Profile updated on 16 March 2023

SUMMARY

SUMMARY

IDENTIFICATION

SCIENTIFIC NAME(s)

Thunnus alalunga

SPECIES NAME(s)

Albacore

The existence of three different stocks is assumed in the Atlantic Ocean by ICCAT: northern and southern Atlantic stocks and a Mediterranean stock, and it is used for assessment purposes (Winker et al. 2021) (ICCAT 2021). Such division is based on results from different studies highlighting the heterogeneity that may exist within both stocks (northern Atlantic and Mediterranean), such as the independent spawning area existing in the western Mediterranean, different morphometric characteristics, different growth rates and age of maturity, and serological differences (Arrizabalaga et al. 2002).

A significant population structuring seems to be occurring for this species in this particular region (northern Atlantic and Mediterranean), with potential high gene flow within populations (Davies et al. 2011), corroborating previous studies reporting a genetic differentiation (Viñas et al. 2004), which might support possible stock discrimination amongst regions. Here it is assumed a single biological stock for the Mediterranean Albacore.


ANALYSIS

Strengths
  • A 15-year rebuilding plan for this stock starting in 2022 is currently in place (ICCAT 2021).

SCORES

Management Quality:

Management Strategy:

≥ 6

Managers Compliance:

10.0

Fishers Compliance:

≥ 6