A review of the biology, stock structure, fisheries and status of wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri), with reference to the Pacific Ocean

The wahoo, Acanthocybium solandri (Cuvier), is a high trophic level predator in tropical and sub-tropical marine pelagic waters worldwide. Wahoo are primarily caught as a retained incidental catch in purse seine and pelagic longline fisheries that target tuna and swordfish. The global commercial catch of wahoo has increased in the Pacific Ocean from 130 t in 1993 to a peak in recent years of 1339 t in 2006. Wahoo are also a highly prized sportfish in recreational fisheries, and although catches are poorly understood, they may be higher than the commercial catch in some regions. Despite their commercial and recreational importance, little quantitative information exists on their biology and stock structure, particularly in the Pacific Ocean. This dearth of information may have significant consequences for stock assessments and management. Suggested research priorities for wahoo in the Pacific Ocean are to: (1) investigate their biology in the region, particularly age, growth and reproductive parameters, which are essential for stock assessment; (2) use holistic methods to determine stock structure on a timescale appropriate for assessment and management; (3) conduct quantitative diet analyses that may contribute to ecosystem models, and (4) quantify catch from recreational fisheries to include in estimates of total mortality.

► Global commercial catch of wahoo has substantially increased in the last 20 years.
► Catch from recreational fisheries is unknown, but likely to be high.
► Literature review reveals a paucity of biological and stock structure data.
► Potential stock assessments hindered by lack of data.
► Recreational fishery, biological and stock structure data needed from Pacific Ocean.