Changes in the landings of neritic tuna and tuna like species in Pakistan during last three years

Five species of tuna are represented in catches in the neritic waters along Pakistan coast. Of these longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol) seems to be dominating followed by kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) and frigate tuna (Auxis thazard thazard). Although bullet tuna (Auxis rochei rochei) and striped bonitos (Sarda orientalis) are also found in the landings but their combined contribution is less than 1 % of the total landings of neritic tuna. Neritic species are caught with surface gillnets which are mainly operated in the continental shelf area of Pakistan. Total landings of neritic tuna was 23,035, 22,040 and 16,690 m. tons during 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively. Their contribution in overall tuna landing is decreasing because of decline in Somali piracy and now Pakistani tuna vessels are fishing in comparatively deeper offshore waters as well as in area beyond national jurisdiction.