Fishing Methods - Purse-Seine

Purse-seine fishing vessels use long nets, approximately one mile in length, to encircle the tuna.  These nets are closed off by drawstrings much like a drawstring purse.  

In the case of tuna farming, the objective is to capture and transfer live tuna.  Hence, the net is not fully drawn while the fish are enclosed.  The purse-seine net is drawn only until it equals the towing pen circumference of 132 meters.  At this point, the purse-seine net is attached to the towing pen and the live tuna are transferred from the purse-seine net into the towing pen. 

This procedure permits the successful release of live by-catch and excess tuna.  All fishing and transfer methods described above adhere to the EUROPACIFIC TUNA LTD dolphin-safe policy.  

Fishing Methods - Pole and Line

Pole and line tuna fisheries target high grade fresh fish markets, high grade canning and processed products.  The pole and line fishing method is one of the primary means used to catch tuna commercially. 

Live bait (usually anchovies or sardines) are discharged from tanks on the fishing vessel to bring tuna into a feeding frenzy.  This process is also known as "chumming".  Fishermen onboard the vessel drop lines with barb-less hooks into the school of fish, and bring them aboard as they are hooked.  

In the case of tuna farming, pole and line fishermen transfer live tuna into a towing pens adjacent to the fishing vessel.   The floating pens are then slowly towed to designated sea sites once the fishermen have transferred an adequate quantity of tuna.   

The pole and line fishing procedure permits the successful release of live tuna.  All fishing and transfer methods described above adhere to the EUROPACIFIC TUNA LTD dolphin-safe policy.