Albacore tuna, Bigeye tuna, Swordfish, Yellowfin tuna Thunnus alalunga, Thunnus obesus, Xiphias gladius, Thunnus albacares Image Monterey Bay Aquarium Atlantic Longline December 8, 2014 Stock Status Update December 10, 2015 Alexia Morgan, 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.
2 About Seafood Watch Monterey Bay Aquarium s Seafood Watch program evaluates the ecological sustainability of wildcaught 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 www.seafoodwatch.org. 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 1-877-229-9990.
3 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 Summary This report focuses on longline fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean for albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and swordfish (Xiphias gladius). This report includes assessments of albacore, bigeye, yellowfin and swordfish, while Atlantic bluefin tuna is covered in a separate report. Albacore tuna in both the North and South Atlantic are currently overfished, and are undergoing overfishing in the South Atlantic. There is some uncertainty surrounding the current status of yellowfin tuna populations in the Atlantic, but there is some indication that they are overfished and unsustainably fished. Bigeye tuna populations are overfished and undergoing overfishing. Swordfish populations appear to be healthy. The longline fisheries that target these species also capture a number of secondary target and bycatch species. This report includes species that typically compose 5% of more of the total catch, or whose status, e.g., endangered or threatened, justifies their inclusion in this report, per the Seafood Watch criteria. Longlines do not typically come in contact with bottom habitats but do capture exceptional species, and management does not currently take this into account. These species are managed by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) within the Atlantic Ocean. Table of Conservation s and Overall Recommendations Stock / Fishery Albacore tuna South Atlantic - Longline, Pelagic Albacore tuna North Atlantic - Longline, Pelagic Swordfish South Atlantic - Longline, Pelagic Swordfish North Atlantic - Longline, Pelagic Bigeye tuna South Atlantic - Longline, Pelagic Impacts on the Stock Red (1.41) Yellow (3.16) Impacts on other Spp. Critical (0.00) Green (4.47) Critical (0.00) Management Habitat and Ecosystem Overall Recommendation Red (1.73) Green (3.87) Avoid (0.000) Red (1.00) Red (1.73) Green (3.87) Avoid (2.146) Red (1.73) Green (3.87) Avoid (0.000) Green (4.47) Red (1.00) Red (1.73) Green (3.87) Avoid (2.340) Red (1.41) Critical (0.00) Red (1.73) Green (3.87) Avoid (0.000)
5 Bigeye tuna North Atlantic - Longline, Pelagic Yellowfin tuna South Atlantic - Longline, Pelagic Yellowfin tuna North Atlantic - Longline, Pelagic Scoring Guide Red (1.41) Red (1.00) Red (1.73) Green (3.87) Avoid (1.753) Red (2.16) Critical (0.00) Red (1.73) Green (3.87) Avoid (0.000) Red (2.16) Red (1.00) Red (1.73) Green (3.87) Avoid (1.951) 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 >2.2, 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, and does not meet the criteria for Best Choice (above) Avoid/Red = Final Score <=2.2, or either Harvest Strategy (Factor 3.1) or Bycatch Management Strategy (Factor 3.2) is Very High, 2 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).
