The bluefin tuna is a magnificent creature that has captured the attention of the world for its size, speed, and delicious meat. However, overfishing and declining stocks have led to a significant increase in prices and a decrease in populations.
As we enter 2022, it’s important to ask the question: how many bluefin tuna are left in the world? In this article, we’ll explore the current state of bluefin tuna populations, the reasons behind their decline, and what we can do to help protect these incredible fish for future generations.
So, let’s dive in and learn more about the state of bluefin tuna in 2022.
How Many Bluefin Tuna Are Left In The World 2022?
According to recent reports, the remaining Pacific bluefin tuna stock consists of only 2.6% of its original size from 1950. In 2017, there were approximately 1.6 million bluefin tuna left in the Pacific, with an estimated 145,000 reproducing adults. This makes the Pacific bluefin tuna species the closest to extinction and in need of urgent protection.
The Atlantic bluefin tuna populations have also declined significantly over the past 40 years, with a decline of 72-82% across the Atlantic Ocean. This decline is due to overfishing and aquaculture practices that capture young fish and raise them in captivity to ensure they grow larger. This decreases the wild population of these animals and makes it difficult for populations to keep up with these declines.
The History Of Bluefin Tuna Fishing
Bluefin tuna has been a highly sought-after fish species for centuries, with records of its consumption dating back to ancient civilizations. However, the commercial fishing of bluefin tuna began in the 1970s and 1980s, with rising demand for the fish leading to overfishing in the Mediterranean and East Atlantic. By the 1990s, it was estimated that as much as 50,000 to 61,000 tonnes of bluefin tuna per year were caught in these regions, putting the species at risk of extinction.
In response, harvest quotas were set in 1982 to make the fishery sustainable. Since then, bluefin populations have remained stable, and strict harvest requirements have been put in place to decrease the chance of overfishing. These restrictions include allowing anglers to only use purse seine nets and hand equipment such as rod and reel, handline, or harpoon. Longline fishing operations are required to use weak hooks that decrease the chance of bluefin being caught as bycatch when targeting other large pelagic species like swordfish.
Despite these efforts, illegal fishing remains a persistent challenge for replenishing stocks. In the US, catching or importing bluefin requires an NOAA permit. The high demand for bluefin tuna has also driven up prices, making it one of the most expensive fish species in the world.
The Current State Of Bluefin Tuna Populations
Bluefin tuna populations have been severely impacted by overfishing and illegal fishing practices. The demand for bluefin tuna in high-end sushi markets has driven the decline of these populations. Both Atlantic and Southern bluefin tuna are listed as endangered species with a currently decreasing population. Pacific bluefin tuna, on the other hand, are classified as vulnerable and have a slightly increasing population.
The California bluefin tuna bag limit is 2 per boat per day but also may not have more than 20 fish on board. Despite these regulations, the United States only receives about half of the international quota for western Atlantic bluefin, with the rest caught by countries with less restrictive regulations and enforcement records.
According to reports, the remaining Pacific bluefin tuna stock consists of only 2.6% of its original size from 1950. This makes the Pacific bluefin tuna species the closest to extinction and in need of urgent protection. The Atlantic bluefin tuna populations have also declined significantly over the past 40 years, with a decline of 72-82% across the Atlantic Ocean.
It is important to note that bluefin tuna populations are resilient and can bounce back if allowed to survive and reproduce. However, this requires strict regulations and enforcement to prevent overfishing and illegal fishing practices. The rebuilding target should still allow for some fishing activity to maintain the tuna fleet as stocks replenish. The current state of bluefin tuna populations highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures from extinction.
Factors Contributing To Bluefin Tuna Decline
There are several factors contributing to the decline of bluefin tuna populations. Overfishing is the primary cause, as the demand for this highly prized fish has led to excessive fishing pressure. Both commercial and recreational fishing have contributed to this issue, with long-line fishing being a particular concern. This method of fishing can result in high levels of bycatch, which means that other species are caught unintentionally and often discarded.
Another major factor is climate change. The delicate marine ecosystem that the bluefin tuna relies upon for survival is interconnected, and changes in water temperature and ocean currents can have a significant impact on their food sources. This can lead to a decrease in prey species, which in turn affects the bluefin tuna population.
