Research For Development Of Chinese Tuna Longline Fisheries In The Western And Central Pacific Ocean

WCPFC Convention Area is the largest tuna fishing ground in the world where the number of tuna longline vessels operated. It is noted that the longline fishery is the most important for China whose fleet captured tuna and tuna-like species in the WCPFC Convention Area.However, due to reduction of tuna stocks and strict conservation and management measures, longline fisheries in China are confronting challenges. Particularly it is noted that deep-frozen tuna longline fishery has currently shown the characteristics of “three high-and-three low”, that is, high cost of labor, fuel and bait; low catch of each tuna fishing vessel, low foreign exchange rate and low price of fish.The situation shall result in the great risks for deficits of Chinese tuna longline fishing companies. The goal of the research is to deal with the difficulties and ensure sustainable development for Chinese longline fishery.In Chapter one, by comparison with the trend of the tuna catch between Western and Central Pacific Ocean, Eastern Pacific Ocean, Atlantic and Indian Ocean in recent years, it is noted that WCPO is the one of the most important fishing grounds.Statistical data from Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission(WCPFC) has shown that the number of tuna longline fishing vessel accounted for 61.9% of the total tuna vessels that operated in the WCPFC Convention areas, which highlighted the importance of tuna longline fisheries.The section presented general situation of the Chinese tuna longline fishery in this area and illustrated the objective of the research.In Chapter two, the tuna fishery status in the WCPFC Convention Area is presented,including the geographic range, catches by main tuna species and by fishing gears during recent years.Based on the results from stock assessment conducted by WCPFC,it is noted that bigeye tuna stock has been overfished, but the stock of yellowfin tuna and albacore tuna were still in sustainable level.Furthermore, this article discussed thestatus of longline fisheries for Chinese, Japanese, Korea and Chinese Taipei in WCPFC Convention area. Through those analysis,the author found that the catch and longline vessels for Chinese longline fishery in the area appeared is in a stable status, but the catch and vessels of the others are overall contraction.In Chapter three, the status of WCPFC is presented. This chapter focused on the management measures, such as quota regime, fishing boat registration and regulation,mandatory data reporting, visit and inspection regime on high seas and observer regime.According the explanation of those measures, the author found that positive performance is the prerequisite for developing Chinese tuna longline fisheries in WCPFC area.In Chapter four, using fishery data from 2009 to 2013 for a Deep-frozen tuna longline fishing fleet from Shanghai Dier Deepsea Co.,Ltd., combining with the data of environmental factors(Sea Surface Temperature, concentration of Chlorophyll-a) from NOAA(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and applying the GAM(Generalized additive models) for analyzing the relationship between Catch Per Unit Effort(CPUE) and temporal, spatial, environmental factors, there is a significant relationship between CPUE and month, year, longitude, and sea surface temperature.The results also shown that the value of CPUE dropped as the year,the value of CPUE fluctuated with month and longitude, decreased firstly and then increased. To the contrary,the value of CPUE fluctuated with SST, increased firstly and then decreased,with the peak appeared at 28 ℃.In Chapter five, a case study for Shanghai Dier Deepsea Co.,Ltd. is presented,including the basic information of this fleet structure.By analysis of fishing technology,the section discussed the effect of the broken of mainline on production efficiency, fish quality and fuel consumption.The section also discussed the standard procedure for processing for catch on board, which is important for the fish quality. It is noted that bait selection and deploy shall facilitate the fishing efficiency. The baits of squid and mackerel are required to reasonably to be arranged. Finally, the research found that without the subsidies from other sources this longline fishing project only profit at2005,2009 and 2010 from 2002 to 2012 by analyzing the data of the cost and income. In the other year, the project is deficit, which may cause the risks of the tuna longine fishing company. Although there are great challenge for tuna longline fishery, theproject has some potential for improving income by facilitating fishing technology and catch trade.In Chapter six, based on the information related to the longline fishery, applied with Porter’s Five Forces model, combined with the external environment force, the section discussed the competitive power of Chinese tuna longline fishery. In addition,the advantages, disadvantages and external environment condition of Chinese tuna longline fisheries in WCPFC area are summarized.The research indicate that opportunities is greater than the risks for tuna longline fisheries.In Chapter seven, according to the analysis of Chinese tuna longline competitive power in WCPFC area,the section put forward some suggestions. The suggestions include:Insure this tuna fisheries stable by compliance with the Convention and Conservation and Managements adopted by WCPFC and strengthen cooperation with Pacific Island countries;Improve capacity building of tuna longline fleet,including capability of crew and fishing technology. Promoting the controlling power of markets,by strictly supervising catch quality, extending domestic markets(such as disseminating tuna consumption); Increasing the intensity of support from China at increasing investment for scientific research for the tuna longline fishery.