6 Table of Contents About Seafood Watch... 2 Guiding Principles... 3 Summary... 4 Introduction... 7 Assessment... 13 Criterion 1: Stock for which you want a recommendation... 13 Criterion 2: Impacts on Other Species... 25 Criterion 3: Management effectiveness... 64 Criterion 4: Impacts on the habitat and ecosystem... 76 Acknowledgements... 80 References... 81
7 Introduction Scope of the analysis and ensuing recommendation This report focuses on longline fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean for albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and swordfish (Xiphias gladius). Overview of the species and management bodies Albacore tuna are widely distributed in temperate and tropical waters in all oceans including the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. There are two populations in the Atlantic, North and South, and a third in the Mediterranean. These populations have been identified for management purposes. Biological information supports classifying these as separate populations, but also suggests that there are subpopulations within the North Atlantic and Mediterranean and that intermingling may occur between populations in the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic. It is suspected that environmental changes may affect albacore populations (ICCAT 2012a). Longlines have historically captured the majority of albacore tuna worldwide (ISSF 2013b). Bigeye and yellowfin tuna are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean (except for bigeye tuna) (ICCAT 2012a). There are four populations of bigeye and yellowfin: Western and Central Pacific Ocean, Eastern Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean. Juvenile yellowfin tuna and juvenile bigeye tuna tend to form schools with skipjack tuna that are mostly found in surface waters. Larger tunas are found in subsurface waters where they also form schools (ICCAT 2012a). Globally, longlines and purse seine fishing gears capture the majority of bigeye and yellowfin tuna, respectively (ISSF 2013). Swordfish is a widely distributed billfish species, found globally from 50 N to 50 S and throughout the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Spawning occurs in tropical and subtropical waters of the western Atlantic. There are three management units for swordfish: North and South Atlantic, and Mediterranean. There is some genetic evidence for these units as distinct populations, although mixing between the populations likely occurs (ICCAT 2012a). Swordfish are most commonly captured by longline fishing gear (ISSF 2013b). In the Atlantic Ocean, swordfish and tuna are managed by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Production Statistics Longline fisheries catch the majority of albacore in the North Atlantic. Albacore catches in this region peaked in the 1960s at over 60,000 t and have declined since. In 2013, total catches in the region were 20,948 t (ICCAT 2014). In the South Atlantic, longlines are the primary gear, followed by baitboats, to capture albacore tuna. Catches in the South Atlantic peaked during the 1960s and 1970s, decreased in
8 the early 1980s, and then increased again to a high of 40,630 t in 1987. Since the early to mid-2000s, catches have decreased. In 2013, total catches in the region were 19,148 t (ICCAT 2014). Bigeye tuna is principally caught by longlines, but also by purse seines and bait boat fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean. Peak catches of bigeye tuna occurred in 2001 (100,000 t) and catches have been declining since, to 63,066 t in 2013 (ICCAT 2014). The primary gear used to capture yellowfin tuna in the Atlantic are purse seines in the Eastern Atlantic and longlines in the Western Atlantic. By 2007, catches of yellowfin tuna throughout the Atlantic had declined by nearly 50%, from 194,000 t in 1990 to 100,000 t. In recent years, catches have begun to increase again. In the Eastern Atlantic, longline catches varied between 5,700 t and 14,638 t from the 1990s to 2007, but were only 5,434 t in 2013. Within the Western Atlantic, longline catches have varied between 10,059 t and 16,019 t since 1994, and were 10,919 t in 2013 (ICCAT 2014). Longline is the primary gear used to catch swordfish in the North Atlantic and worldwide, but other surface gears, such as handlines and harpoon, are used. Peak catches of swordfish in the North Atlantic (20,236 t) occurred in 1987 but catches have averaged around 11,551 t for the past 10 years. In 2013, total catches in the North Atlantic were 11,980 t, of which 11,293 t came from longline fisheries. Total catches in the South Atlantic were 7,787 t in 2013, with 7,672 t coming from longline fisheries (ICCAT 2014). Figure 1: Swordfish catches in the Atlantic Ocean between 1950 and 2013 [ICCAT 2014].
9 Figure 2. Bigeye catches in the Atlantic Ocean between 1950 and 2013 [ICCAT 2014]. Figure 3. Yellowfin tuna catches in the Atlantic Ocean between 1950 and 2013 [ICCAT 2014].
10 Figure 4. Albacore catches in the North Atlantic between 1950 and 2013 [ICCAT 2014]. Importance to the U.S./North American market The majority of albacore imported from the ICCAT Convention area by the United States came from Canada (57%), followed by Mexico (22%) (NMFS 2014). Figure 5. Major contributors to U.S. albacore tuna imports (%), ICCAT Convention Area (country of origin) [NMFS 2013]. Bigeye tuna were primarily imported from South Korea (32%), followed by Brazil (24%) in 2013 (NMFS 2014).
