Estimates of the Catch and Effort by Japanese Longliners and Baitboats in the Fishery Conservation Zone Around the Mariana Archipelago

Tunas currently represent the most valuable marine resource found within the 200-mile Fishery Conservation Zone (FCZ) around the Mariana Archipelago. This report presents historical Japanese tuna catch and effort data and an analysis of the magnitude, species composition, and general location of the Japanese catches. Although there may be vessels from other nations fishing for tunas in the FCZ around the Mariana Archipelago, the vast majority of the effort and catch is thought to be due to Japanese vessels.