The Journal of Fish Biology published the first robust age and maturity study on ulua aukea and omilu by Hawaii fishery scientists. These two jacks are the most important nearshore species targeted recreationally throughout Hawaii, with many fishing clubs and tournaments devoted to them.

Poseidon Fisheries Research (PFR) scientists studied ulua aukea, or giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis), and omilu, or bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus), to find their growth rate, longevity and maturity.

Researchers collected more than 100 samples of each species from recreational fishermen at fishing tournaments, and from the Pacific Islands Fisheries Group and the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources.

Scientists found that, just as in humans, as these fish age, their size and weight can vary. The oldest ulua aukea weighed 50 pounds and was 31 years old, while the heaviest (80 pounds) was 24 years old. The oldest omilu was 24 years old at nearly 14 pounds. Scientists also found that the average size at maturity, a key population metric, differed between males and females. Female ulua aukea matured at about 23 inches, and 4.4 years, while males matured at about 18 inches, and 2.8 years.

Omilu reached maturity at about 14.5 inches, and 4.1 years for females and 13 inches, and 2.9 years for males.

“The collected age and maturity data will be important for future management of these highly prized and ecologically important predatory species in Hawaii,” said Cassie Pardee, study co-author and PFR fishery biologist.

Fishers can be found camping along the coast ready to battle one of the toughest fighting fish and hoping to land a fish that can be upwards of 100-plus pounds.

“Ensuring that the best scientific data for ulua and omilu are available for stock assessments will allow fishermen to continue fishing sustainably,” added John Wiley, a PFR fishery biologist and co-author on the study.

Poseidon Fisheries Research is a fisheries science research team based in Hawaii conducting work in the Western Pacific Region. Their goal is to fill data gaps to improve our understanding of the local fisheries and the biology of the associated species.

Ultimately, they strive to provide the best scientific information available so managers can effectively regulate our aquatic resources and ensure sustainable fisheries for future generations.

They work closely with the fishing communities, utilizing their local knowledge and expertise to help them gather vital data while also engaging them in current research.

They seek to bridge the gap between science and fishers, so they may both benefit from each others’ insights, work together to protect the waters and maintain the responsible harvest of its organisms.