Spatial-Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Bigeye and Yellowfin Tunas in Kiribati Waters

Information on the distribution characteristics of tuna resources in Kiribati EEZ waters in three zones (Zone 1: west Gilbert region, Zone 2: central Phoenix region, and Zone 3: east Line region) as well as their relationship with the ocean environment is critical for sustainable managing the migratory tuna resource and fishing practices in this region. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution and concentration of bigeye (BET) and yellowfin tuna (YFT) in Kiribati EEZ waters in relation to sea surface temperature (SST) and thermocline depth so as to better understand the tuna resources management basis in Kiribati waters. The geographic and temporal distribution and concentration were first displayed. Paired t-test was utilized to compare the distribution between the two tuna species based on Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) derived from the Korean longliners during 1996 to 2004, and also among the three zones of Kiribati EEZ waters. Environmental conditions of the three zones were then compared and correlated with the CPUE of YFT and BET. In addition, the effect of ENSO phenomena on the environmental conditions and the distribution of YFT and BET within the three zones were also examined. The BET was relatively higher in the Zone 3 whereas YFT predominate in the Zone 1 and the Zone 2 due to oceanographic differences among the three zones and the ecological habitats of the two tuna species. It was suggested that El Ni?o/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena altered the oceanographic conditions of the three zones that in turn change the distribution of the two tuna species. During El Ni?o, the warm phase of ENSO, resulted in having more BET in all the three zones and the opposite observed during La Ni?a (cold phase) replacing by having relatively higher catch rate for YFT, particularly in the Zone 2. Although the results of the study are from short periods (1996 to 2004) in considering oceanographic anomality, these environmental variations should be considered into sustainable fisheries management of tuna fisheries in Kiribati EEZ waters.