Protecting Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

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Protecting Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Dec. 2, 2014, marked a historic milestone for management of bluefin tuna. NOAA Fisheries issued a strong and balanced final rule for protecting these giants of the ocean while keeping fishermen on the water. Beginning in January 2015, the new rule will help stop western Atlantic bluefin from unnecessarily dying on surface longlines, fishing gear that is intended primarily for yellowfin tuna and swordfish, but indiscriminately kills bluefin and other species.

Bluefin tuna command respect. They’re as fast as racehorses, bring fishermen to their knees, and grow to the size of a small car. These "superfish" make transoceanic migrations, can dive deeper than 4,000 feet, and live up to 40 years. But bluefin are no match for wasteful fishing methods.

Data Visualization March 16, 2012

Surface Longline Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico

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Data Visualization March 16, 2012
Article August 29, 2014

Banner Day for Bluefin

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Article August 29, 2014

A bright new chapter for bluefin tuna has begun. NOAA Fisheries just issued a strong final amendment Aug. 29 for protecting these giants of the ocean. With the promulgation of implementing regulations, the new amendment will help stop western Atlantic bluefin—and approximately 80 other types of marine wildlife—from unnecessarily dying on surface longlines, fishing gear that is intended primarily for yellowfin tuna and swordfish, but indiscriminately kills other species.

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Opinion December 1, 2014

Crossing the Finish Line for One of the Fastest Fish in the Sea

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Opinion December 1, 2014

The race to save bluefin tuna reached a critical milestone today. The federal government published its long-awaited rules to aid the fish, and what’s been put on paper will soon start to have a major impact in the water.

Related Resources

Alternative Fishing Gear to Stop the Waste of Bluefin Tuna Bluefin Tuna: Four Years After the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Editorial: Amendment 7: Bluefin in the Balance
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