The incidental catch and discard of the Mexican tuna fishing vessel less than 363 tm of carrying capacity in 1996

The fishing logbooks of the mexican tunaboats with less than 363 metric tons of carrying capacity were analyzed to estimate the level of tuna discards and incidental catches during 1996. Due to the absence of scientific observers aboard, direct and indirect methods were used. The tuna discard estimation varied from 190 to 230 metric tons, and the incidental catch estimation from 146 to 262 metric tons of different species or group of species. The discard estimation represents approximately 1.3 to 1.6% of total catch, and the incidental catch estimation about 1.0 to 1.8%. These levels are low compared to worldwide and other tuna fisheries discard and incidental catch estimates, but the damage they cause to the populations affected are subject to further population dynamic studies.