Tuna fishing in Eastern Pacific Ocean highly selective, impacting species diversity.
Highly migratory tuna species like albacore, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna are important economically and ecologically. A study analyzed data from Chinese longline fishing in the Eastern Pacific Ocean to understand catch rates, sizes, and weights of these tuna species. Albacore tuna made up the majority of catches, with yellowfin and bigeye tuna also caught. The average sizes and weights of these tuna species were determined, with albacore tuna being smaller and lighter than yellowfin and bigeye tuna. The fishing technique used was found to be selective for these three tuna species. The tuna were in good physiological condition, indicating healthy organisms.