2 Table of Contents About Seafood Watch Guiding Principles Summary Final Seafood Recommendations Introduction Assessment Criterion 1: Impacts on the species under assessment Criterion 2: Impacts on other species Criterion 3: Management ness Criterion 4: Impacts on the habitat and ecosystem Acknowledgements References Appendix A: Extra By Catch Species Appendix B: Updated January 8,

3 About Seafood Watch Monterey Bay Aquarium s Seafood Watch program evaluates the ecological sustainability of wild-caught and farmed seafood commonly found in the United States marketplace. Seafood Watch defines sustainable seafood as originating from sources, whether wild-caught or farmed, which can maintain or increase production in the long-term without jeopardizing the structure or function of affected ecosystems. Seafood Watch makes its science-based recommendations available to the public in the form of regional pocket guides that can be downloaded from The program s goals are to raise awareness of important ocean conservation issues and empower seafood consumers and businesses to make choices for healthy oceans. Each sustainability recommendation on the regional pocket guides is supported by a Seafood Report. Each report synthesizes and analyzes the most current ecological, fisheries and ecosystem science on a species, then evaluates this information against the program s conservation ethic to arrive at a recommendation of Best Choices, Good Alternatives or Avoid. The detailed evaluation methodology is available upon request. In producing the Seafood Reports, Seafood Watch seeks out research published in academic, peer-reviewed journals whenever possible. Other sources of information include government technical publications, fishery management plans and supporting documents, and other scientific reviews of ecological sustainability. Seafood Watch Research Analysts also communicate regularly with ecologists, fisheries and aquaculture scientists, and members of industry and conservation organizations when evaluating fisheries and aquaculture practices. Capture fisheries and aquaculture practices are highly dynamic; as the scientific information on each species changes, Seafood Watch s sustainability recommendations and the underlying Seafood Reports will be updated to reflect these changes. Parties interested in capture fisheries, aquaculture practices and the sustainability of ocean ecosystems are welcome to use Seafood Reports in any way they find useful. For more information about Seafood Watch and Seafood Reports, please contact the Seafood Watch program at Monterey Bay Aquarium by calling

4 Guiding Principles Seafood Watch defines sustainable seafood as originating from sources, whether fished 1 or farmed, that can maintain or increase production in the long-term without jeopardizing the structure or function of affected ecosystems. Based on this principle, Seafood Watch had developed four sustainability criteria for evaluating wildcatch fisheries for consumers and businesses. These criteria are: How does fishing affect the species under assessment? How does the fishing affect other, target and non-target species? How effective is the fishery s management? How does the fishing affect habitats and the stability of the ecosystem? Each criterion includes: Factors to evaluate and score Guidelines for integrating these factors to produce a numerical score and rating Once a rating has been assigned to each criterion, we develop an overall recommendation. Criteria ratings and the overall recommendation are color-coded to correspond to the categories on the Seafood Watch pocket guide and online guide: Best Choice/Green: Are well managed and caught in ways that cause little harm to habitats or other wildlife. Good Alternative/Yellow: Buy, but be aware there are concerns with how they re caught. Avoid/Red Take a pass on these for now. These items are overfished or caught in ways that harm other marine life or the environment. 1 Fish is used throughout this document to refer to finfish, shellfish and other invertebrates 4

5 Summary Swordfish and tuna are caught in longline fisheries throughout the worlds oceans. This report focuses on the two, shallow and deep set, pelagic longline fisheries that operate in and around Hawaii primarily (~85%) in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean but also (~15%) in the eastern Pacific Ocean (~15% of the total catch). Swordfish are targeted by the Hawaii shallow set pelagic longline fishery. Abundance levels are high and fishing mortality rates appear low enough to maintain the population at a healthy level. High incidental capture of sea turtles lead to the closure of this fishery between 2001 and The fishery was re-opened in 2005 with several new management measures aimed at reducing sea turtle and sea bird bycatch, including 100% observer coverage, which appears to have successfully reduced bycatch levels. The deep set pelagic longline fishery targets bigeye tuna. Bigeye tuna populations have increased and are no longer overfished. Several species of sharks and fish are also caught in these fisheries and the status of their population varies from unknown, to overfished to healthy. In state waters, the state of Hawaii manages tuna, in US federal waters the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) manages swordfish and tuna. In addition, the US is a memeber of two regional fishery management organizations, the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) that manage these species throughout their range in the Pacific Ocean. Management measures for swordfish and tuna are moderately effective. Pelagic longline gear has minimal impact to bottom habitats because it fishes at or near the surface and improvements such as gear modifications are typically not necessary. 5

