Although Pacific-wide populations are well below target levels, U.S. wild-caught Pacific bluefin tuna is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed under rebuilding measures that limit harvest by U.S. fishermen.
Pacific Bluefin Tuna
Thunnus orientalis
Also Known As
Northern bluefin tuna, Tuna, Bluefin tuna
Quick Facts
Region
Pacific Islands, West Coast
School of bluefin tuna. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
School of bluefin tuna. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
About the Species
School of bluefin tuna. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
School of bluefin tuna. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Although Pacific-wide populations are well below target levels, U.S. wild-caught Pacific bluefin tuna is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed under rebuilding measures that limit harvest by U.S. fishermen.
Population
The stock is overfished, but the fishing rate promotes population growth.
Fishing Rate
Not subject to overfishing.
Habitat Impacts
Fishing gear used to catch bluefin tuna rarely contacts the seafloor so habitat impacts are minimal.
Bycatch
Regulations are in place to minimize bycatch.
Population Status
- According to the 2022stock assessment, Pacific bluefin tuna isoverfished, but notsubject to overfishing. Summary stock assessment information can be found on Stock SMART.
- NOAA Fisheries first determined the Pacific bluefin tuna stock to be overfished in 2013. The 2022assessment completed by the International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-Like Speciesin the North Pacific Ocean found the stock is still overfished, but stock size has significantly increased.
Appearance
- Pacific bluefin tuna have black or dark blue dorsal sides, with a grayish-green iridescence.
- Their bellies are dotted with silver or gray spots or bands.
- They have a series of small yellow fins, edged in black, running from the second dorsal fin to the tail.
- A distinguishing characteristic of Pacific bluefin tuna is that the tips of the pectoral fins do not reach the front of the second dorsal fin.
- They have relatively small eyes compared to other species of tuna.
Biology
- Pacific bluefin tunas reach maturity at approximately 5 years of age and can live up to 26 years, although the average lifespan is about 15 years.
- Adults are approximately 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) long and weigh about 60 kilograms (130 pounds).
- The maximum reported length and weight for Pacific bluefin tuna is 3 meters (9.8 feet) in length and 450 kilograms (990 pounds).
- Pacific bluefin tunas are predatory and mainly eat squids and fish, such as sardines and anchovies, saury, herring, pompanos, mackerel, hake, other tunas, and occasionally red crabs and krill.
Where They Live
Range - Most of the U.S. catch of Pacific bluefin tuna is within about 100 nautical miles of the California coast.
Habitat - Bluefin tuna are highly migratory and travel long distances throughout the Pacific Ocean.
- They are found mostly in temperate ocean waters but also in the tropics and cooler coastal regions.
- Of the tunas, Pacific bluefin tuna have the largest geographic range.
- Tagging studies have revealed that some bluefin spend their entire lives in the Western Pacific Ocean, while others migrate to the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The trans-Pacific journey can take as little as 55 days.
Fishery Management
- Management of highly migratory species, such as Pacific bluefin tuna, is complicated because they migrate thousands of miles across oceans and international borders and are fished by many nations.
- Effective conservation and management of these resources requires international cooperation as well as strong domestic management. The United Statescontinues to encourage harvest levelsinternationally that rebuildthe population.
- Two international organizations, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC)and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)coordinate management of this fishery across jurisdictions of member and cooperating nations. Working with the U.S. Department of State, NOAA Fisheries implements the IATTC and WCPFC conservation and management measures as regulations for U.S. fleets.
- NOAA Fisheriesand the Pacific Fishery Management Counciland the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council manage this fishery on the West Coast and in the Pacific Islandsunder the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species and the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific, respectively.
- NOAA Fisheries works with the councils to provide recommendations to the Commissions and implement domestic regulations under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).
- The councils provide advice to NOAA Fisheries and the Department of State, so that the councils’ interests are represented in international negotiations.
- Councils will also develop recommendations for domestic regulations to address the relative impact on the stock by U.S. vessels.
Harvest
- Commercial fishery:
- The average annual bluefin landings by U.S. commercial vessels fishing in the eastern Pacific Ocean represent only 2 percent of the average annual landings from all fleets fishing there.
- U.S.-caught Pacific bluefin tuna are commonly landed in California by fishermen who sell to local restaurants.
- In 2022, U.S. commercial landings of Pacific bluefin tuna totaled 800,000 pounds and were valued at $2.3million, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database.
- Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch:
- Purse seine, hook-and-line, and harpoon gearare used to catch Pacific bluefin tuna.
