Fisheries management

The target species in the Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery are tuna and billfish. The majority of targeted effort is at Yellowfin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, Broadbill Swordfish and Striped Marlin. Blue Shark, and Mahi Mahi, are also an important component of the catch.

The fishery is currently managed by the granting of annual fishing permits which apply conditions and limit the number of boats operating. However there have been major changes to the WTBF management with the provisional grant of Statutory Fishing Rights (SFRs) under the Plan. Once SFRs have been granted the annual fishing permits for the WTBF will cease to have effect. Instead, access to fish in the fishery will be provided through tradeable SFRs granted under the Plan.