6 Final Seafood Recommendations SPECIES/FISHERY CRITERION 1: IMPACTS ON THE SPECIES CRITERION 2: IMPACTS ON OTHER SPECIES CRITERION 3: MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS CRITERION 4: HABITAT AND ECOSYSTEM OVERALL RECOMMENDATION Albacore Haw aii Western and Central Pacific, Longline (deep-set), United States of America Bigeye tuna Haw aii Western and Central Pacific, Longline (deep-set), United States of America Albacore Haw aii Eastern Central Pacific, Longline (deepset), United States of America Bigeye tuna Haw aii Eastern Central Pacific, Longline (deepset), United States of America Skipjack tuna Haw aii Western and Central Pacific, Longline (deep-set), United States of America Sw ordfish Haw aii Western and Central Pacific, Longline (shallow-set), United States of America Yellow fin tuna Haw aii Western and Central Pacific, Longline (deep-set), United States of America Skipjack tuna Haw aii Eastern Central Pacific, Longline (deepset), United States of America Green (3.83) Red (1.34) Green (3.87) Green (3.87) Good Alternative (2.96) Green (3.83) Red (1.34) Green (3.87) Green (3.87) Good Alternative (2.96) Green (3.83) Red (1.34) Green (3.87) Green (3.87) Good Alternative (2.96) Green (3.83) Red (1.34) Green (3.87) Green (3.87) Good Alternative (2.96) Green (5.00) Red (1.34) Green (3.87) Green (3.87) Good Alternative (3.17) Green (5.00) Red (1.34) Green (3.87) Green (3.87) Good Alternative (3.17) Green (5.00) Red (1.34) Green (3.87) Green (3.87) Good Alternative (3.17) Green (3.83) Red (1.34) Green (3.87) Green (3.87) Good Alternative (2.96) 6

7 Sw ordfish Haw aii Eastern Central Pacific, Longline (shallow-set), United States of America Yellow fin tuna Haw aii Eastern Central Pacific, Longline (deepset), United States of America Green (5.00) Red (1.34) Green (3.87) Green (3.87) Good Alternative (3.17) Yellow (2.71) Red (1.34) Green (3.87) Green (3.87) Good Alternative (2.72) Summary All tuna and swordfish caught in the Hawaiian longline fishery is a 'Good Alternative'. Scoring Guide Scores range from zero to five where zero indicates very poor performance and five indicates the fishing operations have no significant impact. Final Score = geometric mean of the four Scores (Criterion 1, Criterion 2, Criterion 3, Criterion 4). Best Choice/Green = Final Score >3.2, and no Red Criteria, and no Critical scores Good Alternative/Yellow = Final score > , and neither Harvest Strategy (Factor 3.1) nor Bycatch Management Strategy (Factor 3.2) are Very High 2, and no more than one Red Criterion, and no Critical scores Avoid/Red = Final Score 2.2, or either Harvest Strategy (Factor 3.1) or Bycatch Management Strategy (Factor 3.2) is Very High or two or more Red Criteria, or one or more Critical scores. 2 Because effective management is an essential component of sustainable fisheries, Seafood Watch issues an Avoid recommendation for any fishery scored as a Very High for either factor under Management (Criterion 3). 7

8 Introduction Scope of the analysis and ensuing recommendation This report is on the Hawaii pelagic longline fisheries for swordfish (Xiphias gladius), albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) in the western and central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) and eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). Species Overview Swordfish are a widely distributed billfish species, found globally from 50N to 50S and at all longitudes in the Pacific Ocean. Swordfish are assessed as two populations in the North Pacific (Western and Central and Eastern Pacific), a single population in the Southwest Pacific, two populations in the Atlantic (South and North), and a single population in both the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Albacore tuna are widely distributed in temperate and tropical waters in all ocean. There are six populations of albacore tuna, North and South Pacific Ocean, North and South Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea (ISCAWG 2014). Bigeye, skipjack and yellowfin tuna are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean (Davies et al. 2014)(Rice et al. 2014)(Davies et al. 2014b). There are four populations of bigeye and yellowfin and five of skipjack: Western and Central Pacific Ocean, Eastern Pacific Ocean, Atlantic (eastern and western skipjack) and Indian Ocean. Globally, longlines are the most common method used to capture swordfish, albacore and bigeye tuna and purse seines are the primary gear used to capture skipjack and yellowfin tuna. Albacore catches have increased since the 1950's remaining around 400,000 t over the past decade. Bigeye, skipjack and yellowfin tuna catches have all increased substantially over time, peaking in the early 2000's for bigeye and yellowfin tuna and around 2009 for skipjack tuna (ISSF 2013b). The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council manages these species in Hawaiian waters while the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, of which the United States is a participating Member, is in charge of management in western and central Pacific Ocean and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission is in charge in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Production Statistics In Hawaii, the pelagic longline fishery caught 84% of all pelagic species during Bigeye tuna makes up the majority of the tuna landings in Hawaii, 75% in 2010, and swordfish made up 18% of total landings in 2010 (WPRFMC 2013b). Catches of swordfish in the western and central north Pacific Ocean have varied over time, peaking during the late 1950's and again during the early to mid 1990's. Catches in recent years have declined to below 13,000 t (ISCBWG 2014). Longline catches of swordfish in the northern region of the eastern Pacific Ocean (WPO) have varied over time with peaks occurring during the late 1960's and early 2000's (~6,000 t). In 2012, catches were around 3,000 t and less than in previous years (~ ) (IATTC 2014). In Hawaii, longline landings of swordfish have varied greatly over time, peaking in 1992 and 1993 at 12,566,000 lbs (5,702 t) and 13,027,000 lbs (5,910 t) respectively. Average landings by the longline fishery over time ( ) were 4,648,000 lbs (2,108 t). with landings ranging from 2,573,000 lbs (1,167 t) to 4,299,000 lbs (1,950 t) since the longline fishery reopened in 2005(WPRFMC 2013b). Catches of swordfish in the Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery have been somewhat stable since the fishery was re-opened in 2005 but have not returned to levels prior to the closure and have remained below the long term average of 4,648,300 lbs since 2001 (WPRFMC 2013b). 8

