The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) in cooperation with the National Stock Assessment Project (NSAP) of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 12 (BFAR XII) has kicked off here last month the Biological Assessment of the three top export species in Philippine waters ? yellowfin tuna, big-eye tuna and skipjack. The biological study which will run until August 2011, aims to determine the length at first capture and spawning seasons of these tuna species. It includes sexual maturity determination, sex ratios, age and length composition and length-weight relationship -- significant data in stock assessment.

Assessment on tuna species set. (2010, October 14). Assessment on tuna species set. Manila Bulletin, p. 15.