Thunnus

The Southern Ocean upwelling is a mecca for whales and tuna that’s worth celebrating and protecting

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024

The Great Southern Australian Coastal Upwelling System is an upward current of water over vast distances along Australia’s southern coast.

Key Points: 
  • The Great Southern Australian Coastal Upwelling System is an upward current of water over vast distances along Australia’s southern coast.
  • This nutrient-rich water supports a rich ecosystem that attracts iconic species like the southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) and blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda).
  • This year marks the 20th anniversary of a research publication that revealed the existence of the large seasonal upwelling system along Australia’s southern coastal shelves.

Where do the nutrients come from?

  • Only the upper 50 metres of the water column receives enough light to support the microscopic phytoplankton – single-celled organisms that depend on photosynthesis.
  • This is the process of using light energy to make a simple sugar, which phytoplankton and plants use as their food.
  • As well as light, the process requires a suite of nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus.

What causes the upwelling?

  • These winds force near-surface water offshore, which draws up deeper, nutrient-enriched water to replace it in the sunlight zone.
  • The summer winds also produce a swift coastal current, called an upwelling jet.
  • Coastal upwelling driven by southerly winds also forms occasionally along Tasmania’s west coast.
  • Recent research suggests the overall upwelling intensity has not dramatically changed in the past 20 years.
  • The findings indicate global climate changes of the past 20 years had little or no impact on the ecosystem functioning.

What are the links between upwelling, tuna and whales?

  • They are the Australian sardine (Sardinops sagax) and the Australian krill (Nyctiphanes australis), a small, shrimp-like creature that’s common in the seas around Tasmania.
  • Sardines are the key diet of larger fish, including the southern bluefin tuna, and various marine mammals including the Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea).
  • Nonetheless, their timing and location appear to fit perfectly into the annual migration patterns of southern bluefin tuna and blue whales, creating a natural wonder in the southern hemisphere.


Jochen Kaempf does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

How trophy fishing can have a sustainable future

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

Suddenly, the peace was broken by the scream of a fishing reel as a four-metre-long blue marlin (Makaira mazaraburst) burst from the water.

Key Points: 
  • Suddenly, the peace was broken by the scream of a fishing reel as a four-metre-long blue marlin (Makaira mazaraburst) burst from the water.
  • For the next hour the giant fish surged, leapt and tail walked, as my best friend and fishing companion mostly just held on.
  • Recreational fishing for the largest species and individual fish in the sea like this is often called trophy fishing.

What’s the catch?

  • Notably, in the 1950s, the average record-holding fish weighed a hefty 168kg, but this figure fell drastically to just 8kg in the 2010s.
  • The fish are not shrinking, instead anglers are now targeting a broader range of smaller species.
  • However, this might signal a concerning decline in the population of larger fish species.
  • Comparing the last decade (2010–2018) to the 2000s, there has been a roughly 66% decrease in records for these at-risk species.

Tackling sustainability

  • This approach records the length of the fish rather than weight, enabling it to be released without needing to kill it.
  • Although releasing fish does not guarantee survival, that can be maximised by using the right gear and careful handling.
  • From this year, the UK government has authorised a catch and release only recreational fishery for these fish.
  • With continued careful management this should bring exciting angling, social and economic benefits for years to come.


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  • Bryce Stewart receives funding from Defra and UK Research and Innovation.
  • He is a member of the Marine Conservation Society and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and sits on the Marine Stewardship Council Stakeholder Advisory Council.

National Advertising Division Finds Safe Catch Tuna Mercury Testing Claims Supported; Recommends Modification or Discontinuance of Certain Other Claims

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 20, 2021

NAD determined that the advertiser provided a reasonable basis for:

Key Points: 
  • NAD determined that the advertiser provided a reasonable basis for:
    Claims that every tuna used to make Safe Catch tuna products is tested for mercury.
  • The "averaging 22x lower than the FDA mercury action limit" claim as to both Safe Catch Elite (all skipjack tuna) and Yellowfin.
  • However, NAD recommended that Safe Catch discontinue or modify:
    The "8x lower than Albacore tuna (FDA)" claim on cans of Safe Catch Elite.
  • NAD determined that Safe Catch provided a reasonable basis for its claims that every tuna used to make Safe Catch tuna products is tested for mercury, including "every tuna mercury tested," "only safe catch tests every fish for mercury," and "the only brand to test every fish for mercury."

The Bumble Bee Seafood Company Continues to Accelerate Sustainability Action Plans as a Leader and Advocate for Healthy Oceans

Retrieved on: 
Monday, May 24, 2021

Last year, Bumble Bee debuted the first annual Seafood Future Report , renewing the companys commitment and response to sustainability and social responsibility and setting bold goals for the future.

Key Points: 
  • Last year, Bumble Bee debuted the first annual Seafood Future Report , renewing the companys commitment and response to sustainability and social responsibility and setting bold goals for the future.
  • Together with FCF, Bumble Bee committed to ensuring that all seafood sourced would be externally recognized as sustainable or in a formal program moving toward certification by 2025.
  • The longline fishery assessments cover predominantly albacore tuna and represent approximately 50 percent of the entire albacore tuna production for The Bumble Bee Seafood Company.
  • The Bumble Bee Seafood Company is passionately pursuing its purpose of feeding peoples lives through the power of the ocean.

