An overview of the activity of the Spanish surface longline fleet targeting swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in the Indian Ocean during the period 2003-2006

Abstract

This paper presents data on catch, nominal effort and nominal catch rates in 5x5 degree formats of the activity of the Spanish surface longline fleet targeting swordfish (Xiphias gladius) carried out in 2003, 2004 and 2005 in waters of the Indian Ocean. The total nominal catch of swordfish was 4290, 4713 and 5079 tons round weight respectively. For descriptive purposes, graphs and plots are presented showing annual catches, annual nominal effort, and nominal CPUEs by year and sizes categories in a 5x5 degree square format. The information presented also updates previous papers.