Considerations and challenges of changing Gillnet to Long Line fishing method for tuna catch in Iran

There are different Fishing methods for caching fish in Iran, but Gillnet is a
common fishing method between all fishermen. Approximately more than 93%
of the fish species are caught by using gillnet method in Iran and other methods
like purse seine, long line, and trawl have a small share of total catch.
In relation to catching tuna fish, a high percentage of catches are made by the
Gillnet method, and in recent years some boats in the coastal areas have been
using trolling to catch fish.
According to the recommendations of IOTC to the member countries for using
Long Line method in catching tuna fish and also in line with the Iranian
fisheries policy to change the way of gillnet to long line, there have been
attempts by the Iranian fishery to encourage the fishermen to use this method.
Nevertheless, running this program faced with some problems and requires a
medium to long-term planning to achieve this goal.
In this article we will consider the situation of fishery in Iran with emphasis on
gillnet fishery and Long Line method and also the efforts made by the Iranian
fisheries organization to attract the fishermen to change their Gillnet fishing
method, also we will have a review on existing challenges and problems in this
matter.