Status of tropical tuna fisheries of Pakistan especially impact of subsurface gillnetting on their landings

Tropical tuna is represented by two species in Pakistan; of these yellowfin tuna (Thunnusabacares) contributed16,541m. tons during 2018. Annual landings of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonuspelamis) during 2018were recorded to be 2,318 m. tons. The landings of tropical tuna in 2018 was 46.89 % lower than 2017 which is mainly because of operation of tuna fleet in coastal waters as compared to previous years when the fleet was operating in comparatively deeper and offshore deeper waters. This is because of lower prices of tropical tunas in the neighboring country owing to unprecedented decrease in currency value. In addition, fishermen kept their operation closed during mid May to mid August as compared to normal close season during June and July.