David Ellis stopping by Ulladulla Boat Harbour to hear from local fishers. They dove into what’s shaping up to be an extraordinary yellowfin tuna season so far. Australian Fisheries Management Authority has determined this year’s Eastern Tuna Fishery Catch Limit at 2,400 tonnes. This year’s productive season is a sign of that, she said, not just of good fisheries management but international cooperation as well.
This season, the yellowfin tuna migration has been touted by perfect fishing storm aficionados as “mayhem.” The unprecedented volume and size of tuna has made for an exciting atmosphere up and down the coast. Unfortunately, at the same time, an increasing number of fishers are lined up to land these impressive fish. Angling guru Steve Starling, who witnessed the return, hailed it as the “best run in living memory.” He marveled at how in some places, fish have been found mere hundreds of meters off shore.
A Season Like No Other
Ellis, calling this year’s yellowfin tuna migration the best in memory. This milestone is testament to the power of smart management. Stewardship strategies we have prioritized and perfected over five years. He stated, “We set a total allowable catch to make sure that everybody has the opportunity to catch tuna and that they’re there for the long time so they continue to breed and continue to add to the population of fish for years and years to come.”
As an example, Ellis pointed to the recovery of species such as bluefin tuna, which have come back thanks to successful management of a shared, international fishery. He mentioned, “It’s to do with the way Australian fisheries manage shared international fishing stock.” The archipelago’s yellowfin population is another testament to the positive impact sustainable fishing practices can have. This accomplishment is the result of years of committed research and planning. “Twenty years ago, it was looking at how sustainable fishing can build a positive stock for the future,” he added.
Yellowfin tuna spawn in the warm tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Their migratory behavior is influenced by the warm waters carried by these currents. Starling noted, “A whole bunch of warm water has flowed in.” He proposed that these conditions were drawing more tropical tuna in range. Ellis acknowledged the ongoing research into these phenomena, saying, “Is that having an effect by bringing more tuna from the tropics down? That’s a question we’re trying to answer at the moment through research.”
Fishing Challenges and Experiences
Fishermen have long gushed about the adrenaline-filled encounters they’ve enjoyed in the fight against these massive agglomerations. In other fishing news, Zane Stedmen recently landed a shocking 60kg yellowfin tuna off our south coast. Ellis explains that the fight with a jag yellowfin can take an hour or more. This underscores the importance of equipping fishers with the right tools and preparedness. “People need to realise they’re not going to be able to catch one on flathead gear; you need to be geared up for it,” he cautioned.
Starling noticed that these recent incursions of yellowfin are particularly tropical in nature. Looks like we may have a “large pod of visitors” from the pacific. “They’re up on the surface, they’re everywhere out there — it’s mayhem,” said Trent Hall, capturing the chaotic excitement of the fishing season.
In addition to the thrill of catching these impressive fish, Ellis warned against inadequate preparation. “I hate to see someone go out in an inappropriate boat and get into strife.” He made it clear that yellowfin fishing is not for the weak of heart.
A Bright Future for Tuna Fishing
The super yellowfin season is changing. Starling observed dramatic shifts in migratory patterns this spring and in recent years. “To see these numbers in September and spread out along such a long north-south stretch of coast is quite unusual,” he remarked.
To produce sustainable, profitable fisheries, fishers must work together. This collaboration is key to ensuring sustainable populations of yellowfin tuna for generations to come. As the fanfare builds up with this year’s pilgrimage, fishers will continue to wish that the following years will bring them further prosperity in upcoming seasons.
