• Based on preliminary figures the overall purse seine fishing effort rose slightly in October while fishing intensity (fishing days/calendar day) marginally declined. Note that monthly figures get adjusted as NFDs are processed.
• Despite the increase of only 3% in overall effort, total purse seine catches (EEZs+HS) increased in October by 38%. Effort and catch continued to concentrate to the east with combined KI EEZ and HS accounting for 74% of total effort and 78% of total catch. 
• Preliminary figures showed greatly improved overall fishing conditions with the October overall catch rate up 34% to 42t/day. The highest catch rate was in TV but in KI EEZ and eastern HS where effort concentrated most, the catch rates were 47t and 40t respectively.
• Reported total transhipped volume was up 55% to almost 89,000t in October as transhipping across all major ports increased. KI and MH accounted for a combined 69% of total. Note that transhipment volumes are not available for all vessels.    
• Bangkok SKJ prices in October as reported by Thai Union declined 6% to $1,600/mt from September. The Singapore MGO price decreased 3% to an average $912/mt and the differential between the prices has reduced further to below the 10-year average.
• Strong El Nino conditions prevailed in the Aug-October period with SSTs averaging +1.5oC above long-term average. El Nino conditions are forecast to persist over 2023 and into March-May 2024 season but NOAA predicts the chances will decrease to 62% with a possible return of ENSO-neutral in May-July 2024.

Please find attached the detailed Report.