2017 Billfish Newsletter
The annual Billfish Newsletter communicates the results of cooperative efforts between fishery…
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Striped marlin are a highly migratory fish living at the top of the food chain in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is a member of a larger family known as billfish, which get their name from their upper jaw that extends to form a spear. Because of their large size, marlin are prized sport fish. Striped marlin also support large commercial fisheries throughout the Pacific Ocean.
Above target population level in the eastern Pacific. Significantly below target population level in the western and central Pacific due to international fishing. Measures to rebuild the stock are in place in U.S. and international waters.
At recommended level in the eastern Pacific. Reduced to end overfishing in the western and central North Pacific.
Gear used to harvest striped marlin rarely contacts the ocean floor, so habitat impacts are minimal.
Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch. Striped marlin are caught incidentally in some fisheries that target tunas and swordfish.
There are two stocks of striped marlin: The Eastern Pacific and Western and Central North Pacific stocks. According to the most recent stock assessments:
The Eastern Pacific stock is not overfished and not subject to overfishing (2010 stock assessment). Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART. The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) conducted this assessment.
The Western and Central North Pacific stock is overfished and subject to overfishing (2019 stock assessment). Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART. Because the overfished status of this stock is due to international fishing pressure, it is not being managed under a rebuilding plan that is typically required for solely domestic fish stocks.
Striped marlin live throughout tropical and sub-tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The annual Billfish Newsletter communicates the results of cooperative efforts between fishery…
The annual Billfish Newsletter communicates the results of cooperative efforts between fishery…
Logbook summary reports for the 2019 calendar year.
Logbook summary reports for the 2019 calendar year.
Logbook summary reports for the 2018 calendar year.
Logbook summary reports for the 2018 calendar year.