The Optimal Time for Tuna Fishing in Patagonia

The tuna fishing season in Patagonia is an eagerly anticipated event that runs from late November to early March, with the peak of the season falling between December and February. During this period, the ocean waters warm up, which is the key to attracting tuna closer to the shore. Tuna are warm-water fish, and this seasonal shift creates perfect conditions for fishing. This period ensures that the fish are abundant, offering a fantastic chance for anglers to hook the big one.

What makes the 2025 season stand out is the consistency Patagonia offers when it comes to tuna fishing. Unlike other destinations where conditions can vary dramatically, the waters of Patagonia remain rich in nutrients throughout the year. This consistent availability of food sources means that tuna are likely to be found in these waters year after year, making the region one of the most reliable places for an exciting tuna fishing trip.

Top Tuna Fishing Locations in Patagonia

Patagonia boasts several prime locations where anglers can target tuna, each offering its own unique experience. The waters surrounding Tierra del Fuego, the Falkland Islands, and the southern coast of Argentina are among the most sought-after areas for tuna fishing.

Tierra del Fuego, located at the southernmost tip of the continent, is widely regarded as one of the top tuna fishing spots in the world. The area is home to both bluefin and yellowfin tuna, with some of these fish growing to massive sizes. Additionally, the Falkland Islands, located off the coast of Argentina, provide another exceptional opportunity for anglers to target these prized fish. The remoteness of these islands means that the fishing experience is more exclusive, offering anglers an undisturbed and serene environment to pursue their passion.

Ushuaia, a port city on the southern coast of Argentina, is another popular fishing destination. Known for its dramatic landscape and proximity to some of the richest fishing grounds in the region, Ushuaia offers incredible opportunities for catching large tuna. The waters surrounding Ushuaia are known for their healthy bluefin tuna populations, with many anglers reporting catches weighing over 100 kilograms.

What Makes Patagonia Ideal for Tuna Fishing?

What truly sets Patagonia apart as a top tuna fishing destination is its unique combination of factors that contribute to an ideal fishing experience. First and foremost, Patagonia’s remote location means that the waters remain relatively untouched by human activity, providing a natural and healthy environment for tuna. The region’s waters are nutrient-rich due to the mixing of cold southern currents and warmer oceanic waters, which creates a perfect feeding ground for tuna.

Another reason Patagonia stands out is the variety of fishing opportunities available. Whether you’re an experienced deep-sea angler or prefer to fish closer to shore, Patagonia offers a range of experiences suited to different fishing styles. For those seeking a challenge, the deeper waters around Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands provide a thrilling experience, with opportunities to reel in large, powerful tuna. On the other hand, anglers who enjoy fishing from the shore can also find success, as the waters closer to the coastline are teeming with tuna.

Patagonia’s vast and rugged landscape further enhances the allure of fishing here. The unspoiled beauty of the region, combined with the quiet and peaceful nature of the fishing environment, provides an intimate and exhilarating fishing experience. Many fishing operators in Patagonia specialize in small group trips, ensuring that anglers can fully immerse themselves in the experience without distractions.

Essential Gear and Techniques for Tuna Fishing

Tuna fishing in Patagonia requires specialized gear and techniques due to the size and strength of the fish. Bluefin and yellowfin tuna are known for their enormous power, and anglers must be well-equipped to handle these massive fish. Heavy-duty rods and reels are necessary to provide the support needed for battling these strong creatures. A reel with a high-quality drag system is essential, as tuna are known for their fast, powerful runs.

Live bait is one of the most effective ways to catch tuna in Patagonia. Sardines, mackerel, and other small fish are commonly used to attract tuna, which are drawn to the movement of the bait. Trolling is one of the most popular techniques used in Patagonia, as it allows anglers to cover a larger area and increase their chances of encountering tuna. For those who enjoy more active fishing, casting with lures or jigs is another effective method for targeting tuna, particularly in shallower waters.

Many fishing guides in Patagonia provide specialized equipment and offer valuable insights into the best fishing techniques for the area. For anglers unfamiliar with the region, booking a guided tour can increase the chances of success, as experienced guides know exactly where and how to target tuna.

Conservation Efforts in Patagonia

As the demand for tuna fishing in Patagonia grows, so does the need for sustainable fishing practices to preserve the region’s fragile ecosystem. Overfishing remains a concern for tuna populations worldwide, and Patagonia is no exception. However, the region is fortunate to have strong conservation policies in place to protect its marine life.

Fishing operators in Patagonia are committed to sustainable practices and adhere to strict regulations to ensure that tuna populations remain healthy. Catch-and-release programs are in place for certain species of tuna, and size and bag limits are enforced to prevent overfishing. By prioritizing conservation efforts, Patagonia aims to ensure that its tuna fishing industry remains viable and sustainable for years to come.

