Tuna is an important group of large pelagics in the
\nwaters along the Visakhapatnam coast and constitute
\na major component of the exploited marine fishery
\nresources. The annual average landings of tunas in
\nAndhra Pradesh during 2006 -2010 was 29,360 t, which
\naccounts for 26.4% of the national tuna catch. The
\nhighest catch of 32,369 t was recorded in 2009 and
\nthe lowest catch of 27,046 t was recorded in 2006.
\nVisakhapatnam alone contributes to half the total tuna
\ncatch for the state. The tuna fishery at Visakhapatnam
\nis contributed mainly by Euthynnus affinis and
\nThunnus albacares with small amounts of Katsuwonus
\npelamis and Auxis thazard. They are mainly exploited
\nby hooks and line and by gillnets. They are locally
\ncalled ‘suralu’ and support a regular fishery.
\nVisakhapatnam is the major fishing harbour where tuna
\nfish is brought from different landing centres and
\ntransported for export.