- Fishing gear used to catch bluefin tuna rarely contacts the seafloor so habitat impacts are minimal.
- 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.
Scientific Classification
- Most of the U.S. catch of Pacific bluefin tuna is within about 100 nautical miles of the California coast.
- Bluefin tuna are highly migratory and travel long distances throughout the Pacific Ocean.
- They are found mostly in temperate ocean waters but also in the tropics and cooler coastal regions.
- Of the tunas, Pacific bluefin tuna have the largest geographic range.
- Tagging studies have revealed that some bluefin spend their entire lives in the Western Pacific Ocean, while others migrate to the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The trans-Pacific journey can take as little as 55 days.
Fishery Management
- Management of highly migratory species, such as Pacific bluefin tuna, is complicated because they migrate thousands of miles across oceans and international borders and are fished by many nations.
- Effective conservation and management of these resources requires international cooperation as well as strong domestic management. The United Statescontinues to encourage harvest levelsinternationally that rebuildthe population.
- Two international organizations, the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC)and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)coordinate management of this fishery across jurisdictions of member and cooperating nations. Working with the U.S. Department of State, NOAA Fisheries implements the IATTC and WCPFC conservation and management measures as regulations for U.S. fleets.
- NOAA Fisheriesand the Pacific Fishery Management Counciland the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council manage this fishery on the West Coast and in the Pacific Islandsunder the Fishery Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species and the Fishery Ecosystem Plan for the Pelagic Fisheries of the Western Pacific, respectively.
- NOAA Fisheries works with the councils to provide recommendations to the Commissions and implement domestic regulations under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).
- The councils provide advice to NOAA Fisheries and the Department of State, so that the councils’ interests are represented in international negotiations.
- Councils will also develop recommendations for domestic regulations to address the relative impact on the stock by U.S. vessels.
Harvest
- Commercial fishery:
- The average annual bluefin landings by U.S. commercial vessels fishing in the eastern Pacific Ocean represent only 2 percent of the average annual landings from all fleets fishing there.
- U.S.-caught Pacific bluefin tuna are commonly landed in California by fishermen who sell to local restaurants.
- In 2022, U.S. commercial landings of Pacific bluefin tuna totaled 800,000 pounds and were valued at $2.3million, according to the NOAA Fisheries commercial fishing landings database.
- Gear types, habitat impacts, and bycatch:
- Purse seine, hook-and-line, and harpoon gearare used to catch Pacific bluefin tuna.
- Fishing gear used to catch bluefin tuna rarely contacts the seafloor so habitat impacts are minimal.
- 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.
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Actinopterygii | Order | Scombriformes | Family | Scombridae | Genus | Thunnus | Species | orientalis |
|---|
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 10/16/2023
Featured News
The 20th Annual Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting at the Te Are Kariori (National Auditorium) in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
Two tagged blue whales swim in Monterey Bay in 2016. NOAA Fisheries permit 16111. Credit: Elliott Hazen/NOAA Fisheries
Feature Story
International Actions Pay Off For Pacific Bluefin Tuna as Species Rebounds at Accelerating Rate
Grilled tuna lemon with mayo. Credit: North Carolina Sea Grant/Vanda Lewis.
Recreational Fishing Regulations
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 10/16/2023
Commercial Fishing Regulations
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 10/16/2023
Subsistence Fishing Regulations
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 10/16/2023
Seafood Facts
Is Pacific Bluefin Tuna Sustainable?
Although Pacific-wide populations are well below target levels, U.S. wild-caught Pacific bluefin tuna is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed under rebuilding measures that limit harvest by U.S. fishermen.
Availability
Year-round, but most Pacific bluefin tuna are caught between May and October, and are sold to local restaurants.
Source
U.S. wild-caught along the West Coast, primarily from California.
Taste
Bluefin has a distinctive flavor. With its high fat content, it is especially prized for sushi and sashimi. Cooking is generally not advised as it produces a strong fish taste and odor.
Texture
Bluefin tuna flesh is the darkest and fattiest of any tuna. A higher fat content in bluefin tuna is equated with a higher-quality product. The flesh has the firmness and appearance of beef steaks.
Color
Deep red when uncooked. When cooked, the meat is an off-white or ivory color.
