- Based on preliminary figures the overall purse seine fishing effort was stable in Nov and fishing intensity (fishing days/calendar day) marginally declined. Note that monthly figures get adjusted as NFDs are processed.
- While overall effort was broadly stable, total purse seine catches (EEZs+HS) decreased in Nov by 11% as overall catch rate declined but were still well up (52%) on Nov ’22, marking 3 consecutive months of relatively high catches.
- Effort and catch continued to concentrate in KI EEZ and HS together accounting for 69% of total effort and 72% of total catch.
- Preliminary figures showed reduced overall catch rate with the November rate down 12% to 39t/day. The highest catch rate was in PG but in KI EEZ and eastern HS, the catch rates were 43t and 36t respectively.
- Reported total transhipped volume declined 14% to almost 77,000t in Nov as transhipped volume across all major ports decreased except for MH. MH and KI accounted for a combined 72% of total. Note that transhipment volumes are not available for all vessels.
- Bangkok SKJ prices in Nov as reported by Thai Union declined 6% to $1,500/mt from Oct. The Singapore MGO price decreased 9% to an average $826/mt and the differential between the prices has reduced further to below the 10-year average.
- Strong El Nino conditions prevailed in the Sep-Nov period with SSTs averaging +1.8oC above long-term average. El Nino conditions are forecast to persist to March-May 2024 season with “historically strong” conditions over Nov-Jan season. NOAA predicts a 60% chance of possible return of ENSO-neutral conditions by Apr-Jun 2024 season.
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