Global Tuna Fish Market & Volume Report 2020-2027: Forecast by Species Production, Importing, Exporting Countries, Company Analysis - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, May 13, 2021

The introduction of FADs called Fishing Aggregating Devices by the purse seine fleet has a great impact on fishing nowadays.

Key Points: 
  • The introduction of FADs called Fishing Aggregating Devices by the purse seine fleet has a great impact on fishing nowadays.
  • This technology boosted the small-sized tuna catches.\nTuna Fish constitute the genus Thunnus which belongs to the Mackerel family.
  • It is the essential fish commodities across the globe.
  • Worldwide catches of commercial tuna species have increased in recent years, and its import volume of fresh and frozen has also increased.

Genova Premium Tuna And Celebrity Chef Geoffrey Zakarian Team Up For Mediterranean-Inspired Meal Kits

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 12, 2021

With the right ingredients, it\'s easy to bring Mediterranean flair to your dinner table without jet setting around the world.

Key Points: 
  • With the right ingredients, it\'s easy to bring Mediterranean flair to your dinner table without jet setting around the world.
  • In celebration of Mediterranean Diet Month this May, Genova Premium Tuna and celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian are teaming up to create a complimentary meal kit that will easily transport home cooks to the shores of Spain, the coasts of Italy and the beaches of Greece right from their very own kitchens.\nAvailable nationwide while supplies last, the premium meal kit gives fans the opportunity to take their tastebuds on a tour of the Mediterranean with Chef Geoffrey Zakarian\'s Genova Premium Tuna Pasta Salad with Arugula Pesto and Dates.
  • The simple, yet flavorful dish features traditional Mediterranean ingredients including dates, olives, sun dried tomatoes, and superior, hand-selected Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil.
  • Genova Premium Yellowfin and Albacore Tuna offer a break from the ordinary, with no additives or preservatives.

Costa Rica Delays Protection of Dolphins

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 23, 2021

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FECOP, the Costa Rican Fishing Federation, expressed their disappointment in the delay of a tuna law reform that would have given better protection to dolphins and other marine life that is captured as bycatch in the process of purse seine tuna fishing in Costa Rica.

Key Points: 
  • SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- FECOP, the Costa Rican Fishing Federation, expressed their disappointment in the delay of a tuna law reform that would have given better protection to dolphins and other marine life that is captured as bycatch in the process of purse seine tuna fishing in Costa Rica.
  • Costa Rica is one of the few countries that still allows tuna purse sein boats to capture dolphins while fishing for yellowfin tuna.
  • Nearly 85% of all purse sein lances in Costa Rica involve the capture of dolphins.
  • Costa Rica who is famous internationally for its "green image" and has great protection in place for people interacting with dolphins.

Outlook on the Tuna Global Market to 2026 - by Species, Type and Region

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 26, 2021

The global tuna market is being driven by factors such as increasing demand for processed/ready to cook tuna, rising disposable incomes and increasing per capita consumption.

Key Points: 
  • The global tuna market is being driven by factors such as increasing demand for processed/ready to cook tuna, rising disposable incomes and increasing per capita consumption.
  • According to the latest report, titled "Tuna Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026", the global tuna market size reached a value of US$ 39.3 Billion in 2020.
  • Rising demand for canned tuna represents a major reason currently driving the global tuna market.
  • Looking forward, the publisher expects the global tuna market to exhibit moderate growth during the next five years.

Worldwide Tuna Industry to 2026 - Key Players Include Thai Union, Tri Marine and Starkist Among Others - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 24, 2021

According to this report the global tuna market size reached a value of US$ 39.3 Billion in 2020.

Key Points: 
  • According to this report the global tuna market size reached a value of US$ 39.3 Billion in 2020.
  • The global tuna market is being driven by factors such as increasing demand for processed/ready to cook tuna, rising disposable incomes and increasing per capita consumption.
  • Rising demand for canned tuna represents a major reason currently driving the global tuna market.
  • Even though they cost considerably higher than canned tuna, people are willing to pay, facilitating higher economic value for the worldwide tuna trade.

Insights on the Global Canned Tuna Market 2020-2024: COVID-19 Analysis, Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, and Threats - Technavio

Retrieved on: 
Friday, November 20, 2020

Skipjack tuna has a shorter breeding cycle than other species of tuna and, hence, is a popular choice for many fisheries around the world.

Key Points: 
  • Skipjack tuna has a shorter breeding cycle than other species of tuna and, hence, is a popular choice for many fisheries around the world.
  • Market growth in this segment will be slower than the growth of the market in the canned yellowfin tuna, canned albacore tuna, and other canned tuna segment.
  • Europe had the largest canned tuna market share in 2019, and the region will offer several growth opportunities to market vendors during the forecast period.
  • The high consumer demand for canned tuna in most of the European markets will significantly drive canned tuna market growth in this region over the forecast period.