Replacing purse seining with pole-and-line fishing in the central and Western Pacific: Some aspects of the baitfish requirements

Tuna purse seining in the Pacific Islands region is the world’s largest tuna fishery. Currently some organizations are publicising the desirability of replacing at least some of the purse seining with pole-and-line fishing—a technique which requires significant quantities of live baitfish. This research was undertaken to determine the quantity of baitfish required to replace purse seining. It is estimated that to catch a million tonnes of tuna annually in the Pacific Islands region (i.e. replace the purse seine fishery) would require about 31,250 t of baitfish per year. Historical catches of baitfish suggest that catches this large may not be possible. There is also some question of the practicality and desirability of a substantial increase in baitfish harvesting in the region.