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III. B. 5. Results of Other Analyses/Simulations 

 None available. 



III.C. Current Evaluation of Stocks and the Fishery 



Al bacore - The Indian Ocean albacore stock appears to be fully 

 harvested"^ The consensus at the Shimizu Workshop (FAO, in press) was that 

 there appears to be no reason for concern over the future of the stock at 

 this time. 



Bigeye tuna - The Indian Ocean bigeye tuna stock appears to be 

 only lightly exploited. It is impossible at this time to assess what 

 potential exists for surface fisheries on this species. 



Yellowfin tuna - It is unlikely that longline catch of Indian 

 Ocean yellowfin tuna could be increased appreciably above the current 

 level. However, it is generally felt that there is a potential for 

 increased landings of this species by surface fisheries. While an 

 increased surface fishery might reduce the abundance of yellowfin tuna 

 available to longliners, the total catch would probably increase. 



IV. STATUS OF CURRENT RESEARCH NEEDS AND EFFORTS 

 IV. A. Major Research Problems 



Several research needs were identified at the 1979 Shimizu Workshop 

 (FAO, in press) . 



Yellowfin tuna - Studies were recommended to 1) analyze, under 

 various hypotheses, the sensitivity of stocks, catch, etc., because an 

 adequate data base will not be available for some time; 2) estimate 

 coefficients of mortality, particularly in relation with fishing effort; 3) 

 determine changes in effectiveness of fishing gear, particularly in 

 relation to total fishing effort; 4) apply production model analyses to 

 the catch in terms of number of fish and fishing effort, because a) the 

 size freauencies are functions' of fishing intensity, and b) there is an 

 uncertainty in applying a fixed age-size key to estimate the age 

 composition; and 5) determine hypothetical yields for various new fishing 

 stratagies. 



Bigeye tuna - It was recommended that a study of the population 

 relationship of bigeye tuna in the Banda Sea and in the Indian Ocean be 

 carried out. Research on population parameters was not considered of high 

 priority. 



