Yellowfin tuna population condition around the Fisheries Management Area 716, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

This study aims to describe the size composition, growth pattern, and fisheries of the yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) population in the Fisheries Management Area 716, North Sulawesi. Samples were obtained from traditional fishermen who relied on handline fishing to get the tuna fish in this region, from 2017 to 2023. The fish were measured and weighed. These data were used to describe the size composition and the growth pattern. Data analyses were facilitated with MedCalc® Statistical Software version 22.014. Results showed that the individual size was dominated by size range of 120-140 cm fork length, whereas the fish population in this region has both negatively and allometric growth. Based on the individual size of the catch, handline fishing could be a reliable fishing method that can maintain the sustainable yellowfin stock in Indonesia waters, particularly in the fisheries Management Area of 716.