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The Bluefin Tuna is in dire need of help. At present, it is at the top of the list of 5 most endangered marine animals in the world. The 3 popular species that fall under this alarm bell are the Atlantic Bluefin, the Pacific Bluefin, and the Southern Bluefin.

The reason for its rapid decrease in numbers is because it is used for Japanese food like sashimi and sushi. They are very large fish so one catch alone is worth a lot of money for fishermen and big companies alike. The Pacific Bluefin is considered the most expensive fish in the world, fetching up to $800 per kilo in the fish market. A jaw-dropping transaction for a Pacific Bluefin tuna took place in 2001, wherein a 200 kilo tuna sold for over US$173,000!

The problem with the fishing methods used is the equipment that not only captures the larger tuna, but also the younger ones. It has been said that the Bluefin tuna has a very slim chance of reaching adulthood. In fact, only 1 in 40 make it, and those that do, become one of the fiercest predators in the ocean. They can survive as an adult for another 15 to 20 years.

Since 1970 though, there has been serious efforts to stem the slaughtering and selling of the Bluefin tuna. Many countries have accepted the Bluefin tuna to be one of the endangered marine animals, yet, the fishing continues to thrive. It’s a case of high demand which entrepreneurs see as income opportunity superceding any environmental cause.

Compared to other tuna species, the Bluefin tuna, which is found around the Mediterranean Sea, is preferred because of its sheer weight and length.  Unlike years ago when fishing nets were used, large fishing companies have shifted to using the purse seine nets. These are synthetic nets that use hydraulics to operate it, and can catch live fish without stressing it, thereby allowing it to be transported as live fish. It is able to catch up to 80% of the Bluefin tuna industry in the Mediterranean. However, because many of the fish caught are small, they are put into tuna farms for fattening – all in the hopes of being able to earn more. Sadly, the demand is not decreasing. In fact, the opposite is happening because of the jump in interest  in Japanese food, and the concept that it can prevent illnesses because of the presence of Omega 3 fatty acids.  On the other hand, there is also the risk of mercury poisoning from tuna species, including the Bluefin tuna.

Photo courtesy NOAA