Non Target Species. While a study specifically on by-catch in the Kiribati tuna fisheries has not been undertaken, the by-catch in the purse seine and long line fisheries of nearby Pacific Island countries is not likely to be remarkably different xxxx that of the Kiribati Archipelago. Xxxxxx et al. (1996) reviewed the situation of discards in the purse seine and long line fisheries of the Pacific Islands region. They reported that in the purse seine fishery available observer data shows that from 0.35% to 0.77% of the total catch (by weight) for school sets is by- catch; for log sets, the level is higher at an estimated 3.0% to 7.3%. The most common by- catch species observed in purse seine log sets are amberjack (Seriola rivoliana), mackerel scad (Decapterus macarellus), rainbow runner (Elagatis bipinnulata), drummer (Kyphosus cinerascens), mahi mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) and ocean triggerfish (Canthidermis macxxxxxx). Xxxxxxxx xxxxrds show that blue marlin (Xxxxxxx xxxxxx) is the most common billfish species taken in purse-seine sets. Marine turtles are taken occasionally, but there is evidence that these are usually released alive. While the reasons for the discard of target tuna species are well documented, tuna discard is an irregular and unpredictable feature of the purse-seine fishery, thus it is difficult to provide indicative estimates. In the long line fishery over 50 non-target fish species have been observed in the tropical and sub-tropical waters of the WCPO, but there is insufficient data to estimate relative quantities. The by-catch can be categorised into shark (21 species), non-target scombrids (7 species), billfish (6 species) and other fish (21 species). The blue shark (Prionace glauca) was observed as the most common shark species taken throughout the WCPO. Marine turtles appear to be taken occasionally on longline vessels in the tropical waters of the WCPO. For economic reasons, in the Kiribati Archipelago and in other neighbouring countries most of the purse seine by-catch is discarded. In the long line fishery much of the by-catch is retained as there are markets both domestic and overseas, depending on the species.
Non Target Species. The tuna long line fishery in the region, and to a lesser extent, the purse seine fishery, catch considerable quantities of sharks. In Kiribati few data are available on the capture of sharks by industrial fishing gear. In the wider Pacific Island region little is known about effects of fishing by the existing tuna fleets on shark population or on the wider pelagic ecosystem. Even less can be stated about the degree to which future FPA tuna fishing would affect sharks or the ecosystem. This situation highlights the need for an effective observer programme, which includes the analysis of data collected, including that on sharks. The removal of large numbers of apex predators such as sharks could have effects at several trophic levels in the pelagic ecosystem. Compared to bony fishes, sharks are susceptible to overexploitation since they generally mature at a late age, have low fecundities, long gestation periods, and are long-lived (MRAG 2002). The size of the impact would depend on many factors, including the proportion of shark population removed. A xxxxnt paxxx xy Xxxx and Xxxxx (2005) identified changes in the pelagic fish community of the tropical Pacific Ocean by comparing recent observer data on long line vessels with data from a 1950s scientific survey when industrial fishing for tuna commenced, revealing a major shift in size composition and indices of species abundance and community biomass. The largest and most abundant predators, including shark and tuna, suffered the most. For instance, the mean mass of blue shark (Prionace glauca) has fallen from 52 kg in the 1950s to 22 kg by the 1990s and the estimated abundance of this species is about 13% of the 1950s figure. Overall the index of community biomass is about 10% of its former level and the community is composed of smaller fish and fewer larger predators, the increased proportion of smaller fish being consistent with reduced predation pressure.
Non Target Species. Non-target species that may be affected by this action are identified as other species that are part of the northeast multispecies complex. In total, the NE Multispecies (Groundfish) FMP manages 15 species and 24 stocks of finfish. These species are generally separated into “large-mesh species” and “small-mesh species.” (Figure 4). The various components of the complex can be found throughout the affected area and except for those stocks managed according to regulations specific to the Gulf of Maine, together represent the Groundfish species subject to fishing effort described in the proposed action. The following information from the Amendment 13 FSEIS, Figure 3 above and the 2005 GARM describe the current biological environment as related to stocks in the Northeast Multispecies complex other than GB cod and xxxxxxx: Of the 18 stocks for which FMSY (or its proxy) could be estimated, 10 were fished below FMSY in 2004, and 8 above. Additionally, the biomasses of 6 of the 19 stocks for which BMSY (or its proxy) could be estimated were at or above ½ BMSY, while the biomasses of 13 stocks were below the threshold (2005 GARM). Stock biomasses have increased in only 6 of the 19 stocks since 2001. For the six stocks that increased in biomass between 2001 and 2004, the average increase was 50%. For the remaining stocks, the average decrease was 19%. For Georges Bank yellowtail flounder, alternative model formulations were used for assessment (denoted as GB YT1 and GB YT2, see Chapter C). One model suggested that the biomass increased (GB YT1) while the other (GB YT2) suggested a decrease. If model GB YT1 is used then 7 stocks increased. Landings of the complex of 19 groundfish stocks have declined by 7% since 2002, driven primarily by decreases in landings of Georges Bank cod and American plaice but offset primarily by increases in landings of Georges Bank xxxxxxx and xxxxxxx. Fishing mortality (F) rates declined for 13 of 19 stocks between 2001 and 2004. For the 13 stocks where F declined, the average percent decline was 50% (range: 1% to 80%). For the 6 stocks where F increased, the average percent increase was 49% (range: 31% to 73%). The 6 stocks showing increases in F since 2001 were Georges Bank xxxxxxx (39%), Georges Bank yellowtail flounder (GB YT2 140%), Gulf of Maine cod (75%), Georges Bank winter flounder (50%), Gulf of Maine xxxxxxx (50%), and Atlantic halibut (50%). Four stocks continue to exhibit high fishing mortality rates compared to their FMSY re...
