Chapter 13, Problem 1QR

To determine

The value of bluefin tuna meat a century ago as well as presently and also the change that affected their harvest.

Answer to Problem 1QR

Bluefin tuna was considered unfit for human consumption in last century; however, its demand increased faster than it can be caught in the current century. Overfishing of Bluefin tuna has affected the age structure of populations.

Explanation of Solution

Tuna is an informal name given to a group of similar fish species. They all belong to Family scombridae. They share an identical morphology. Bluefin tuna has the largest size and they are often called “giant bluefin”.

Bluefin was commonly known in North America as ‘horse mackerel’ in the twentieth century. It was considered as an unfit consumption for humans and sold as an ingredient in pet food. Currently, the demand has increased faster than the fish could be caught. Bluefin ranching affects the age structure of populations. Bluefin tuna’s are overfished, that means more fishes are being caught than are being regenerated.