9 Figure 1 Swordfish landings (mt) in the western and central north Pacific Ocean ( ) (ISC 2014) Figure 2 Annual landings (1000 lbs) of swordfish in hawaii between 1987 and 2010 (WCPRFMC 2012) Longline fisheries for albacore tuna in the North Pacific catch less then half of all albacore in the region. The total catches of albacore in the north Pacific have ranged from a low of 37,000 t in 1991 to a high of 125,000 and 126,000 t in 1999 and 1976 respectively (ISCAWG 2014). Annual catches between averaged around 78,000 t (IATTC 2014). In Hawaii, longline landings of albacore tuna peaked during the mid to late 1990's and ealry 2000's and have since declined. Peak landings were 3,626,000 lbs (1,645 t) in 1997 and in 2010 only 916,000 lbs (415.5 t) were landed(wprfmc 2013b). 9

10 Figure 3 Catches of north Pacific albacore by major gear types, The Other gear category includes catches with purse seine, recreational gear, hand lines, and harpoons (ISCAWG 2014). 10

11 Figure 4 Annual landings (1000 lbs) of albacore tuna in hawaii between 1987 and 2010 (WCPRFMC 2012) Total catches of bigeye tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean have increased over time, peaking in the mid 2000's at just under 200,000 mt. Longline catches of bigeye tuna in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) ranged from 44,000 to 62,000 t between 1980 and 1993 and since 2004 have ranged from 67,000 t to 77,000 t (Davies et al. 2014). The majority of bigeye catches occur within equatorial regions of the western and central Pacific Ocean (Williams and Terewasi 2014). Total catches of bigeye tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean have varied over time, peaking during the early 1990's and reaching the highest level (148,557 t) in Since the mid 2000's, catches have been around 100,000 t but declined to around 80,000 t in 2013 (IATTC 2014). The majority of bigeye tuna in the region are caught with surface fishing gear and not longlines. Although historically, until the mid 1990's longlines were the predominate gear used (IATTC 2013f). In Hawaii, longline landings of bigeye tuna have increased over time from a low of 1,796,000 lbs (815 t) in 1987 to a high of 12,909,000 lbs (5,856 t) in 2008 with average landings of 6,448,000 lbs (2,925 t) between 1987 and 2010 (WPRFMC 2013b). 11

12 Figure 5 Total annual catch (1000s mt) of bigeye tuna from the WCPO by fishing method from (Harley et al. 2014) Figure 6 Annual landings (1000 lbs) of bigeye tuna in hawaii between 1987 and 2010 (WCPRFMC 2012) Skipjack tuna make up the majority of tuna in tuna fisheries within the Western and Central Pacific (WCPO) but a small portion of Hawaii tuna catches. Catches of skipjack tuna in the WCPO have increased over time, reaching 1.6 million t in 2009, although longline catches represent only a small portion of these catches (Rice et al. 2014). Catches of skipjack tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO) are significantly less than those from the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. However, catches in the EPO have been increasing over time, peaking in 2006 at over 300,000 t. Catches have since declined slightly to just under 300,000 t. The majority of these catches come from the purse seine fisheries (IATTC 2014). Longline landings of skipjack tuna in Hawaii are much lower than for other tuna species, averaging only 178,000 lbs (80 t) between 1987 and 2010, although they have increased over time. For example, in 1987 only 3,000 lbs (1 t) of skipjack tuna were landed in the Hawaiian longline fishery but in ,000 lbs (150 t) were landed (WPRFMC 2013b). 12

13 Figure 7 Skipjack catches, , in the WCPO by fishing gear (Rice et al. 2014). Figure 8 Annual landings (1000 lbs) of skipjack tuna in hawaii between 1987 and 2010 (WCPRFMC 2012) Total catches of yellowfin tuna in the WCPO have increased over time from a low of under 50,000 t during the mid 1950's to over 600,000 t in 2008 and Annual catches of yellowfin tuna by longliners in the WCPO have been around 70,000 to 80,000 t since the mid 1980's (Davies et al. 2014b). Yellowfin tuna catches in the Eastern Pacific Ocean peaked in 2002 at 443,458 t and have since decreased to just over 200,000 t in Over the years, catches have been variable. Longline catches have remained under 40,000 t since the 1970's and have been below 10,000 t since Peak longline catches occurred during the early and mid 1990's and early 2000's (IATTC 2014). Hawaii longline landings of yellowfin tuna have varied to some degree over time, averaging 1,675,000 lbs (760 t) between 1987 and For example, longline landings ranged from a low of 575,000 lbs (261 t) in 1987 to a high of 2,656,000 lbs (1,205 t) in During 2010, 1,254,000 lbs (569 t) 13

14 were landed.(wprfmc 2013b). Figure 9 Annual landings (1000 lbs) of yellowfin tuna in hawaii between 1987 and 2010 (WCPRFMC 2012) Figure 10 Annual catches (1000 t) of yellowfin tuna in the WCPO from by fishing gear (Davies et al. 2014) Importance to the US/North American market. During 2013, the United States imported the most (39%) albacore tuna from Thailand. Other countries the United States imports large amounts of albacore from include Vietnam (20%) and Indonesia (16%) (NMFS 2014). 14

15 Figure 11 Major contributors to US albacore tuna imports (%) all countries and region (counry of origin) (NMFS 2014) The United States imported around 19% of bigeye tuna from Ecuador, 16% from the Marshall Islands and 14% from Sri Lanka during 2013 (NMFS 2014). Figure 12 Major contributors to US bigeye tuna imports (%) all countries and regions (counry of origin) (NMFS 2014) 15