11 Figure 6. Major contributors to U.S. bigeye tuna imports (%), ICCAT Convention Area (country of origin) [NMFS 2014]. During 2013, yellowfin tuna were primarily imported from the Philippines (24%), followed by Trinidad and Tobago (18%) (NFMS 2014). Figure 7. Major contributors to U.S. yellowfin tuna imports (%), ICCAT Convention Area (country of origin) [NMFS 2014]. The United States imports the majority of its swordfish from Ecuador (24%) (NMFS 2014b).
12 Figure 8. Major contributors to U.S. swordfish tuna imports (%), ICCAT Convention Area (country of origin) [NMFS 2014]. Common and market names Albacore tuna is also known as germon, longfinned tuna, albecore, and T. germo. In Hawaii, bigeye and yellowfin tuna are known as Ahi, and skipjack is known as Aku. Swordfish is also known as broadbilled swordfish, broadbill, espada, and emperado. Primary product forms These species are sold in fresh and frozen form and for the sushi and sashimi markets.
13 Assessment This section assesses the sustainability of the fishery(s) relative to the Seafood Watch Criteria for Fisheries, available at http://www.seafoodwatch.org. Criterion 1: Stock for which you want a recommendation 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 Score <=2.2=Red or High Rating is Critical if Factor 1.3 (Fishing Mortality) is Critical. Criterion 1 Summary ALBACORE TUNA Region / Method North Atlantic Longline, Pelagic South Atlantic Longline, Pelagic Inherent Stock Status Vulnerability 2.00:Medium 2.00:High 2.00:Medium 2.00:High Fishing Subscore Mortality 5.00:Very Low Yellow (3.162) 1.00:High Red (1.414) BIGEYE TUNA Region / Method North Atlantic Longline, Pelagic South Atlantic Longline, Pelagic Inherent Vulnerability Stock Status Fishing Mortality Subscore 2.00:Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High Red (1.414) Conservation 2.00:Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High Red (1.414) Conservation SWORDFISH Region / Method North Atlantic Longline, Pelagic Inherent Stock Status Vulnerability 2.00:Medium 4.00:Low Fishing Subscore Mortality 5.00:Very Low Green (4.472)
14 South Atlantic Longline, Pelagic 2.00:Medium 4.00:Low 5.00:Very Low Green (4.472) YELLOWFIN TUNA Region / Method Inherent Vulnerability Stock Status Fishing Mortality Subscore North Atlantic 2.00:Medium 2.00:High 2.33: Red (2.159) Longline, Pelagic South Atlantic Longline, Pelagic 2.00:Medium 2.00:High 2.33: Red (2.159) Albacore tuna in both the North and South Atlantic are currently overfished, and undergoing overfishing in the South Atlantic. There is also some uncertainty surrounding the current status of yellowfin tuna populations in the Atlantic, but there is some indication that they may be overfished and unsustainably fished. Bigeye tuna populations are overfished and undergoing overfishing. However, skipjack tuna populations appear to be healthy. Criterion 1 Assessment ALBACORE TUNA Factor 1.1 - Inherent Vulnerability Scoring Guidelines 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 56-100, 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.
15 Medium FishBase assigned a high vulnerability score of 58 out of 100 (Froese and Pauly 2013). However, the lifehistory 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). These life-history characteristics result in a medium vulnerability. Factor 1.2 - Stock Status Scoring Guidelines 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 ( ) 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. High The population of albacore tuna in the North Atlantic has been below the level needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (B MSY ) since the mid-1980s, but has improved from the lowest levels in the late 1990s. There is considerable uncertainty surrounding the status of albacore tuna in the North Atlantic, as evidenced by the wide array of model results. However, the ratio of the current spawning stock biomass to the maximum sustainable yield (SSB current /SSB MSY ) is estimated to be 0.94 (0.74 1.14). There is a 0.2% probability that the population is overfished and undergoing overfishing; a 27.4% probability that the population is neither overfished nor undergoing overfishing; and a 72.4% probability that the population is either overfished or that overfishing is occurring, but not both (ICCAT 20013). The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas considers this population overfished, so it is scored as high concern. High
16 The 2013 assessment of albacore tuna in the South Atlantic provided a wide range of results. Based on all scenarios included in the assessment, there is a 57% probability that the population of albacore tuna is overfished and undergoing overfishing; a 13% probability that the population is overfished or undergoing overfishing, but not both; and a 30% probability that the biomass is above and the fishing mortality is below Convention objectives (ICCAT 2013a). The ratio of the current biomass to that which would produce the maximum sustainable yield (B/B MSY ) is 0.92 (0.71 1.26), indicating that the population is overfished. This results in a high concern score. Factor 1.3 - Fishing Mortality Scoring Guidelines 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). 3.67 (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). 2.33 ( ) 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. Very Low The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) of albacore tuna in the North Atlantic is estimated to be 31,680 t. Fishing mortality rates from the 1960s to the mid-2000s were above the levels needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (F MSY ). But F 2012 /F MSY = 0.72 (0.55 0.89) and the population is no longer undergoing overfishing (ICCAT 2013a), so it is scored as very low concern.
