Update on the neritic tuna fisheries of Pakistan with special reference to frigate tuna (Auxis thazard thazard)

Neritic species contributes substantially to the tuna landings in Pakistan. These species are caught with surface gillnets which are mainly operated in the continental shelf area of Pakistan. Three species i.e. longtail tuna (Thunnus tonggol), kawakawa (Euthynnus affinis) and frigate tuna (Auxis thazard thazard) dominate in the commercial catches. The studies based on analysis of landings data and those collected by on-board observers indicate that neritic tuna species have bimodal seasonal abundance pattern with a major peak in September-October and a minor peak in April-May. A comparison of species composition observed in previous studies was made which reveals a marked difference in species composition in neritic tuna which is primarily dependant on the area of operation of the gillnet vessels.