Mexico suddenly closes bluefin tuna fishery after filling Baja fattening pens, US sports fishermen mystified
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [U-T San Diego] - July 18, 2014 -
As Ken Franke of the San Diego-based Sportfishing Association of California continues to deal with Mexico's sudden and unforeseen banning of bluefin tuna fishing, sports boats scrambled to salvage trips to Mexican waters and make catches in U.S. waters.
Bluefin, yellowfin, dorado and yellowtail are in U.S in growing numbers, with some reported as close as 12 miles off Point Loma.
Buoyed by the good news of fish getting closer, Franke said he will keep trying to get answers from Mexico on why the country shut down bluefin tuna fishing at the height of the summer season. And it's not just for San Diego-based sport boats, but all boats — even Mexican vessels — in Mexico.
"We need to see more science-based studies to show what the current biomass is for bluefin tuna," Franke said. "The stock assessment is based on how many fish are caught. But we see tons and tons of bluefin that don't bite. We hope to see more science."
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