Mahi mahi

The mahi-mahi stock in the Southeast Pacific is in good condition. Although detailed data on discards are not available, research indicates that mortality from discards is likely to account for less than 5% of the total catch.

Drifting longline fishing can have negative impacts on ETP species, particularly sharks. Mortality from discards is unknown but is assumed to account for less than 30% of the catch. The fishery is unlikely to have substantial ecosystem-level impacts, does not affect the seabed, has a low carbon footprint and poses a moderate risk of abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear.

Measures are in place to reduce impacts on ETP species, but their effectiveness is difficult to assess due to limited monitoring, meaning that the amount of discards is unknown. There are also no measures to prevent the loss of fishing gear.

Some fisheries participate in a FIP, where sustainability is better safeguarded.

Little information is available on the stock of mahi-mahi in most areas, but the species appears to be sensitive to fishing pressure and to be in moderate to poor condition in the Pacific and South Atlantic Oceans.

Bycatch is a significant problem in drifting longline fisheries targeting mahi-mahi, affecting not only this fish but also other ETP species, including seabirds, fish, sharks and turtles. This fishing method therefore receives a red assessment for mahi-mahi.

Some management measures for mahi-mahi exist at the national level, but no information is available on whether these fisheries are monitored and controlled. Management of this species is ineffective.

Little information is available on the stock of mahi-mahi in most areas, but the species appears to be sensitive to fishing pressure and to be in moderate to poor condition in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Handline fishing for this species appears to have considerably fewer negative impacts than drifting longlines, and the assessed handline fisheries appear to have negligible levels of bycatch and discards. The impact of handline fishing for mahi-mahi on local ecology and ETP species appears to be low. For handline fisheries in Sri Lanka specifically, available sources indicate that mortality resulting from discards likely accounts for less than 5% of the total catch. Approximately 5% of landings consist of unmanaged species. The bait fish requirement for handline fishing is estimated at 8–13% of the total catch. Handline fisheries therefore often receive a green assessment.

Some management measures for mahi-mahi exist at the national level, but no information is available on whether these fisheries are monitored and controlled. Management of this species is ineffective.