16 The United States imported over half of all skipjack tuna from Mexico (55%) during Other important countries included the Philippines (15%) and Mexico (13%). Figure 13 Major contributors to US skipjack tuna imports (%) all countries and regions (counry of origin) (NMFS 2014) The majority of yellowfin tuna were imported from Trinidad and Tobago in 2013 (49%). Smaller amounts were imported from the Philippines (7%), Vietnam (6%) and Indonesia (5%) (NMFS 2014). 16

17 Figure 14 Major contributors to US yellowfin tuna imports (%) all countries and regions (counry of origin) (NMFS 2014) During 2013, swordfish imports into the United States were primarily from Ecuador (23%), Canada (14%) and Costa Rica and Singapore (11%). Figure 15 Major contributors to US swordfish imports (%) all countries (counry of origin) (NMFS 2014) 17

18 Albacore tuna was the most commonly exported tuna species by the United States in 2011 and 2012 (10,205 t in and 11,023 t respectively). Around 200 t of bigeye and skipjack and 300 t of yellowfin were exported in Exports of bigeye tuna and yellowfin tuna were higher in 2012 (679 t and 843 t respectively). Skipjack tuna exports during 2012 were 339 t. Swordfish exports in 2011 and 2012 were fairly low too, 206 t and 152 t respectively (NMFS 2014). Common and market names. Swordfish are also known broadbilled swordfish, broadbill, espada and emperado. Albacore tuna is also known as germon, longfinned tuna, albecore and T. germo. Skipjack tuna are alos known as ocean bonito and lesser tuna. In Hawaii, albacore tuna is known as tombo ahi, bigeye and yellwofin tuna are known as Ahi, skipjack as Aku and swordfish as mekajiki. Primary product forms In Hawaii, swordfish, albacore, bigeye, skipjack and yellowfin tuna are typically landed and sold fresh for both cooking and for sushi and sashimi. 18

19 Assessment This section assesses the sustainability of the fishery(s) relative to the Seafood Watch Criteria for Fisheries, available at Criterion 1: Impacts on the species under assessment This criterion evaluates the impact of fishing mortality on the species, given its current abundance. The inherent vulnerability to fishing rating influences how abundance is scored, when abundance is unknown. The final Criterion 1 score is determined by taking the geometric mean of the abundance and fishing mortality scores. The Criterion 1 rating is determined as follows: Score >3.2=Green or Low Score >2.2 and 3.2=Yellow or Moderate Score 2.2=Red or High Rating is Critical if Factor 1.3 (Fishing Mortality) is Critical Criterion 1 Summary ALBACORE Region Method Country Custom Group Hawaii/Western and Central Pacific Longline (deep-set) United States of America Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Score 2.00: Medium 4.00: Low 3.67: Low Green (3.83) Hawaii/Eastern Central Pacific Longline (deepset) United States of America 2.00: Medium 4.00: Low 3.67: Low Green (3.83) BIGEYE TUNA Region Method Country Custom Group Hawaii/Western and Central Pacific Longline (deep-set) United States of America Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Score 2.00: Medium 4.00: Low 3.67: Low Green (3.83) Hawaii/Eastern Central Pacific Longline (deepset) United States of America 2.00: Medium 4.00: Low 3.67: Low Green (3.83) 19

20 SKIPJACK TUNA Region Method Country Custom Group Hawaii/Western and Central Pacific Longline (deep-set) United States of America Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Score 2.00: Medium 5.00: Very Low 5.00: Very Low Green (5.00) Hawaii/Eastern Central Pacific Longline (deepset) United States of America 2.00: Medium 4.00: Low 3.67: Low Green (3.83) SWORDFISH Region Method Country Custom Group Hawaii/Western and Central Pacific Longline (shallow-set) United States of America Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Score 2.00: Medium 5.00: Very Low 5.00: Very Low Green (5.00) Hawaii/Eastern Central Pacific Longline (shallowset) United States of America 2.00: Medium 5.00: Very Low 5.00: Very Low Green (5.00) YELLOWFIN TUNA Region Method Country Custom Group Hawaii/Western and Central Pacific Longline (deep-set) United States of America Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Score 2.00: Medium 5.00: Very Low 5.00: Very Low Green (5.00) Hawaii/Eastern Central Pacific Longline (deepset) United States of America 2.00: Medium 2.00: High 3.67: Low Yellow (2.71) Abundance levels of albacore skipjack and swordfish are high and fishing mortality rates are sustainable. Bigeye tuna populations in the Pacific have increased in recent years and they are no longer considered overfished. Yellowfin tuna are healthy in the western and central Pacific Ocean but are overfished in the eastern Pacific Ocean. 20

