Beyond CITES- Stopping Purse Seining in the Bahamas

This has been an exciting week for those watching CITES developments. Japan's intention to take a reservation is big news that deserves a separate post.

But there's other news too. Word is that the Bahamas is considering issuing permits for purse seine vessels to target yellowfin. So what's the big deal?

Well if you paid attention in bluefin school, you'd know that giants returning from spawning in the Gulf of Mexico pass through Bahamain waters each spring. A couple sets in the wrong place could scoop up huge portions of our Western brood stock.

Then there's also the possibility that the purse seiner will stray from Bahamian waters once they are properly fished out. I've read that their next port of call will probably be the sub tropical gyre- a crucial area for migratory populations and marine mammals.

Here's a link with some detail about where and how to express your concerns.

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Comment by Mebachi on February 21, 2010 at 7:11am: "Well if you paid attention in bluefin school, you'd know that giants returning from spawning in the Gulf of Mexico pass through Bahamain waters each spring. A couple sets in the wrong place could scoop up huge portions of our Western brood stock"

That's complete nonsense!

Aerial sensus photography and Bimini/Cat Cay landings for the past 20+ years reflect very few Gulf of Mexico Bluefins migrating through "tuna alley". The boat in question will obviously not be setting in this area and this new Bahamian fishery will have zero impact on ABT and probly very little impact on Yellowfin as well...

Comment by John LoGioco on February 22, 2010 at 6:02pm: Thanks for posting this. There is a rapidly growing concern about the lack of yellowfin tuna missing from the offshore canyons along the Eastern seaboard this past season. The large seiner already tied up in the Bahamas can empty the Tongue Of The Ocean in short order. I am surprised at the Bahamian government for not stopping this outright. They seem to understand that every bonefish that swims is worth more to their long term tourist economy and as such so are the yellowfin that swim near their shores, especially in Abaco. I will investigate this and post an update.

Comment by Mebachi on February 22, 2010 at 6:38pm: "The large seiner already tied up in the Bahamas can empty the Tongue Of The Ocean in short order. I am surprised at the Bahamian government for not stopping this outright."

What makes you think this vessel is planning on setting within Bahamian waters?

Do you really think large sized Yellowfin are prolific and concentrated enough in this area to support a cage operation?

But why shouldnt the Bahamas allow commercial fishing for Yellowfin Tuna when so many south Florida center consoles are making the crossing every day during the spring and early summer, limiting out on medium sized Yellows (while loosing many more to sharks), all without spending a dime in the Bahamas besides a $175 two entry permit?