June 15, 2017 — Hawaii’s longline fishermen will hit their annual 3,138-ton limit for bigeye tuna in the western and central Pacific by early September, according to a forecast Wednesday by federal fishery biologist Christofer Boggs.
But that’s not expected to stop them from setting their hooks for more ahi through the end of the year. In fact, the longliners may be able to haul in another 3,000 tons thanks to deals that let them attribute additional catch to certain U.S. territories in exchange for payments to a federally managed fund.
Environmental groups are concerned that the quota-sharing agreements are leading to overfishing.
But they’re good news for consumers who enjoy fresh ahi poke, sashimi and tuna steaks that are revered in the islands. Prices can spike when the fishery closes and a constant supply helps the market remain more stable.
Boggs delivered his report to the Scientific and Statistical Committee that advises the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council. The council, known as Wespac, is tasked with developing policies to prevent overfishing, minimize bycatch and protect fish stocks and habitat but has a long history of fighting for measures to benefit the fishing industry and getting sued for hurting the environment.