New Snapshot Tracks Global Purse-Seine Fleet Capacity
ISSF’s latest annual snapshot estimates 693 large-scale purse-seine vessels are fishing for tropical tuna, with a combined fish hold volume (FHV) of approximately 895,000 m³. Both vessel numbers and FHV increased about 3% over the past year.
The report also expands its analysis of vessel participation in ISSF transparency tools: 73% of vessels, representing 83% of FHV, are listed on the ProActive Vessel Register (PVR), while 58% of vessels, representing 69% of FHV, are listed on Vessels in Other Sustainability Initiatives (VOSI).
Explore the 2026 Purse-Seine Fleet Snapshot
Susan Jackson: Facing Tuna’s Challenges with Confidence
In a guest editorial for TUNA 2026, ISSF President and conference chair Susan Jackson reflects on progress in tuna fisheries — and opportunities to continue advancing science-based management, monitoring, and transparency.
DID YOU KNOW?
IMO number adoption among large-scale purse-seine vessels targeting tropical tunas has increased from 12% in 2011 to 99% today. Expanding IMO number use across more vessel types and sizes can further strengthen vessel identification and transparency.
ISSF IN THE NEWS
IATTC Progress — and Priorities for 2027
Fish Focus reports on ISSF’s assessment of the 2026 IATTC annual meeting, including progress on Pacific bluefin tuna, South Pacific albacore, electronic monitoring, and ecosystem management — and key decisions deferred to 2027.
