Yellowfin Tuna: Fishing Gear, Production and Quality

摘要

Tuna fisheries have been rapidly expanding along the southeastern coasts of the United States. The domestic harvest includes albacore (Thunnus alalunga), bigeye (T. obesus), blackfin (T. atlanticus), bluefin (T. thynnus) and yellowfin (T. albacares). Current production and predicted availability suggest the yellowfin are most abundant, plus they are not restricted by harvest regulations such as the two fish per boat limit on bluefin. In the Gulf and South Atlantic region annual landings of yellowfin alone have increased dramatically since 1980 to exceed 6.4 million pounds valued in excess of $8.4 million on the dock in 1986. A major portion of the production occurs in Florida with landings recorded in Fort Pierce, Pompano Beach, Key West, Fort Myers, Maderia Beach, Panama City, Destin and Pensacola.