Pollution is also a concern, as it can impact the quality of the water and food sources for bluefin tuna. Plastic pollution is a particular concern, as it can be ingested by these fish and cause harm or death.
Finally, aquaculture practices have also contributed to the decline of bluefin tuna populations. These practices involve capturing young fish and raising them in captivity, which decreases the wild population and can lead to genetic issues within captive populations.
The Economic Impact Of Bluefin Tuna Fishing
Commercial tuna fisheries, including bluefin tuna, are a significant part of the global economy. These fisheries represent seven of the most valuable fish species on the planet, including yellowfin, skipjack, bigeye, albacore, and Atlantic, Pacific, and southern bluefin. Tuna products are highly sought-after commodities and an important source of protein in countries around the world. However, high demand for these products has significantly depleted several populations, including bluefin tuna.
In 2018, commercial fishing vessels landed approximately 5.2 million metric tons of the seven tuna species, with an estimated dock value of $11.7 billion. The end value of products derived from this catch was estimated to be $37.5 billion. Despite the increase in catch volume from 2012 to 2018, revenue did not increase proportionally due to lower prices paid to fishers and by the final consumer for almost all species.
While bluefin tuna is a highly valuable commodity, its overfishing has led to a significant decline in populations. The decline in bluefin populations is a result of overfishing in many parts of the world that still exceed the limits set by international management bodies. Strict harvest requirements have been put in place to decrease the chance of bluefin being overharvested. These restrictions allow anglers to only use purse seine nets and hand equipment such as rod and reel, handline, or harpoon. Longline fishing operations are required to use weak hooks that decrease the chance of bluefin being caught as bycatch when targeting other large pelagic species like swordfish.
Sustainably managing bluefin tuna populations is critically important to support better population management and to improve our understanding of their importance to the global economy and marine ecosystems. Although it is challenging to put a monetary value on the role that bluefin tuna plays in the marine environment, their benefits to fishers and the fishing industry can be estimated by looking at data on the catch and sale of tuna products around the world. As such, it is essential to implement effective management strategies to ensure that bluefin tuna populations do not continue to decline due to overfishing and other harmful practices.
Efforts To Protect Bluefin Tuna
Efforts to protect bluefin tuna have been ongoing for several years now, with various organizations and governments taking steps to conserve and manage these species sustainably. One such organization is the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which has listed bluefin tuna on their red list of threatened species. This listing has helped to raise global awareness of the bluefin’s status and has kick-started conservation and stock improvement plans.
In addition, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has proposed new measures to conserve and manage sustainably the bluefin tuna populations. These measures aim to reduce overfishing and illegal fishing practices, as well as to improve monitoring and enforcement efforts. By doing so, they hope to protect these species from further decline and ensure their long-term survival.
Another organization that has been working towards protecting bluefin tuna is the Center for Biological Diversity, which has petitioned the federal government to protect Atlantic bluefin under the Endangered Species Act. They have also launched a bluefin boycott, calling on consumers to pledge to avoid bluefin and restaurants that serve it. Chefs and restaurants are also being urged to sign a pledge not to buy or serve this imperiled species.
Furthermore, some countries such as Japan have implemented their own measures to protect bluefin tuna, including setting quotas on fishing and imposing regulations on aquaculture practices. While these efforts are a step in the right direction, more needs to be done to protect these species from extinction.
What You Can Do To Help Preserve Bluefin Tuna Populations.
As consumers, we have the power to help preserve bluefin tuna populations by making informed choices about the seafood we consume. Here are a few things you can do to help:
1. Choose sustainable seafood: When shopping for seafood, look for products that are certified by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. These certifications ensure that the seafood was caught or farmed in a sustainable manner.
2. Avoid bluefin tuna altogether: While it may be tempting to indulge in a piece of delicious bluefin tuna sushi or sashimi, it’s important to remember that these fish are in danger of extinction. Opt for other sustainable seafood options instead, such as farmed trout or wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
3. Support conservation efforts: Many organizations are working to protect bluefin tuna populations and their habitats. Consider donating to these organizations or volunteering your time to help with conservation efforts.
4. Educate others: Spread the word about the importance of preserving bluefin tuna populations and encourage others to make sustainable seafood choices. By working together, we can help ensure that these magnificent fish continue to thrive in our oceans for generations to come.
