It is unclear how the stock of Atlantic bonito in the Mediterranean Sea is doing. There is insufficient data to assess whether current fishing pressure is sustainable.
Both the tonnara fishery (a type of fyke nets) and the fishery using handlines and pole-lines are highly selective and have little bycatch of vulnerable (ETP) species. Discards are also low. Both fishing methods have little impact on the ecosystem and do not cause damage to the seabed. There is little data available on catch composition. Both fishing methods are sustainable choices and, based on the available information, there is no clear preference.
Fisheries management is divided among several international and national organisations. Current management is considered partially effective, and an ecosystem-based approach is still under development.