Economy - Conservation

Bluefin tuna, also known as Atlantic Bluefin tuna, is a popular game fish, especially in the USA, where it is caught by hook and line.

The bluefin tuna is a highly valued food fish around the world. It is sold fresh or frozen. Quality fish are especially favored in Japan, where they can bring a high price in the raw seafood market.

The demand and high popularity of this tuna in commercial markets has led to severe exploitation in several areas, most notably in the North Atlantic Ocean. Because bluefin migrate long distances, and because much of the fishery occurs in international waters, international cooperation is necessary in management decisions. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas was created in 1966 to specifically address the conservation issues facing the bluefin and other highly migratory species. Over twenty nations are now active in this organization, including the US, Canada, Japan, Spain, and France. ICCAT attempts to organize and coordinate international research, and proposes management regulations. Major issues facing the commission are reasonable definitions of management units and development of reliable abundance estimates.

*Resource: The Florida Museum of Natural History
(http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/BluefinTuna/BluefinTuna.html)