17 High According to the last assessment (2013), the median maximum sustainable yield (MSY) value was 25,228 t (19,109 28,360 t) in 2012, and the median estimate of the ratio of current fishing mortality rates to those that produce the maximum sustainable yield (F/F MSY ) was 1.04 (0.38 1.32). Because of this large degree of uncertainty, the status is difficult to determine but it is likely that overfishing is occurring: there is a 57% probability that the population of albacore tuna is overfished and undergoing overfishing (ICCAT 2013a). This results in a score of high concern. BIGEYE TUNA Factor 1.1 - Inherent Vulnerability Scoring Guidelines 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 56-100, 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. Medium FishBase assigned a high to very high vulnerability of 72 out of 100 (Froese and Pauly 2013). However, bigeye tuna s life-history characteristics suggest a medium vulnerability to fishing. For example, bigeye
18 tuna reach sexual maturity around 100 125 cm, reach a maximum size of 200 cm, and live around 11 years (Davies et al. 2011) (Froese et al. 2013). They are broadcast spawners and top predators (Froese and Pauly 2013). These life-history characteristics result in a medium score. Factor 1.2 - Stock Status Scoring Guidelines 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 ( ) 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. High Bigeye tuna in the Atlantic were last assessed in 2015. Several models were used in this assessment. The Stock Synthesis model indicates the biomass has decreased over time and fell below levels necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield (BMSY) in 2010. The Age Structured Production Model indicated the ratio of the biomass in 2014 to that needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (B2014/BMSY) ranged between 0.554 and 1.225. The Virtual Population Analysis also indicated the population is overfished (ICCAT 2015a). The current status is assessed to be overfished based on the most plausible model runs (0.48-1.20). We have awarded a high concern score because there is evidence the population of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic is overfished. Factor 1.3 - Fishing Mortality Scoring Guidelines 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). 3.67 (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
19 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). 2.33 ( ) 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. High According to the Age Structured Production model used in the 2015 assessment, the ratio of fishing mortality in 2014 to that needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (F2014/FMSY) ranged from 0.576 to 1.436, indicating that overfishing may be occurring. According to the stock synthesis model, the F2014/FMSY ratio appears to have decreased in recent years to below 1, suggesting overfishing is not occurring. The Virtual Population Analysis (VPA) base model indicated overfishing is not occurring, although some model runs indicated overfishing is occurring (the VPA results were sensitive to the values used for recruitment) (ICCAT 2015a). Based on the most plausible model runs (0.62-1.85) there is an indication that overfishing is occurring (ICCAT 2015a). As some models indicate overfishing is occurring, we have awarded high concern. SWORDFISH Factor 1.1 - Inherent Vulnerability Scoring Guidelines 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).
20 High The FishBase vulnerability score for species is 56-100, 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. 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 at 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 medium vulnerability to fishing. Factor 1.2 - Stock Status Scoring Guidelines 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 ( ) 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. Low The last assessment for swordfish in the North Atlantic was conducted in 2013. The population of swordfish in the North Atlantic is estimated to be at or above levels needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (B MSY ) and the population is not overfished. The results from this assessment were very
21 similar to those from the previous assessment in 2009 (ICCAT 2013). However, concern surrounding the size structure of the population (ICCAT 2013) precludes a score of very low concern, so this is scored as low concern. Low Swordfish populations in the South Atlantic Ocean were last assessed in 2013. There was considerable uncertainty surrounding the results, with the models providing conflicting results. However, it appears that the biomass is most likely above the levels needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (B MSY ), and the population is likely not overfished. The large amount of uncertainty surrounding the results (ICCAT 2013) precludes a score of very low concern, so this is scored as low concern. Factor 1.3 - Fishing Mortality Scoring Guidelines 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). 3.67 (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). 2.33 ( ) 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.
