The Bluefin Tuna Populations

One of the distinct features of any common resource is that it is a “non-excludable good1”, meaning no one can be prevented from using what is available. As discussed, the consequence of this scenario is that it will produce a socially inefficient outcome. There are differing theories on how to achieve an economically feasible marginal cost and marginal social benefit equilibrium. The difficulty, of course, is to determine what the socially optimal supply level for Bluefin Tuna should be in relation to fish stock restoration and future sustainability as well as empowering the global community to act in unison. The discussion here

The allusive bluefin tuna is one of the largest, fastest and highly sought after fish in the wild sea. The Bluefin tuna can weigh over half a ton, grow to over four metres in length, and dive to depths of 1,000 metres. They can reach speeds of 70 miles an hour and even raise their body temperature far above that of the surrounding water in order to traverse arctic waters. They are among the most ambitiously migratory of all fish, with some tagged bluefin being tracked swimming from North American to European waters several times a year. The bluefin tuna is unique, a perfectly adapted products of evolution. They are also dangerously close to becoming extinct (Brown). Today, the bluefin tuna has been fished out by 97 percent from pre-fishing

As one can see, overfishing is a serious issue with serious consequences. Froese (2004) suggests three ways to deal with overfishing: ‘Let them spawn!’, Let them grow!’, and ‘Let the mega-spawners live!’. The first idea suggests that the fish be allowed to spawn at least once before they are caught. This will allow the population to rebuild and remain healthy (Froese, 2004). The second idea suggests that the fish be allowed to grow to ±10% of their optimum

Myers’ and Worm’s article “Rapid Worldwide Depletion of Predatory Fish Communities” (“Rapid Depletion”) focuses on the same pressing matter of overfishing, but their article gravitates more towards statistics and figures. For example, Myers’ article states that a suggested 90% of large predatory fish are no longer present in our oceans. Myers uses blunt facts to reveal the severity of overfishing to readers. Studies have concluded that for a given area of ocean opened up to commercial fishing, an 80% decrease in target species may be found in as little as 15 years. With numbers like this, it is no surprise that our oceans are in such a crippled state. Harmful methods of catching species

The Atlantic cod fishery collapse left terrible ecological consequences. As mentioned above, the fishing technology was a major destruction to the ecological system by using deployment and draggers. The huge nets that were dropped and dragged along the bottom of the ocean destroyed the underlying eco-system in the process. The effect of selective fishing on spawning grounds – that is, selectively over-exploiting one species in an ecosystem – had disastrous effect on the feeding relationships in that ecosystem. This contributes to the overall reduction of spawning stock biomass of the targeted species, but also an increase in the number of invertebrate and vertebrate predators such as crustacean and fish which will prey on cod eggs, larvae, and younger fish. It is a little wonder that a species like cod, would eventually run into difficulties struggling to survive when its habitat is being continuously destroyed and the balance of their food chain had been wiped out.

This essay will focus on the bluefin tuna industry in Japan, a country which consumes the majority of the global catch. The industry is one driven by the sudden increase in demand for sushi, a Japanese haute food which is now consumed globally. It will also illustrate the uniqueness and important role which the bluefin tuna plays in aquatic ecosystems throughout the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Lastly, the issues of globalization and lack of market regulation will be examined as a cause for the collapse in Atlantic bluefin fisheries. The tuna industry in Japan is having negative environmental impacts on the oceanic ecosystem.