Planning Your Tuna Fishing Adventure in Patagonia

Planning a tuna fishing trip to Patagonia for the 2025 season requires careful consideration. First, it’s essential to choose the right time to visit. As mentioned, the best months for tuna fishing are typically between December and February, when the waters are at their warmest and tuna are most abundant.

It is highly recommended to book accommodations and fishing charters well in advance, as the peak season can lead to high demand. Many fishing operators offer all-inclusive packages that include lodging, meals, and guided fishing tours. Whether you prefer a luxury lodge or a more rustic, remote experience, there are options available to suit a wide range of preferences and budgets.

Patagonia’s tuna fishing season in 2025 promises to be an incredible experience for anglers of all levels. The combination of exceptional fishing conditions, breathtaking landscapes, and opportunities to catch some of the largest tuna in the world makes this destination a must-visit for any serious sport fisherman. If you’re ready for an adventure of a lifetime, Patagonia is waiting.

The post The Best Tuna Fishing Season in Patagonia 2025 first appeared on Brownjohn Consulting.

In an intriguing turn of events, during a WTD function hosted for the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) ambassadors and their allies in New York, doubts were cast over the status of World Tuna Day. It was emphasized that without endorsement from the UN, the designation of “World” in World Tuna Day could be contested. This revelation highlighted the need for formal recognition on an international level to solidify the significance of the occasion.

The breakthrough came in December 2016, when the United Nations officially ratified World Tuna Day, garnering an impressive 94 endorsements without a single vote against it. This pivotal moment not only validated the importance of WTD but also underscored the global consensus on the vital role of tuna in sustainable development and food security.

World Tuna Day serves as a platform to address pressing issues such as overfishing, illegal fishing practices, and the conservation of marine ecosystems. It provides an opportunity for stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, fisheries management organizations, and the private sector, to collaborate and devise strategies for the responsible management of tuna resources.

The celebration of World Tuna Day goes beyond mere acknowledgment of a species; it symbolizes a commitment to preserving our oceans’ biodiversity and ensuring the well-being of coastal communities reliant on tuna fisheries for their livelihoods. Through education, advocacy, and collective action, World Tuna Day continues to inspire positive change towards a more sustainable future for our oceans and the invaluable resources they provide.

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Read the Full paper

https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/78/7/2432/6307380?login=false

Read the Full paper

https://independent.academia.edu/MauriceBrownjohn

The post Quantifying drifting Fish Aggregating Device use by the world’s largest tuna fishery first appeared on Brownjohn Consulting.

The report by NGO Charity Human Rights at Sea has made an extensive list of recommendations as it said observers often have to live with “unreceptive or even hostile crew”, and that “there’s a concerning pattern emerging of observers dying or being unlawfully killed at sea”.

The cases it investigated include the death of Kiribati observer Eritara Aati Kaierua in March on board a Taiwanese ship Win Far 636.

The Pacific peak fisheries body, the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), allege the report is part of a smear campaign because it was funded by World Wise Foods, a British company which imports pole-and-line tuna from the Maldives, putting it in competition with the Pacific.

PNA’s Commercial Manager Maurice Brownjohn said World Wise Foods had been unsuccessful in its legal challenges on the certification of Pacific tuna.

“Now the opportunistic are riding on the back of a poor observer to try and promote their commercial interests and discredit the marketing of Pacific Island fish in the European market, I think is an absolute disgrace, he said.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON ABC.NET

https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/fisheries-group-says-theyre-target-of-smear-campaign/12428744

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In her foreword, Dame Meg Taylor, Secretary General to the Pacific Islands Forum highlights that ‘this book articulates the remarkable journey of commercial innovation and ingenuity, transformation of power structures against the odds, and how a group of eight countries, considered to be small, vulnerable and dependent on others, managed to establish the most sustainable and profitable tuna venture in the world.’

We had a brief chat with Dr Aqorau about his manuscript. Below are some highlights.

What motivated you to write this manuscript?

There are a number of things that motivated me to put the book together but the main one was I felt strongly that this was a story that had to be told, as it is one of the happiest stories to come out of the region and I feel it is important to share the lessons that we learnt from the process. I wanted to show that while we have been dependent on aid, and donors and external consultants, we were still able to demonstrate that with the right business model and design of the right structure for the fisheries arrangement we can do so much more. The huge increase in revenues, from our work in getting hard limits for the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) and in restructuring the VDS and running it as a business, demonstrated that we can manage our resources more effectively. I wanted to share this story of success because for a long time we were really played off by the foreign fishing operators. It was quite unfair how distant water fishing nations, for the better part of 30 years, did not pay us for the true value of our tuna. Moreover, I wanted a Pacific Islander to write about our success story and not some outsider who was not a part of this story. I think that we are still fighting these inequalities, but what we have been able to demonstrate is that with the right motivation we can do it for all our shared resources.