22 Very Low Fishing mortality of swordfish in the North Atlantic has been below levels needed to produce the maximum sustainable yield (F MSY ) since 2000 and overfishing is not currently occurring. Fishing mortality peaked in 1995 and has shown a downward trend since, with a slight increase from 2002 2005 (ICCAT 2013). Because fishing levels on swordfish are sustainable, this is scored as very low concern. Very Low Despite a large amount of uncertainty surrounding the results of the 2013 assessment for swordfish in the South Atlantic, current fishing mortality rates are likely below those necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield (F MSY ) (0.75 (0.60 1.01)) and overfishing is likely not occurring. Because fishing levels on swordfish are sustainable, this is scored as very low concern. YELLOWFIN TUNA Factor 1.1 - Inherent Vulnerability Scoring Guidelines 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 56-100, 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.
23 Medium FishBase assigned a moderate vulnerability score of 46 out of 100 (Froese and Pauly 2013). Yellowfin tuna reach sexual maturity around 100 cm in size and 2 5 years in age. A maximum length of 140 150 cm can be attained and they can live 8 9 years. They are broadcast spawners and high-level predators in the ecosystem (Froese and Pauly 2014) (ICCAT 2014). These life-history characteristics also support a medium vulnerability. Factor 1.2 - Stock Status Scoring Guidelines 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 ( ) 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. High Yellowfin tuna in the Atlantic Ocean were last assessed in 2011. There was some degree of uncertainty with the different models, which indicated opposite results (one showed an increasing abundance trend and the other a decreasing trend). The population is currently estimated to be 15% below Convention objectives (B 2010 /B MSY = 0.85 (0.61 1.12)) and therefore overfished (ICCAT 2011d). Because the population is considered overfished, this is scored as high concern. Factor 1.3 - Fishing Mortality Scoring Guidelines
24 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). 3.67 (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). 2.33 ( ) 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. The current fishing mortality rate is estimated to be 13% below F MSY (F current /F MSY = 0.87 (0.68 1.40)) and the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) is estimated to be 144,600 t (ICCAT 2011d). This suggests that fishing mortality rates are sustainable. However, the assessment had some degree of uncertainty surrounding the results, with different models indicating opposite trends. Two models were used with one model estimating that fishing mortality rates were not sustainable, while the other estimated they were sustainable (ICCAT 2011d). In addition, the fishing mortality reference point used in the base case model (F max, the fishing level that produces the largest yield per catch from the fishery) may not be suitable, because some studies have indicated that F max is likely greater than F MSY (Gabriel and Mace 1999). Therefore, a more conservative reference points may have actually indicated that overfishing is occurring (ICCAT 2011k). This precludes a score of low concern and instead results in a score of moderate concern.
