Tracking uk Atlantic Bluefin Tuna – Decoding the Ocean’s Wanderers

Tracking Bluefin Tuna – Decoding the Ocean’s Wanderers

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna are the ocean’s superstars, zipping across continents and diving thousands of feet. But how do we know where they go? Tracking technology is unlocking their secrets, supporting conservation and sustainable fisheries like the UK’s 2025 CRRF. A fascinating UK study, highlighted in a Facebook post by Bluefin Tuna UK, tagged 63 Bluefin Tuna with Wildlife Computers’ MiniPAT tags, revealing their migration patterns and behaviors in UK waters.

These pop-up satellite tags, which record location, depth, and temperature before transmitting data, are game-changers. The UK study, part of the CHART programme (2021–2023), tagged over 3,000 Bluefin and showed a low 0.21% mortality rate in the 2024 CRRF, as noted in the GOV.UK news release. This data informs the 2025 fishery, detailed in the GOV.UK plans, ensuring quotas—like the UK’s 66.15 tonnes for 2025—balance conservation and fishing.

Tracking isn’t just about science; it’s about survival. By mapping Bluefin routes, researchers identify critical habitats, like spawning grounds, and advise the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) on protection measures. The MMO’s announcement underscores how such data supports the CRRF’s low-impact approach. Anglers play a role too—following the CRRF’s code of conduct, as outlined in the GOV.UK plans, ensures fish thrive post-release.

Want to learn more? Check out the GOV.UK fishery details or explore the application process to join the 2025 CRRF. Share your thoughts on X with #BluefinTracking and help spread the word about these ocean giants!