21 Criterion 1 Assessment SCORING GUIDELINES Factor Inherent Vulnerability Low The FishBase vulnerability score for species is 0-35, OR species exhibits life history characteristics that make it resilient to fishing, (e.g., early maturing). Medium The FishBase vulnerability score for species is 36-55, OR species exhibits life history characteristics that make it neither particularly vulnerable nor resilient to fishing, (e.g., moderate age at sexual maturity (5-15 years), moderate maximum age (10-25 years), moderate maximum size, and middle of food chain). High The FishBase vulnerability score for species is , OR species exhibits life history characteristics that make is particularly vulnerable to fishing, (e.g., long-lived (>25 years), late maturing (>15 years), low reproduction rate, large body size, and top-predator). Note: The FishBase vulnerability scores is an index of the inherent vulnerability of marine fishes to fishing based on life history parameters: maximum length, age at first maturity, longevity, growth rate, natural mortality rate, fecundity, spatial behaviors (e.g., schooling, aggregating for breeding, or consistently returning to the same sites for feeding or reproduction) and geographic range. Factor Abundance 5 (Very Low ) Strong evidence exists that the population is above target abundance level (e.g., biomass at maximum sustainable yield, BMSY) or near virgin biomass. 4 (Low ) Population may be below target abundance level, but it is considered not overfished 3 (Moderate ) Abundance level is unknown and the species has a low or medium inherent vulnerability to fishing. 2 (High ) Population is overfished, depleted, or a species of concern, OR abundance is unknown and the species has a high inherent vulnerability to fishing. 1 (Very High ) Population is listed as threatened or endangered. Factor Fishing Mortality 5 (Very Low ) Highly likely that fishing mortality is below a sustainable level (e.g., below fishing mortality at maximum sustainable yield, FMSY), OR fishery does not target species and its contribution to the mortality of species is negligible ( 5% of a sustainable level of fishing mortality) (Low ) Probable (>50%) chance that fishing mortality is at or below a sustainable level, but some uncertainty exists, OR fishery does not target species and does not adversely affect species, but its contribution to mortality is not negligible, OR fishing mortality is unknown, but the population is healthy and the species has a low susceptibility to the fishery (low chance of being caught) (Moderate ) Fishing mortality is fluctuating around sustainable levels, OR fishing mortality is unknown and species has a moderate-high susceptibility to the fishery and, if species is depleted, reasonable management is in place. 1 (High ) Overfishing is occurring, but management is in place to curtail overfishing, OR fishing mortality is unknown, species is depleted, and no management is in place. 0 (Critical) Overfishing is known to be occurring and no reasonable management is in place to curtail overfishing. ALBACORE Factor Inherent Vulnerability 21

22 Medium FishBase assigned a high vulnerability score of 58 out of 100 (Froese and Pauly 2013). However, the life history characteristics of albacore suggest only a "medium" vulnerability to fishing. For example, albacore reach sexual maturity between 5 and 6 years of age and reach a maximum age of 15 years (ISCAWG 2011). They are broadcast spawners, and top predators (Froese and Pauly 2013). Based on these life history characteristics we have awarded a score of "medium" vulnerability. Medium FishBase assigned a "high" vulnerability score of 58 out of 100 (Froese and Pauly 2013). However, the life history characteristics of albacore suggest only a "medium" vulnerability to fishing. For example, albacore reach sexual maturity between 5 and 6 years of age and reach a maximum age of 15 years (ISCAWG 2011). They are broadcast spawners, and top predators (Froese and Pauly 2013). Based on these life-history characteristics we have awarded a score of "medium" vulnerability. Factor Abundance Low The most recent stock assessment for albacore tuna in the North Pacific Ocean was conducted in According to this assessment, the spawning stock biomass (SSB) in 2015 (last year of data included in the model) was 132,072 t with stock depletion estimated to be 35.8% of the unfished SSB. No biomass-based reference points are in place, but the assessment concluded that there was little indication that the SSB was below any candidate biomass-based reference points. We have therefore awarded a score of "low" concern because it is likely that albacore tuna in the North Pacific are not overfished, but not a score of "very low" concern because no reference points are currently accepted (ISC 2017). Factor Fishing Mortality Low The current fishing mortality rate (F ) for albacore tuna in the North Pacific Ocean is below potential F-based reference points (FMSY F0.1 and F10-40% (fishing mortality that gives 10-40% reduction in the spawning potential ratio)) except for F50%. Albacore tuna in the North Pacific Ocean are therefore not currently undergoing overfishing. However, increases in fishing mortality rates will significantly reduce the spawning biomass (ISC 2017). We have awarded a low and not very low concern score because overfishing is likely not occurring, but there is some uncertainty and potential for increased fishing mortality that would lead to overfishing. BIGEYE TUNA 22

23 Factor Inherent Vulnerability Medium FishBase assigned a "high" to "very high" vulnerability of 72 out of 100 to bigeye tuna (Froese and Pauly 2013). However, their life-history characteristics suggest a "medium" vulnerability to fishing. For example, bigeye tuna reach sexual maturity around 100 to 125 cm, reach a maximum size of 200 cm, and live around 11 years (Davies et al. 2014) (Froese et al. 2013). They are broadcast spawners and top predators (Froese and Pauly 2013). Based on the Seafood Watch productivity analysis table, these life-history characteristics suggest a "medium" level of vulnerability. We acknowledge that other methods may suggest a different vulnerability rating. However, because the stock status of bigeye tuna is known, this inherent vulnerability score will not affect the overall outcome. We have therefore awarded a score of "medium" vulnerability based on the productivity table analysis. Medium FishBase assigned a "high" to "very high" vulnerability of 72 out of 100 to bigeye tuna (Froese and Pauly 2013). However, their life-history characteristics suggest a "medium" vulnerability to fishing. For example, bigeye tuna reach sexual maturity around 100 to 125 cm, reach a maximum size of 200 cm and live around 11 years (Davies et al. 2014) (Froese et al. 2013). They are broadcast spawners and top predators (Froese and Pauly 2013). Based on these life-history characteristics, we have awarded a score of "medium" vulnerability. Factor Abundance Low Bigeye tuna in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) were most recently assessed in According to the base case model, the median ratio of the current average (2011 to 2014) spawning biomass to that needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (SB RECENT/SB MSY) was 1.21 and the ratio of the latest (2014) spawning biomass (mature fish) to that needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (SB LATEST/SB MSY) was The median ratio of the recent spawning biomass to that spawning biomass with no fishing is 0.34, which is above the limit reference point of 0.20, indicating that the population is not overfished (McKechnie et al. 2017). This is a significant change and improvement from the 2014 assessment (Harley et al. 2014). We have awarded a score of "low" concern because bigeye tuna are no longer overfished, and the spawning stock biomass is above that needed to produce maximum sustainable yield. Low According to the last assessment of bigeye tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean (2014), the spawning biomass (amount of fish capable of reproducing) had decreased to a record low level of 19% of its unfished abundance level at the beginning of The spawning biomass ratio has since increased to 0.26 at the start of The spawning biomass (SB) was estimated to be around 23% above the level needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (SB MSY), so the population is no longer overfished. We have therefore awarded a score of "low" concern (Aires-da-Silva 2017). 23