25 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 Score <=2.2=Red or High Rating is Critical if Factor 2.3 (Fishing Mortality) is Critical. Criterion 2 Summary Albacore tuna: Subscore:: 1.000 Discard Rate: 1.00 C2 Rate: 1.000 Species Inherent Vulnerability Stock Status Fishing Mortality OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK High 1.00: Very 1.00: High High ATLANTIC SAILFISH Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High BIGEYE TUNA 2.00:Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High Conservation SILKY SHARK High 2.00: High 1.00: High ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA High 1.00: Very 2.33: High LEATHERBACK TURTLE High 1.00: Very High LOGGERHEAD TURTLE High 1.00: Very High 2.33: 2.33: HAWKSBILL TURTLE High 1.00: Very 3.67: Low High OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE High 2.00: High 2.33: Subscore 1.000 1.414 1.414 1.414 1.526 1.526 1.526 1.916 2.159
26 YELLOWFIN TUNA Medium 2.00: High BLUE SHARK High 3.00: FRIGATE TUNA Low 3.00: SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK High 3.00: ALBACORE TUNA Medium 2.00: High SWORDFISH Medium 4.00: Low 2.33: 2.33: 2.33: 2.33: 5.00: Very Low 5.00: Very Low 2.159 2.644 2.644 2.644 3.162 4.472 Albacore tuna: Subscore:: 0.000 Discard Rate: 1.00 C2 Rate: 0.000 Species Inherent Stock Status Fishing Subscore Vulnerability Mortality LEATHERBACK TURTLE High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High LOGGERHEAD TURTLE High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High WANDERING ALBATROSS High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High WHITE-CHINNED PETREL High 2.00: High 0.00: Critical 0.000 YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High ALBACORE TUNA Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 ATLANTIC SAILFISH Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 BIGEYE TUNA 2.00:Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 Conservation BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS High 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 GREY-HEADED ALBATROSS High 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 SILKY SHARK High 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414
27 YELLOWFIN TUNA Medium 2.00: High BLUE SHARK High 3.00: DOLPHINFISH (MAHI MAHI) Medium 4.00: Low SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK High 4.00: Low SWORDFISH Medium 4.00: Low 2.33: 3.67: Low 3.67: Low 3.67: Low 5.00: Very Low 2.159 3.318 3.831 3.831 4.472 Atlantic bluefin tuna: Subscore:: 1.000 Discard Rate: 1.00 C2 Rate: 1.000 Species Inherent Vulnerability Stock Status Fishing Mortality OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK High 1.00: Very 1.00: High High ATLANTIC SAILFISH Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High BIGEYE TUNA 2.00:Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High Conservation SILKY SHARK High 2.00: High 1.00: High ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA High 1.00: Very 2.33: High LEATHERBACK TURTLE High 1.00: Very High LOGGERHEAD TURTLE High 1.00: Very High 2.33: 2.33: HAWKSBILL TURTLE High 1.00: Very 3.67: Low High OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE High 2.00: High 2.33: YELLOWFIN TUNA Medium 2.00: High BLUE SHARK High 3.00: 2.33: 2.33: Subscore 1.000 1.414 1.414 1.414 1.526 1.526 1.526 1.916 2.159 2.159 2.644
28 FRIGATE TUNA Low 3.00: SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK High 3.00: ALBACORE TUNA Medium 2.00: High SWORDFISH Medium 4.00: Low 2.33: 2.33: 5.00: Very Low 5.00: Very Low 2.644 2.644 3.162 4.472 Bigeye tuna: Subscore:: 1.000 Discard Rate: 1.00 C2 Rate: 1.000 Species Inherent Vulnerability Stock Status Fishing Mortality OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK High 1.00: Very 1.00: High High ATLANTIC SAILFISH Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High BIGEYE TUNA 2.00:Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High Conservation SILKY SHARK High 2.00: High 1.00: High ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA High 1.00: Very 2.33: High LEATHERBACK TURTLE High 1.00: Very High LOGGERHEAD TURTLE High 1.00: Very High 2.33: 2.33: HAWKSBILL TURTLE High 1.00: Very 3.67: Low High OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE High 2.00: High 2.33: YELLOWFIN TUNA Medium 2.00: High BLUE SHARK High 3.00: 2.33: 2.33: Subscore 1.000 1.414 1.414 1.414 1.526 1.526 1.526 1.916 2.159 2.159 2.644