As Dame Meg Taylor says, the Blue Pacific allows Pacific nations to come together with a shared identity. How important is the PNA story for the future of cooperation in the region?

I think where we have a common currency, it is easier for us to come together. So for the PNA, the skipjack tuna resource and the Vessel Day Scheme are some of the interests that we share. This cannot be said for everything. For example, in aviation and other things, we tend to compete against each other. Having said that, COVID-19 has shown us the Blue economy and our shared identity is more important than ever. If we do not realise this then we will live to regret the missed opportunities. I would venture to argue that indeed we should be looking to integrate ourselves a lot more in exactly the way the PNA have done to achieve more economic efficiencies. It is important now more than ever in a post-COVID-19 world.

How important is leadership and the right set of ‘personalities’ in this process of regional cooperation?

Leadership and the right set of personalities is everything; leadership that puts the interest of the countries and region above your own – selfless leadership – is critical. I have no doubt about that. When we have had phases of excellent progress in the region, it has been because we have had leaders who have put the interest of others above their own.

What are some of the challenges that you see ahead for the Pacific tuna industry?

COVID-19 has impacted the supply chain significantly and has disrupted business, but those who have been most affected are those who simply tranship their catch. While COVID-19 has created many challenges, there are also some opportunities to reset and redirect the tuna industry, by phasing out foreign involvement and putting the industry in the hands of Pacific Islands nationals and governments. We should encourage more cross-border investments within the region. This would be a huge game-changer for the region.

Do you have any lessons that other regions in the world might take away from your experience?

In terms of fisheries management arrangements, the purse seine Vessel Day Scheme is the largest and most complex in the world and there are lessons for other developing countries to learn from how we were able to develop and apply such a system.

Read the manuscript here.

Read the original article here

The post ‘Fishing for Success: Lessons in Pacific Regionalism’ launch first appeared on Brownjohn Consulting.

As a citizen of PNG since 1989, he was awarded an OBE for services to the PNG fishing industry in HM the Queen’s New Years honors list in 1998. Since January 2010, Brownjohn has taken on the broader regional role as the Commercial Manager at the eight island governments under the Parties of the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Office, based in Majuro. His responsibilities include advising the region on commercial issues and investment opportunities in tuna, MSC certification, and Pacifical C.V marketing sustainable MSC tuna from the PNA people. Also, he is managing the VDS with the company FIMS Inc and observer programs under the POA contract.

Brownjohn is well known and has taken a high profile role in Pacific issues for the last four decades. He is at the forefront of fishery development in PNG and the PNA region.
Note: Parties to Nauru Agreement [PNA] are: Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu, with Tokelau working in cooperation with PNA.

FAD BANS, MANAGEMENT, TRACKING AND PURSE SEINING IN THE FUTURE

If we look at the global experience of tuna RFMOs – IATTC, IOTC, and ICCAT – each fishery is primarily high seas based and highly FAD-dependent. Their RFMOs are limited by consensus and no one wants to accept the economic costs of conservation. Thus, the “tragedy of the commons” with at least two out of four tropical tuna stocks in each RFMO is a problem. It is typically the adjacent coastal economies that suffer as most industrialized fleets can move on.

FAD dependency changes the dynamics of a fishery and increases juvenile mortality of yellowfin, bigeye, and non-target species. In this EPO region, for example, skipjack catch has increased over what was traditionally a targeted mature yellowfin fishery. Besides environmental impacts, this also changes the local supply and demand, increasingly influenced by customer demands for sustainability.

In our region, WCPFC, we have maintained in zone FAD closures, limited FAD effort to <50 percent, managed total fishing effort in days [VDS], introduced closed fishing areas, offered MSC as an economic incentive for Free school, etc. WE are stepping up FAD registration, tracking and management, and mitigating the environmental impacts of FADs on reefslooks etc. It is critical that the ecosystem overall remains sustainable. Today, PNA has the healthiest tuna stocks in the world. BUT note, it is the PNA nations that carry 100 percent of this disproportionate burden with 70 percent of the catch in their EEZs. Perhaps it is time that the global community looks to share this sustainability burden and close high seas areas.

The post Americas Tuna Conference 2020 – Speaker Maurice Brownjohn first appeared on Brownjohn Consulting.

Multiple agreements have been signed by Pacific island countries and territories to maintain the sustainability of this important ocean resource. However, the advent of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and their impact on fishing efficiency over the past 20 years has added a large unknown to the management required to maintain the sustainability of this key fishery into the future.

