WA/OR/CA Albacore Surface Hook and Line/Troll Fishery - MMPA List of Fisheries

Current Classification on the List of Fisheries

^ Number of participants estimates are based on state and federal fisheries permit data. The estimated number of participants is expressed in terms of the number of active participants in the fishery, when possible. If this information is not available, the estimated number of vessels or persons licensed for a particular fishery is provided. If no recent information is available on the number of participants, then the number from the most recent LOF is used. NOAA Fisheries acknowledges that, in some cases, these estimations may be inflating actual effort.

*Observer coverage levels include the latest information reported in the most current final Stock Assessment Report (SAR).

¹ Indicates the stock or species is driving the classification of the fishery.

Basis for Current Classification

Classified as a Category III fishery based on the lack of documented mortality or serious injuries of marine mammals based on the available data.

Distribution

The Category III WA/OR/CA albacore surface hook and line/troll fishery targets North Pacific albacore tuna with troll or pole and line gear. This fishery is active throughout the continental west coast of the U.S. Prior to 2000, fishing for albacore was common off California. However, the stock has moved north, making Oregon and Washington the current focus for albacore tuna trolling on the West Coast. Fishing generally occurs 30-100 nautical miles (55.6-185.2 km) offshore. While fishing for albacore tuna is allowed year round, most effort occurs from late summer to early fall when fish are present in the area due to warm currents in the region. Surface albacore tuna fishing focuses on juvenile tuna that are found at or near the surface.

Gear Description

Two types of hook and line gear configurations are generally used along the West Coast for albacore tuna fishing. Troll includes one or more lines with lures or baited hooks attached that are drawn (“trolled”) through the water column. Pole-and-Line use rigid rods or poles with lines and baited hooks. 

The majority of fishermen that troll for surface albacore tuna tow 10-20 lines. The lines are pulled through the surface waters at speeds of 4-8 knots (7.4-14.8 km/hr) to attract the albacore. Trollers that fish inshore use smaller boats (30-50 ft or 9.1-15.2 m in length) and spend 1 to 3 weeks at sea. Offshore fishermen use larger boats (50-90 ft or 15.2-27.4 in length) and spend 1 to 2 months at sea.

Management

Both gears are open access and require a Federal HMS permit in addition to a state commercial fishing permit. The fishery is managed under the HMS FMP by the PFMC. HMS permits are issued to a specific vessel, are non-transferable, and are valid for two years. Federal logbooks are required. 

The albacore fishery is also managed by two international organizations, the IATTC and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. Additionally, the U.S.-Canada Albacore Treaty bilateral agreement allows for U.S. vessels to fish for albacore tuna in Canadian waters seaward of 12 nautical miles (22.2 km) from shore, and allows Canadian vessels to fish for albacore tuna in U.S. waters seaward of 12 nautical miles (22.2 km) from shore. The treaty also allows Canadian vessels to use certain U.S. ports to obtain supplies and services and to land fish. Similarly, it allows U.S. vessels to use certain Canadian ports for the same purposes. In addition, the treaty calls for the exchange of fisheries data between the two governments. U.S. vessels wishing to fish in Canadian waters pursuant to the treaty must register with NOAA Fisheries seven days prior to the first planned fishing day in Canada.

Historical Information

Timeline of Changes