Kenya

Kenya has a coastline of 1,520 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of about 142 400 sq km . The tuna and tuna-like fishing fleets comprise of the artisanal, semi-industrial, industrial and recreational fisheries. It is estimated that 414 artisanal vessels were engaged in fishing for tuna and tuna-like species in 2018 within the territorial waters. In addition, three pelagic longline vessels operated in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) Area of Competence. The IOTC species landed during the year included swordfish (294 t), yellowfin tuna (108 t) and bigeye tuna (28 t) while other species combined (99 t). Catches of scombrids from artisanal fisheries were 3,476 t. Other IOTC species landed during the year were sailfish (427 t), swordfish (216 t), sharks (562 t) and rays and skates (879 t). The main target species from the recreational fisheries were marlins and sailfish, swordfish and tuna.