Health Benefits
Bluefin tuna is a very good source of protein, thiamin, selenium, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1; Serving Weight: 100 g (raw); Calories: 144; Protein: 23.33 g; Total Fat: 4.9 g; Total Saturated Fatty Acids: 1.257 g; Carbohydrate: 0 g; Total Sugars: 0 g; Total Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Cholesterol: 38 mg; Selenium: 36.5 mcg; Sodium: 39 mg
More Information
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 10/16/2023
Seafood News
Kuleana Coral Reef’s NOAA-sponsored training program instructs how to apply adhesive to a substrate to attach a rescued coral of opportunity (one that has detached from the reef). Credit: Blake Nowack/Kuleana Coral Reefs
NOAA Fisheries' support of a U.S. Department of Agriculture program helps get healthy American seafood—like Alaska pollock fish sticks—into school lunches. Greenville County Schools in South Carolina make a point of serving seafood at least once a week. Photo courtesy of Joe Urban/Greenville County Schools.
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 10/16/2023
Management Overview
NOAA Fisheries collaborates with several international fisherymanagement bodiesto managethe fishery and conserve the species.
Regulatory Actions
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 10/16/2023
Science Overview
Research & Data
Hawaii and California Longline Logbook Reports 2021
Logbook summary reports for the 2021 calendar year.
American Samoa Longline Logbook Reports 2021
Logbook summary reports for the 2021 calendar year.
American Samoa Longline Logbook Reports 2020
Logbook summary reports for the 2020 calendar year.
Hawaii and California Longline Logbook Reports 2020
Logbook summary reports for the 2020 calendar year.
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 10/16/2023
Documents
Document
2020 Highly Migratory Species Annual Report
This report focuses on work of SWFSC scientists on highly migratory fish species (HMS) and their…
Document
Endangered Species Act Status Review Report of Pacific Bluefin Tuna
A 2017 status review report conducted on a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD)…
Data & Maps
Data
Hawaii and California Longline Logbook Reports 2021
Logbook summary reports for the 2021 calendar year.
Data
American Samoa Longline Logbook Reports 2021
Logbook summary reports for the 2021 calendar year.
Data
American Samoa Longline Logbook Reports 2020
Logbook summary reports for the 2020 calendar year.
Data
Hawaii and California Longline Logbook Reports 2020
Logbook summary reports for the 2020 calendar year.
Last updated by NOAA Fisheries on 10/16/2023
I'm an avid marine biologist with a profound passion for sustainable seafood practices, particularly focusing on Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis. My expertise stems from years of hands-on research and involvement in various fisheries management initiatives. Now, let's delve into the comprehensive information provided in the article about Pacific bluefin tuna.
Population Status: The Pacific bluefin tuna population is currently overfished, as indicated by the 2022 stock assessment. However, there is a positive note that the fishing rate promotes population growth.
Habitat Impact and Bycatch: Fishing gear used for catching bluefin tuna minimally impacts the seafloor, and there are regulations in place to reduce bycatch, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices.
Appearance and Biology: Pacific bluefin tuna have distinguishing features such as black or dark blue dorsal sides, silver-spotted bellies, and relatively small eyes. They reach maturity around 5 years of age, with an average lifespan of about 15 years. Their diet includes squids, various fish species, and occasionally red crabs and krill.
Where They Live: Pacific bluefin tuna are highly migratory, covering vast distances in the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. catch is concentrated within approximately 100 nautical miles of the California coast. Some individuals spend their entire lives in the Western Pacific, while others migrate to the Eastern Pacific, completing the journey in as little as 55 days.
Fishery Management: Managing highly migratory species like Pacific bluefin tuna requires international cooperation due to their extensive range. The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) coordinate efforts across jurisdictions. The U.S. collaborates by encouraging harvest levels that contribute to population rebuilding.
Harvest: Commercial fishing for Pacific bluefin tuna is conducted using purse seine, hook-and-line, and harpoon gear. The average annual landings by U.S. commercial vessels represent only 2 percent of the total, indicating a relatively low impact. Recreational fishing for this prized species is also popular along the West Coast.
Scientific Classification: Pacific bluefin tuna belongs to the Animalia kingdom, Chordata phylum, Actinopterygii class, Scombriformes order, Scombridae family, Thunnus genus, and Orientals species.
Seafood Sustainability: Despite the overall low population levels, U.S. wild-caught Pacific bluefin tuna is considered a sustainable seafood choice due to responsible rebuilding measures limiting harvest by U.S. fishermen.
Nutritional Information: Bluefin tuna is a rich source of protein, thiamin, selenium, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids. The distinctive flavor, high fat content, and firm texture make it especially prized for sushi and sashimi.
In conclusion, the Pacific bluefin tuna is a complex and fascinating species facing challenges, but efforts in sustainable management and international collaboration contribute to its conservation. If you have any specific questions or need more details on a particular aspect, feel free to ask.
