Bigeye Tuna: Quick Facts
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Scientific name: Thunnus obesus
Other names: Ahi , Bigeye, thon obese (France), mabachi (Japan).
Ranking: E (Red - Worst Choice)
Best Fish Guide: Bigeye Tuna
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Ranking: E (Red - Worst Choice)
Alternative Choice: Albacore or skipjack tuna
Description: Bigeye tuna is a highly migratory species that is deeper swimming than other tuna, found off the coast of the North Island for much of the year. Longline fisheries for this tuna occur mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north. New Zealand represents only 3.5 percent of the Pacific catch, which is managed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
Ecological concerns: Uncertainty about the state of the stocks, declining stock trend, lack of overall management plan plus the bycatch of sharks, seabirds and fur seals. Bigeye is internationally listed as a threatened species (vulnerable).
Economic value: Main markets are Japan, Australia and USA. The export value in 2008 was $1.7 million. The quota value in 2008 of $1.1m. The export value of all tuna species combined was $38 million in 2010.
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C)
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D)
Impact of fishing method and protected, threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E)
Management and management unit (score C and D)
For a full ecological assessment click here
