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Bluefin Tna Research Paper

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The Bluefin tuna is the largest tuna that exists in the world, with adults growing 4 metres in length and weighing an average of 130-680 kilograms. They have a life span of up to 40 years. The Bluefin tuna have versatile bodies which are crafted for their velocity. The have torpedo shaped bodies which entail retractable pectoral fins, and eyes which are set flush to their bodies. Their unique body structure results in less drag as they swim and migrate across oceans. Bluefin tunas at the top of the food chain and are labelled predators from the moment they hatch, as they seek out schools of fish such as: Herring, Mackerel and Eels. Their sharp vision allows them to hunt by sight and grants them with the sharpest vision of any bony fish. …show more content…

The smaller population spawns in the Gulf of Mexico and is situated in the western part of the Atlantic. The larger population is distributed in the eastern part of the Atlantic, spawning in the Mediterranean. In the past however, they were distributed in the Black Sea with the Mediterranean as its spawning area. Though there are two populations they are not different. The bluefin tuna has manifest a behavioural pattern which shows that they return to their birth places and loyalty to the breeding grounds both in the Mediterranean and in the Gulf of Mexico. Resulting in the implication that adults and juveniles from both populations feed together, particularly off the east coast of North America and in the central Atlantic.

Reasons why the Bluefin Tuna is endangered?
At the moment, the number of Bluefin Tunas is of concern as it is below 15% of what it was before the exploitation. There are three main reason as to why the Bluefin Tuna has become endangered. These include: The Lack of Marine services, Over fishing, Illegal private fishing and their Predatory Status.

PREDATOR …show more content…

The illegal fishing is a major issue as the fisheries have been plagued by lack of enforcement and control. The illegal fishing and overfishing links to another reason for endangerment, which is high demand for consumers in high end sushi markets. With the Blue fin Tuna being a highly sought after fish in Asia and a single Bluefin Tuna selling for over $1.75 million, the money drives the fisherman or illegal fisherman to continue to make catches with more refined techniques and as a result the number of Bluefin Tuna’s are decreasing

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