The fishery for tuna and tuna-like species is a major component in large pelagic fisheries in Iran and is one of the most important activities in the Persian Gulf, Oman Sea, and the high seas.
In 2021, the country produced nearly 1.2 million tonnes of aquatic products, with marine capture fisheries accounting for approximately 702 thousand tonnes. Additionally, aquaculture activities contributed an additional 556 thousand tonnes to the national output. The production of large pelagic fishes amounted to around 334 thousand tonnes, representing approximately 48% of the country's total catch in 2021.
The estimated total quantity of tuna and tuna-like species is approximately 274 thousand tonnes. The catch of billfish accounts for about 25 thousand tonnes, representing 7.6% of the total large pelagic catch. The dominant species within this category are as follows: Sailfish (16,566 t), followed by black marlin (4,637 t). Additionally, swordfish accounted for 1,152 t, striped marlin for 823 t, and other billfish species amounted to 2,237 t. While billfish are not typically targeted species, they are considered as by-catch species. However, in accordance with Iran's domestic regulations for tuna and tuna-like species, all data regarding the billfish catch will be collected and reported.
Approximately 11 thousand fishing vessels, including fishing boats, dhows, and ships, are actively engaged in fishing within the Iranian coastal waters of the Persian Gulf, Oman Sea, and the high seas. There are four primary fishing methods employed to target large pelagic species: gillnetting, purse seining, longlining, and trolling. It should be noted that gillnetting is the predominant fishing gear used in the IOTC area of competence. The majority of production originates from gillnet vessels operating within the EEZ and the high seas. Longlining is employed to a limited extent by certain traditional dhows, while trolling is utilized by small boats involved in coastal fisheries.
In order to effectively manage the exploitation of large pelagic stocks within the country, the primary approach revolves around focusing on the policy of reducing and adjusting fishing effort in this sector. This policy aligns with that of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, which seeks to strike a balance between the harvest levels of these stocks and the maintenance of sustainable fishing conditions.
Annually, dedicated efforts are undertaken in Iran to adapt and implement the recommendations set forth by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). The primary objective is to identify appropriate locations for implementation that foster cooperation and active involvement from the fishing community.
It is imperative to enhance the education and training workshops aimed at emphasizing the significance of sustainable fishing practices for large pelagic species. These workshops are deemed essential for effectively managing the sustainable exploitation of tuna and tuna-like species, including billfish stocks within the country.
This paper aims to provide an overview of the catch trends for large pelagic species, including billfish, in the country from 2012 to 2021. Furthermore, it evaluates the effectiveness of the conservation and management measures that have been implemented to secure the long-term sustainability of these valuable marine species in the region.