How long does a bluefin tuna live

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Subscriber Exclusive Content. Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars? This species reproduces via broadcast spawning, where several females and several males release millions of eggs and sperm into the water column at the same time.

This method increases the likelihood that the eggs will be fertilized and decreases the chances that they will be eaten by egg predators. There are at least two known populations of Atlantic bluefin tuna, one that reproduces in the Gulf of Mexico and one that reproduces in the Mediterranean Sea. Some researchers believe that the Mediterranean population actually represents two populations one in the west and one in the east plus the Black Sea.

This further division has some implications for fisheries management, because the fish in the eastern Mediterranean are generally considered more of a conservation concern than those in the western Mediterranean. Though almost all fishes are cold blooded, Atlantic Bluefin have a specialized blood vessel structure — called a countercurrent exchanger — that allows them to maintain a body temperature that is higher than the surrounding water.

This adaptation provides them with a major advantage when hunting in cold water, by allowing them to move more quickly and intelligently.

The Atlantic bluefin tuna is one of the fastest swimmers in the ocean. Like some shark species, Atlantic Bluefin must constantly swim. In order to obtain oxygen from the water, fishes pass water over their gills.

The tunas lack the ability to do so while stopped, so they must continuously swim forward with their mouths open to keep their blood oxygenated. The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a highly prized food fish and is fished heavily throughout its range. Its value in the high-grade sushi market in Japan and elsewhere is high enough to cause fishers to target this species with almost unmatched effort.

Scientists believe the species to be endangered highly vulnerable to extinction , but fisheries managers continue to allow commercial fishing to target it. While the Atlantic Bluefin was formerly common in the Black Sea and off the coast of Brazil, it has not been observed in significant numbers in either of those places for several decades.

Working with the U. Councils will also develop recommendations for domestic regulations to address the relative impact on the stock by U. Commercial fishery: The average annual bluefin landings by U. In , U. Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch: Purse seine, hook-and-line, and harpoon gear are used to catch Pacific bluefin tuna.

These fishing methods are fairly selective and allow for the live release of unintentionally caught species. Recreational fishery: Pacific bluefin tuna are a highly valued species by recreational anglers.

West Coast recreational fishing grounds primarily include offshore waters of southern California and northern Baja, and have historically included waters as far north as Monterey Bay.

Commercial passenger fishing vessels and private boaters target Pacific bluefin tuna with recreational fishing gear using live bait sardines or anchovy , casting jigs, and trolling jigs. Featured News Grilled tuna lemon with mayo. View More News. Recreational Fishing Regulations. Commercial Fishing Regulations. Subsistence Fishing Regulations. Management Overview NOAA Fisheries collaborates with several international fishery management bodies to manage the fishery and conserve the species.

Science Overview. November 10, - Data Set , Pacific Islands.