29 FRIGATE TUNA Low 3.00: SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK High 3.00: ALBACORE TUNA Medium 2.00: High SWORDFISH Medium 4.00: Low 2.33: 2.33: 5.00: Very Low 5.00: Very Low 2.644 2.644 3.162 4.472 Bigeye tuna: Subscore:: 0.000 Discard Rate: 1.00 C2 Rate: 0.000 Species Inherent Stock Status Fishing Subscore Vulnerability Mortality LEATHERBACK TURTLE High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High LOGGERHEAD TURTLE High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High WANDERING ALBATROSS High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High WHITE-CHINNED PETREL High 2.00: High 0.00: Critical 0.000 YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High ALBACORE TUNA Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 ATLANTIC SAILFISH Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 BIGEYE TUNA 2.00:Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 Conservation BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS High 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 GREY-HEADED ALBATROSS High 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 SILKY SHARK High 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 YELLOWFIN TUNA Medium 2.00: High 2.33: 2.159 BLUE SHARK High 3.00: 3.67: Low 3.318 DOLPHINFISH (MAHI MAHI) Medium 4.00: Low 3.67: Low 3.831
30 SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK High 4.00: Low SWORDFISH Medium 4.00: Low 3.67: Low 5.00: Very Low 3.831 4.472 Swordfish: Subscore:: 1.000 Discard Rate: 1.00 C2 Rate: 1.000 Species Inherent Vulnerability Stock Status Fishing Mortality OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK High 1.00: Very 1.00: High High ATLANTIC SAILFISH Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High BIGEYE TUNA 2.00:Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High Conservation SILKY SHARK High 2.00: High 1.00: High ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA High 1.00: Very 2.33: High LEATHERBACK TURTLE High 1.00: Very High LOGGERHEAD TURTLE High 1.00: Very High 2.33: 2.33: HAWKSBILL TURTLE High 1.00: Very 3.67: Low High OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE High 2.00: High 2.33: YELLOWFIN TUNA Medium 2.00: High BLUE SHARK High 3.00: FRIGATE TUNA Low 3.00: SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK High 3.00: 2.33: 2.33: 2.33: 2.33: Subscore 1.000 1.414 1.414 1.414 1.526 1.526 1.526 1.916 2.159 2.159 2.644 2.644 2.644
31 ALBACORE TUNA Medium 2.00: High SWORDFISH Medium 4.00: Low 5.00: Very Low 5.00: Very Low 3.162 4.472 Swordfish: Subscore:: 0.000 Discard Rate: 1.00 C2 Rate: 0.000 Species Inherent Stock Status Fishing Subscore Vulnerability Mortality LEATHERBACK TURTLE High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High LOGGERHEAD TURTLE High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High WANDERING ALBATROSS High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High WHITE-CHINNED PETREL High 2.00: High 0.00: Critical 0.000 YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High ALBACORE TUNA Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 ATLANTIC SAILFISH Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 BIGEYE TUNA 2.00:Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 Conservation BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS High 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 GREY-HEADED ALBATROSS High 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 SILKY SHARK High 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 YELLOWFIN TUNA Medium 2.00: High 2.33: 2.159 BLUE SHARK High 3.00: 3.67: Low 3.318 DOLPHINFISH (MAHI MAHI) Medium 4.00: Low 3.67: Low 3.831 SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK High 4.00: Low 3.67: Low 3.831 SWORDFISH Medium 4.00: Low 5.00: Very Low 4.472
32 Yellowfin tuna: Subscore:: 1.000 Discard Rate: 1.00 C2 Rate: 1.000 Species Inherent Vulnerability Stock Status Fishing Mortality OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK High 1.00: Very 1.00: High High ATLANTIC SAILFISH Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High BIGEYE TUNA 2.00:Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High Conservation SILKY SHARK High 2.00: High 1.00: High ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA High 1.00: Very 2.33: High LEATHERBACK TURTLE High 1.00: Very High LOGGERHEAD TURTLE High 1.00: Very High 2.33: 2.33: HAWKSBILL TURTLE High 1.00: Very 3.67: Low High OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE High 2.00: High 2.33: YELLOWFIN TUNA Medium 2.00: High 2.33: BLUE SHARK High 3.00: FRIGATE TUNA Low 3.00: SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK High 3.00: ALBACORE TUNA Medium 2.00: High SWORDFISH Medium 4.00: Low 2.33: 2.33: 2.33: 5.00: Very Low 5.00: Very Low Subscore 1.000 1.414 1.414 1.414 1.526 1.526 1.526 1.916 2.159 2.159 2.644 2.644 2.644 3.162 4.472