24 Factor Fishing Mortality Low The median ratio of current fishing mortality rates to those that produce the maximum sustainable yield (Fcurrent/FMSY) was 0.83, indicating overfishing is not occurring (McKechnie et al. 2017). This is a significant improvement from the last assessment (Harley et al. 2014). We have awarded a low concern score based on the assessment results that overfishing is no longer occurring but not a very low concern due to the considerable uncertainty in the results. Low Current fishing mortality rates (F) are 11% below levels that would produce the maximum sustainable yield (FMSY), and therefore overfishing is not occurring. However, these estimates are highly uncertain due to assumptions made while conducting the last assessment and fishing mortality rates have increased (Aires-da- Silva 2017). We have awarded a low concern score because overfishing is not occurring but not a very low concern due to uncertainty in the assessment. SKIPJACK TUNA Factor Inherent Vulnerability Medium Fishbase assigned a moderate vulnerability of 39 out of 100 (Froese and Pauly 2013). Their life history characteristics support this score. Sexual maturity is reached around 45 cm or 2 years of age and they can reach a maximum size of 110 cm and age of 12 years. They are broadcast spawners and have a high trophic level (Froese and Pauly 2013). Factor Abundance Very Low Skipjack tuna in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean were last assessed in According to the assessment, the total biomass has been higher than the reference point (B MSY - the biomass needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield) over the entire time period ( ). The current total biomass is around 52% of virgin levels (B 0) and the ratio of the current spawning biomass to that needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield is well above 1 (SBcurrent/SBMSY = 1.94) (Rice et al. 2014). Therefore skipjack tuna are not overfished and above target levels and we have awarded a very low concern score. Low 24

25 Due to the complexity associated with skipjack tuna stock assessments, the latest assessment used indicators, instead of the typical reference points based on the maximum sustainable yield, to determine the biomass. According to these indicators, biomass appears to have been increasing over the past 20 years and has been at high levels since There does not appear to be any indication the population is overfished, so we have awarded a low concern score (IATTC 2014). We did not award a very low concern due to the lack of reference points. Factor Fishing Mortality Very Low The current level of exploitation of skipjack tuna is below that needed to provide the maximum sustainable yield (MSY). Although fishing mortality rates have been increasing over time, the current fishing mortality rate is below that needed to produce MSY (F current/f MSY=0.62) (Rice et al. 2014). Therefore overfishing of skipjack tuna is not occurring and we have awarded a very low concern score. Low Fishing mortality rates have been increasing for skipjack tuna since the early 1990's, although decreases were seen in both 2009 and Increasing fishing mortality rates are a concern for skipjack tuna but they appear to have leveled off in recent years. The indicators used to determine the status of skipjack tuna in the Eastern Pacific Ocean have not indicated any negative effects to the population from increased fishing (IATTC 2014). We have therefore awarded a low concern score. SWORDFISH Factor Inherent Vulnerability HAWAII/WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC, LONGLINE (SHALLOW-SET), UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HAWAII/EASTERN CENTRAL PACIFIC, LONGLINE (SHALLOW-SET), UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Medium Fishbase assigned a high to very high vulnerability of 72 out of 100 (Froese and Pauly 2013). However, the life history characteristics of swordfish indicate a lower vulnerability to fishing. For example, swordfish reach sexual maturity is around 180 cm in size and around 5 years of age and they reach a maximum length of 455 cm and live more than 10 years. Swordfish are broadcast spawners and are top predators (Froese and Pauly 2013). This is more indicative of a moderate vulnerability to fishing. Factor Abundance HAWAII/WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC, LONGLINE (SHALLOW-SET), UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Very Low In an assessment for swordfish in the North Pacific was conducted. This assessment considered two populations; one in the Western and Central Pacific (WCPO) and one in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. According to this model, the exploitable biomass for the population in the WCPO region fluctuated at or above the level needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (B for most of the time series ( ) and there is MSY) 25