Researchers from The Pacific Community’s Oceanic Fisheries Program (SPC) and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes have recently published two papers that used a combination of records from captains and scientific observers, FAD tracking data, ocean models and cutting edge simulation methods to reveal for the first time the trajectories and potential impact these FADs may have on fisheries and the island nations.

“Around 30,000-65,000 FADs are released every year in this region but we have very little understanding of where they ended up, how they are being used, and the impact this has had on coastal areas and the overall catch of the fishery,” said Dr Lauriane Escalle, a fisheries scientist at SPC.

“While we know FADs make fishing more efficient, allowing fishing vessels to use less fuel and reduce fishing effort, there are unanswered questions around potential overfishing, impacts on bycatch species, ghost fishing and reef damage caused by FADs washing up on coral reefs and islands.”

Aside from catch data and ocean models, modern FADs themselves played an important role in helping the researchers get their answers.

Traditional FADs work because ocean-going species, like tuna, tend to aggregate around floating objects like floating logs. Why they do this is still not fully understood but fishers have long known this fact and taken advantage by releasing bamboo rafts into the ocean — the world’s first FADs. Over time commercial fishers added old ropes and nets to slow the drift through the ocean.

Today, FADs are high-tech buoys with solar-powered devices that record the position, scan the ocean below to estimate the number of aggregated fish and transmit all this information to vessels via satellite. This technology opened the door to detailed observations of FAD life history while they drift across the Pacific.

Combining this real-world information with catch data and cutting-edge simulations based on ocean models allowed the researchers to examine the dynamics of FAD connectivity and to test different hypotheses explaining the high number of FADs beaching incidents in some areas. This key information could significantly add to the management of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean tuna fishery and the exclusive economic zones within it.

The studies found that:

• More than 2000 FADs wash up on beaches and coral reefs every year.
• Up to 6000 FADs fished on in the WCPO had drifted in from another fishery in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which has different management systems;
• FADs spent more time in the exclusive economic zone of Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands than any other part of the fishery.
• The highest number of FAD beaching events occurred in the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu. This was more the result of ocean currents than where the FADs were deployed, making the management of this issue more difficult.
• Kiribati, located along the equator, experienced a high number of FADs drifting through their waters, alongside significant levels of beaching, as a result of where fishers deployed FADs.
• Results from these studies will help effectively manage tuna resources, through measures on the number and location of FADs deployments; the use of biodegradable FADs; programs to recover lost FAD before reaching sensitive areas; and more research on FAD impact on tuna and bycatch populations.

“Access to this unique regional database of FAD tracking data by fishing companies and managers allowed us to not only validate ocean models but also to test different deployment hypotheses using millions of virtual FADs,” said Dr Joe Scutt Phillips, another fisheries scientist at SPC.

“This method allows us to look back in time and make good estimates of the movement and impact of FADs from before tracking programs, as well as examine their potential impact on tuna behaviour.

“This collaboration between fishing companies, regional management organisations and researchers has resulted in an extraordinary amount of useful data that will go a long way towards helping Pacific island nations and the fisheries managers maintain the sustainability of this valuable $6 billion a year industry. It’s a great example of managers, industry and researchers working together for the benefit of all.”

ORIGINAL REFERENCE

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191002110331.htm

The post Safeguarding the world’s largest tuna fishery first appeared on Brownjohn Consulting.

Full Scientific Report

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-50364-0

The post Environmental versus operational drivers of drifting FAD beaching in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean first appeared on Brownjohn Consulting.

https://marshallislandsjournal.com/tag/maurice-brownjohn/

The post PNA HQ moves forward first appeared on Brownjohn Consulting.

Those eight countries set up the Pacifical organization in 2011 to promote and actively trade sustainably caught skipjack and yellowfin tuna to consumers around the world.

“The long-term sustainability of the world’s oceans is critical to the long-term viability of our business,” said Chris Lischewski, Bumble Bee president and CEO.

“About 25% of the global catch of tuna comes from this region and we’re proud to partner with Pacifical to raise additional awareness of their commitment to social accountability, food safety and traceability.”

The island nations who established Pacifical include the Federal States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. The leaders of these countries wanted to combine resources and expertise to ensure sustainable fishing, create employment opportunities for their people and to ensure a fair economic return on their main natural resource, which is tuna.

“We bear the responsibility of ensuring the sustainability of our tuna stocks for the future of our people and our children and as an important food source for the world’s population,” said Maurice Brownjohn, PNA Commercial Director.

READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE

https://thefishsite.com/articles/bumble-bee-and-pacifical-make-sustainable-seafood-commitment

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