Bluefin tuna are one of the largest and fastest fish in the world. Their torpedo-shaped, streamlined bodies are built for speed and endurance. They are attractive; on top they are metallic-blue and on the bottom they are silver-white. They can grow to 6.5 feet in length and up to 250 kg.
Unfortunately for bluefin tuna, they are highly sought after for their meat. As a result, overfishing has decimated their population.
Pacific Bluefin Tuna, who are found in the North Pacific Ocean, are classified “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, who are found in western Atlantic, are classified as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Southern Bluefin Tuna, who are found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans, are classified as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Since 1981, the American Bluefin Tuna Association (ABTA) have sought to improve Atlantic bluefin tuna science and to advocate for sustainable fishery management practices.
Since 2008, WWF has been tagging Atlantic bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean Sea for research. The data collected so far has helped them to learn more about their migratory patterns and to advise fisheries on how to protect the species.