26 a low probability (14%) of the biomass being below B MSY in 2012 (ISCBWG 2014). We have therefore awarded a very low concern score. HAWAII/EASTERN CENTRAL PACIFIC, LONGLINE (SHALLOW-SET), UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Very Low An assessment conducted on North Pacific swordfish (north of 100N and west of 1400W) indicates that the population is stable and biomass is over 50% above unexploited levels (IATTC 2014). Therefore swordfish in this region are not overfished and we have awarded a very low concern score. Factor Fishing Mortality HAWAII/WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC, LONGLINE (SHALLOW-SET), UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Very Low In 2014 an assessment for swordfish was in the North Pacific was conducted. Exploitation rates in this region peaked in 1960's and have declined since. The current fishing mortality rate (H ) is 15%, which is lower than the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield (H MSY=25%). It is very unlikely (<1%) that fishing mortality rates (H) are unsustainable and therefore overfishing is not occurring (ISC 2014). We have therefore awarded a very low concern score. HAWAII/EASTERN CENTRAL PACIFIC, LONGLINE (SHALLOW-SET), UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Very Low A recent assessment of swordfish in the North Pacific region indicated that current fishing mortality levels are sustainable and unlikely to reduce the spawning biomass to unsustainable levels (IATTC 2014). We have therefore awarded a very low concern score. YELLOWFIN TUNA Factor Inherent Vulnerability Medium Fishbase assigned a "moderate" to "high" vulnerability of 46 out of 100 to yellowfin tuna (Frose and Pauly 2013). Their life-history characteristics support a "moderate" vulnerability score. Yellowfin tuna reach sexual maturity by 100 cm in length, although growth rates vary by location, and 2 to 3 years of age. They can attain a maximum size of 180 cm and live to at least four years of age and perhaps as many as nine years. They are broadcast spawners and important predators in the ecosystem (Davies et al. 2014b) (Froesy and Pauly 2013). Factor Abundance Very Low The biomass-based reference points for the reference model used in the 2017 assessment (SB RECENT/SB MSY 26

27 the ratio of the current (2011 to 2014) spawning (mature fish) biomass to that needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield) was The ratio of the latest (2014) spawning biomass to the level needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (SB CURRENT/SB MSY) was The ratio of the recent spawning biomass to the biomass with no fishing mortality is 0.31, which is higher than the limit reference point (0.20). Therefore, yellowfin tuna are not in an overfished state (Tremblay-Boyer et al. 2017) and biomass is well above appropriate target levels such as SB MSY. (Tremblay-Boyer et al. 2017). We have therefore awarded a score of "very low" concern. High According to the 2016 assessment, the spawning biomass ratio (ratio of the spawning biomass to the unfished population) (SBP) was 0.23 at the start of 2017, which is below the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) of 0.27, indicating the population is overfished. The ratio of the current spawning biomass to the biomass that produces maximum sustainable yield (SB RECENT/SB MSY) is The results are complicated due to the uncertainty surrounding the productivity of yellowfin tuna, recruitment levels, and maximum sustainable yield levels, which may have changed over time (Minte-Vera 2017). We have awarded a score of "high" concern because yellowfin tuna are overfished. Factor Fishing Mortality Very Low The current fishing mortality rate is below levels needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (Frecent/FMSY = 0.79) for the most realistic models. Therefore overfishing is not occurring (Tremblay-Boyer et al. 2017) and we have awarded a very low concern score. Low Fishing mortality is currently estimated to be below levels that produce the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) (Fcurrent/FMSY = 0.93) and overfishing is not occurring. However, uncertainty surrounding the relationship between recruitment to the fishery and the current population, natural mortality and average size of older fish could mean fishing mortality rates are actually higher and above MSY levels (Minte-Vera 2017). We have awarded a low concern score because overfishing is not occurring but not a very low concern due to uncertainty. 27

28 Criterion 2: Impacts on other species All main retained and bycatch species in the fishery are evaluated in the same way as the species under assessment were evaluated in Criterion 1. Seafood Watch defines bycatch as all fisheries-related mortality or injury to species other than the retained catch. Examples include discards, endangered or threatened species catch, and ghost fishing. To determine the final Criterion 2 score, the score for the lowest scoring retained/bycatch species is multiplied by the discard rate score (ranges from 0-1), which evaluates the amount of non-retained catch (discards) and bait use relative to the retained catch. The Criterion 2 rating is determined as follows: Score >3.2=Green or Low Score >2.2 and 3.2=Yellow or Moderate Score 2.2=Red or High Rating is Critical if Factor 2.3 (Fishing Mortality) is Crtitical Criterion 2 Summary Only the lowest scoring main species is/are listed in the table and text in this Criterion 2 section; a full list and assessment of the main species can be found in Appendix A. ALBACORE - HAWAII/EASTERN CENTRAL PACIFIC - LONGLINE (DEEP-SET) Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.95 C2 Rate: 1.34 Species Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore False killer whale 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Olive ridley turtle 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Shortfin mako shark 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Leatherback turtle 1.00:High 1.00:Very High Opah 2.00:Medium 3.00:Moderate 2.33:Moderate 2.33:Moderate Red (1.53) Yellow (2.64) laysan albatross 1.00:High 2.00:High 3.67:Low Yellow (2.71) Yellowfin tuna 2.00:Medium 2.00:High 3.67:Low Yellow (2.71) black-footed albatross 1.00:High 2.00:High 5.00:Very Low Dolphinfish 2.00:Medium 3.00:Moderate 3.67:Low Yellow (3.16) Green (3.32) Bigeye tuna 2.00:Medium 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) 28