33 Yellowfin tuna: Subscore:: 0.000 Discard Rate: 1.00 C2 Rate: 0.000 Species Inherent Stock Status Fishing Subscore Vulnerability Mortality LEATHERBACK TURTLE High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High LOGGERHEAD TURTLE High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High WANDERING ALBATROSS High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High WHITE-CHINNED PETREL High 2.00: High 0.00: Critical 0.000 YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS High 1.00: Very 0.00: Critical 0.000 High ALBACORE TUNA Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 ATLANTIC SAILFISH Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 BIGEYE TUNA 2.00:Medium 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 Conservation BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS High 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 GREY-HEADED ALBATROSS High 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 SILKY SHARK High 2.00: High 1.00: High 1.414 YELLOWFIN TUNA Medium 2.00: High 2.33: 2.159 BLUE SHARK High 3.00: 3.67: Low 3.318 DOLPHINFISH (MAHI MAHI) Medium 4.00: Low 3.67: Low 3.831 SHORTFIN MAKO SHARK High 4.00: Low 3.67: Low 3.831 SWORDFISH Medium 4.00: Low 5.00: Very Low 4.472 This report focuses on tuna and swordfish longline fisheries operating in the Atlantic Ocean. Several species of sharks, sea turtles, and sea birds are also incidentally captured in these fisheries. Bycatch of seabirds in the Atlantic occurs in the highest amounts south of 30 S, specifically for albatrosses, giant petrels, and petrels. Few, if any, interactions have been observed between pelagic longlines and seabirds north of 30 S (Inoue et al. 2012). This report includes species that either make up at least 5% of the total catch and are considered main species (per the Seafood Watch criteria) or are a stock of
34 concern, endangered, etc. Reported catches from the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) Task I database for 2011 were used to determine the main species. Other species were identified through the literature, which is cited in the tables below. The worst scoring species for the North Atlantic longline fishery is the oceanic whitetip shark because of its stock status. For the South Atlantic fishery, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles are the worst scoring species due to their stock status. North Atlantic pelagic Species Justification Source Atlantic bluefin tuna Targeted species Blue shark 23% reported catch (2011) ICCAT 2011 Shortfin mako shark Third-most commonly caught species; 3% reported catch (2011) ICCAT 2011 Oceanic whitetip shark <5%, depleted Cortes et al. 2012 Shortfin mako shark 3% 9% reported catch (2011) (NW/NE), status ICCAT 2011 Frigate tuna 6% reported catch (2011) (NE) ICCAT 2011 Hawksbill Depleted Wallace et al. 2013 Leatherback Depleted Wallace et al. 2013 Loggerhead Depleted Wallace et al. 2013 Olive ridley Depleted Wallace et al. 2013 South Atlantic pelagic Species Justification Source Blue shark 50% reported catch (2011) ICCAT 2011 Shortfin mako shark 2% 7% reported catch (2011) (SW/SE) ICCAT 2011
35 Blue shark 20% 59% reported catch (2011) (SW/SE) ICCAT 2011 Dolphinfish 9% reported catch (2011) (SW) ICCAT 2011 Leatherback Depleted Wallace et al. 2013 Loggerhead Depleted Wallace et al. 2013 Grey-headed albatross Depleted Inoue et al. 2012 Black-browed albatross Depleted Inoue et al. 2012 Wandering albatross Depleted Inoue et al. 2012 White-chinned petrel Depleted Inoue et al. 2012 Yellow-nosed albatross Depleted Inoue et al. 2012 Criterion 2 Assessment ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA Factor 2.1 - Inherent Vulnerability Scoring Guidelines (same as Factor 1.1 above) Canada United States Atlantic, Longline, Pelagic United States Gulf of Mexico, Longline, Pelagic High Fishbase assigned a very high vulnerability score of 82 out of 100 (Froese and Pauly 2013). In the western Atlantic, bluefin tuna reach sexual maturity around 9 years of age and under 200 cm in length. They are long lived, reaching ages of 40 years and and lengths over 300 cm (ICCAT 2012b). Atlantic bluefin tuna are broadcast spawners and have a high trophic level according to Fishbase (Froese and Pauly 2013). These life history characteristics also suggest a high vulnerability. Factor 2.2 - Stock Status Scoring Guidelines (same as Factor 1.2 above)