Results of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Tagging Study Published

A team of researchers led by Dr. Barbara Block has reported on the results of extensive electronic tagging studies of Atlantic bluefin tuna. The exciting findings were published in last week’s issue of Nature; NOAA has provided funding to support the research of Dr. Block and colleagues for the last eight years.

Bluefin tuna is one of the largest and fastest predators in the oceans reaching nearly 10 ft in length, 1,000 lbs and speeds in excess of 50 mph. As part of this study, scientists tagged 772 bluefin in the western Atlantic Ocean in an effort to identify population structure; data from these electronic tags demonstrated the extensive migration patterns of individual fish. The researchers suggest that when combined with logbooks and observer data, tagging data could be used to identify hot spots for spawning bluefin tuna in the northern slope waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Many nations harvest Atlantic bluefin tuna, primarily for its high value on the Japanese market, using a variety of gear including purse seines, longlines, rod and reel and harpoons. There is also a vibrant recreational fishery. U.S. bluefin tuna fisheries are strictly managed under an international rebuilding plan for the Western Atlantic management unit. The migration patterns and spawning recruitment of Atlantic bluefin tuna are of great interest to many NOAA constituents given the high value of these fisheries, the depleted state of the stock, and the challenges of international management.

Results of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Tagging Study Published

A team of researchers led by Dr. Barbara Block has reported on the results of extensive electronic tagging studies of Atlantic bluefin tuna. The exciting findings were published in last week’s issue of Nature; NOAA has provided funding to support the research of Dr. Block and colleagues for the last eight years.

Bluefin tuna is one of the largest and fastest predators in the oceans reaching nearly 10 ft in length, 1,000 lbs and speeds in excess of 50 mph. As part of this study, scientists tagged 772 bluefin in the western Atlantic Ocean in an effort to identify population structure; data from these electronic tags demonstrated the extensive migration patterns of individual fish. The researchers suggest that when combined with logbooks and observer data, tagging data could be used to identify hot spots for spawning bluefin tuna in the northern slope waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Many nations harvest Atlantic bluefin tuna, primarily for its high value on the Japanese market, using a variety of gear including purse seines, longlines, rod and reel and harpoons. There is also a vibrant recreational fishery. U.S. bluefin tuna fisheries are strictly managed under an international rebuilding plan for the Western Atlantic management unit. The migration patterns and spawning recruitment of Atlantic bluefin tuna are of great interest to many NOAA constituents given the high value of these fisheries, the depleted state of the stock, and the challenges of international management.