29 Blue shark 1.00:High 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) Skipjack tuna 2.00:Medium 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) ALBACORE - HAWAII/WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC - LONGLINE (DEEP-SET) Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.95 C2 Rate: 1.34 Species Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore False killer whale 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Shortfin mako shark 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Leatherback turtle 1.00:High 1.00:Very High Olive ridley turtle 1.00:High 1.00:Very High Dolphinfish 2.00:Medium 3.00:Moderate Opah 2.00:Medium 3.00:Moderate 2.33:Moderate 5.00:Very Low 2.33:Moderate 2.33:Moderate Red (1.53) Yellow (2.24) Yellow (2.64) Yellow (2.64) laysan albatross 1.00:High 2.00:High 3.67:Low Yellow (2.71) black-footed albatross 1.00:High 2.00:High 5.00:Very Low Yellow (3.16) Bigeye tuna 2.00:Medium 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) Blue shark 1.00:High 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) Skipjack tuna 2.00:Medium 5.00:Very Low Yellowfin tuna 2.00:Medium 5.00:Very Low 5.00:Very Low 5.00:Very Low Green (5.00) Green (5.00) BIGEYE TUNA - HAWAII/EASTERN CENTRAL PACIFIC - LONGLINE (DEEP-SET) Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.95 C2 Rate: 1.34 Species Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore False killer whale 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) 29

30 Olive ridley turtle 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Shortfin mako shark 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Leatherback turtle 1.00:High 1.00:Very High Opah 2.00:Medium 3.00:Moderate 2.33:Moderate 2.33:Moderate Red (1.53) Yellow (2.64) laysan albatross 1.00:High 2.00:High 3.67:Low Yellow (2.71) Yellowfin tuna 2.00:Medium 2.00:High 3.67:Low Yellow (2.71) black-footed albatross 1.00:High 2.00:High 5.00:Very Low Dolphinfish 2.00:Medium 3.00:Moderate 3.67:Low Yellow (3.16) Green (3.32) Albacore 2.00:Medium 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) Blue shark 1.00:High 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) Skipjack tuna 2.00:Medium 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) BIGEYE TUNA - HAWAII/WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC - LONGLINE (DEEP-SET) Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.95 C2 Rate: 1.34 Species Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore False killer whale 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Shortfin mako shark 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Leatherback turtle 1.00:High 1.00:Very High Olive ridley turtle 1.00:High 1.00:Very High Dolphinfish 2.00:Medium 3.00:Moderate Opah 2.00:Medium 3.00:Moderate 2.33:Moderate 5.00:Very Low 2.33:Moderate 2.33:Moderate Red (1.53) Yellow (2.24) Yellow (2.64) Yellow (2.64) laysan albatross 1.00:High 2.00:High 3.67:Low Yellow (2.71) 30

31 black-footed albatross 1.00:High 2.00:High 5.00:Very Low Yellow (3.16) Albacore 2.00:Medium 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) Blue shark 1.00:High 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) Skipjack tuna 2.00:Medium 5.00:Very Low Yellowfin tuna 2.00:Medium 5.00:Very Low 5.00:Very Low 5.00:Very Low Green (5.00) Green (5.00) SKIPJACK TUNA - HAWAII/EASTERN CENTRAL PACIFIC - LONGLINE (DEEP-SET) Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.95 C2 Rate: 1.34 Species Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore False killer whale 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Olive ridley turtle 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Shortfin mako shark 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Leatherback turtle 1.00:High 1.00:Very High Opah 2.00:Medium 3.00:Moderate 2.33:Moderate 2.33:Moderate Red (1.53) Yellow (2.64) laysan albatross 1.00:High 2.00:High 3.67:Low Yellow (2.71) Yellowfin tuna 2.00:Medium 2.00:High 3.67:Low Yellow (2.71) black-footed albatross 1.00:High 2.00:High 5.00:Very Low Dolphinfish 2.00:Medium 3.00:Moderate 3.67:Low Yellow (3.16) Green (3.32) Albacore 2.00:Medium 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) Bigeye tuna 2.00:Medium 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) 31

32 Blue shark 1.00:High 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) SKIPJACK TUNA - HAWAII/WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC - LONGLINE (DEEP-SET) Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.95 C2 Rate: 1.34 Species Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore False killer whale 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Shortfin mako shark 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Leatherback turtle 1.00:High 1.00:Very High Olive ridley turtle 1.00:High 1.00:Very High Dolphinfish 2.00:Medium 3.00:Moderate Opah 2.00:Medium 3.00:Moderate 2.33:Moderate 5.00:Very Low 2.33:Moderate 2.33:Moderate Red (1.53) Yellow (2.24) Yellow (2.64) Yellow (2.64) laysan albatross 1.00:High 2.00:High 3.67:Low Yellow (2.71) black-footed albatross 1.00:High 2.00:High 5.00:Very Low Yellow (3.16) Albacore 2.00:Medium 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) Bigeye tuna 2.00:Medium 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) Blue shark 1.00:High 4.00:Low 3.67:Low Green (3.83) Yellowfin tuna 2.00:Medium 5.00:Very Low 5.00:Very Low Green (5.00) SWORDFISH - HAWAII/EASTERN CENTRAL PACIFIC - LONGLINE (SHALLOW-SET) Subscore: 1.41 Discard Rate: 0.95 C2 Rate: 1.34 Species Inherent Vulnerability Abundance Fishing Mortality Subscore Shortfin mako shark 1.00:High 2.00:High 1.00:High Red (1.41) Leatherback turtle 1.00:High 1.00:Very High 5.00:Very Low Yellow (2.24) 32