Age and growth of slender tuna (Allothunnus fallai) in an unexploited temperate population |
| |
Authors: | Kirsty A. Bradley Alexander Arkhipkin |
| |
Affiliation: | Falkland Islands Fisheries Department, Falkland Islands Government, Stanley, Falkland Islands |
| |
Abstract: | Many large predatory fishes are in decline and tuna sustainability is high on the global agenda. Slender tuna (SLT), Allothunnus fallai, is data-poor and a rare contemporary example of a globally unexploited temperate tuna. This study analysed 214 otoliths for age and growth of fish collected in the South Atlantic. Observed ages varied between 9 and 42 years for a size range of 68–90 cm fork length. We reveal important life history data for SLT before exploitation and underline the relevance of data-poor stocks in understanding wider questions for exploited tuna. |
| |
Keywords: | baseline data life history longevity scombridae temperate tuna |
|