Tuna Facts · Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO)
The Western and Central Pacific Ocean supports the largest tuna fishery in the world comprising 56% of the global tuna catch, about 2,426,000 tonnes, in 2008.
For the latest information on stock health, read Status of World Fisheries for Tuna.
SKIPJACK
In 2008 the catch of WCPO skipjack was 1,635,000 tonnes or 67% of the region’s total catch.
The average size of WCPO skipjack ranges from 0.5kg (1 lb) to 5kg (11 lbs) – depending on the fishing method used.
YELLOWFIN
In 2008 the catch of WCPO yellowfin was about 539,000 tonnes or 22% of the region’s total catch.
The average size of WCPO yellowfin ranges from 1.4kg (3 lbs) to 45kg (99 lbs) – depending on the fishing method used.
BIGEYE
In 2008 the catch of WCPO bigeye was 157,000 tonnes or 6% of the region’s total catch.
