Association of yellowfin tuna and dolphins in Maldives waters

Abstract

Large yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) are regularly found in association with dolphins in Maldivian waters. The species involved are the spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) and the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris). Maldivian fishermen tar­ geting large yellowfin use the presence of dolphin schools to locate the tunas. The yellowfin are caught using simple handlines, and are mostly within the length range 70-160 cm FL. No do_lphins are caught