One of the largest factors that is threatening both marine and freshwater fish populations across the globe is the issue of overfishing, which is made necessary in part by the overly voracious desires of the consumer economy. In addition, the unbalanced fish consumption that is encouraged causes only a select few species such as

People often take the ocean for granted due to its vastness since it makes up over seventy percent of the Earth, however the integrity of the ocean is deteriorating. One of the major, worldwide threats to the wellbeing of the ocean and its inhabitants is overfishing. Overfishing affects not only the ocean, but also the land dwellers. Many countries around the world depend on fish as their main source of food. Tons of fish are caught out of the sea daily, however, the rate that fish are being hauled is far too high where fish stocks are incapable of naturally recovering. There is a decline in population size of affected fish and some species have even faced extinction. Overfishing is the leading cause of ecological extinction, foregoing any other human disruptions to marine ecosystems, such as pollution, water degradation, and climate change (Jackson, et al). Overfishing causes an overwhelming devastation upon the oceans because it depletes food resources, disrupts the food web, and destroys habitats of aquatic organisms, due to this, overfishing causes an oceanic ecological collapse worldwide.

Back in the 1950s fisherman had caught about 15 million tons of fish a year by applying military technology to industrial fishing. Which turned out to be a really bad idea because it ended up destroying the ocean. In recent years humans have harvested around 90 million tons of fish a year, which apparently is the human weight of China. If our current methods of fishing keep moving in the direction they are heading. We will deplete nearly 90% of the world's commercial fish by the year 2050.

Hatcheries seem like a plausible alternative because, instead of going out and fishing up all the tuna in the ocean, you're just gathering up a bunch of tuna that were in a very controlled enviornment, thus leaving the wild tuna to swim free and multiply while we continue to enjoy the wonderful taste of Bluefin. It also seems quite easy because all they would need to to is mate two fish together to get started.

In the image, the tone and connotation behind the text emphasizes societies preferred interest of more well-known and familiar endangered animals and their conservation as opposed to the Bluefin tuna and overfishing. The question’s sarcastic and harsh tone is strategically used to appeal to the viewer’s feeling of guilt to help raise awareness for the issue. The advertisement leaves the viewers feeling guilty about the fact that they have not paid attention to the problem of tuna fish going extinct. By invoking feelings of remorse and leaving viewers with the negative notion behind the text, it motivates the viewer to do something that will help end overfishing, like providing donations or support, to reduce their feelings of shame.

The Bluefin Tuna possesses an elongated streamlined body which contains small to moderate sized scales throughout. The upper exterior is metallic blue and the lower exterior is silver in colour, with gold coruscation distributed sparingly around the body. In humans, their bodies are covered in skin which is the largest organ within the human body (Ebling and Montagna, 2017). The skeleton of the Bluefin tuna comprises of the vertebral column, jaw, ribs, cranium and intramuscular bones. ("Skeletal System Of Fish | Meaning Of Fish Skeleton Necklace", 2017). The skeletal system of the Bluefin tuna provides structure, provides protection, assists in leverage and assists in the production of red blood cells, in conjunction with the kidneys and spleen

The core to this universe is the ability of its inhabitants to coexist. However, what happens when a species becomes rogue? What happens when this species is not only superior, but then harnesses its power to alter the world to only its benefit? Humans are doing just this. From the beginning of time, mankind has utilized the oceans’ water, residence and material components without stern regulation. Two victims that have been caught up in this bloody overrule are the Bluefin tuna and Sharks.

The Thunnus thynnus, or more commonly known as the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, is a fish that can grow up to over 1,000 lbs., swim up to speeds of about 50 mph, and reach lengths of 6.5 feet or more. An Atlantic Bluefin Tuna can live up to 40 years old and produce 30 million eggs (Guilford, 2014). But nowadays, the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is being overhunted and their populations are at an all-time low. They are at 4% of their original population compared back in the 1970’s (McCurry, 2016). The main reason for the Bluefin Tuna being overhunted is because of their tasty meat. Japan is paying top prices to

Bluefin are the largest species of tuna and can live up to 40 years. They migrate across oceans and can dive more than 4,000 feet. As an Apex predator Bluefin tuna are made for speed: built like torpedoes, they have retractable fins and their eyes are set flush to their body. They are tremendous predators from the moment they hatch, seeking out schools of fish like herring, mackerel and even eels. They hunt by sight and have the sharpest vision of any bony fish. There are three species of Bluefin. The Atlantic Bluefin is the largest and most endangered of the three.