Atlantic Bluefin tuna

Bluefin Physical characteristics

100

Bluefin tuna are known for ________ like bodies for speed and maneuverability. 

Torpedo like

(NOAA Fisheries 2020) 

200

Bluefin tuna’s second one is reddish or brown in colour.

Dorsal fin 

(NOAA Fisheries 2020)

Image (Estruch et al. 2010)

300

Belongs to the _________ family, long fusiform body shape. 

Scombridae 

(Estruch et al. 2010)

400

Central to caudal peduncle and yellow in colour. (Think surface area to volume ratio)

Finlets 

(Estruch et al. 2010)

Image (Estruch et al. 2010)

500

Atlantic Bluefin tunas ability to retain heat through blood vessels known as ________, responsible for transfer of heat from blood.

Retes 

(Knight 2009)

Bluefin Distribution

100

Atlantic Bluefin tuna has a vast distribution from eastern Canada to Brazil including the Gulf of _______

Image (Estruch et al. 2010)

Mexico

Accounting for the Western populations of Bluefin

(Estruch et al. 2010)

200

Eastern distributions includes Norway to Senegal including the Black and Mediterranean Seas. 

Divided Western and Eastern stocks respectively for Atlantic Bluefin tuna  ____________ implications.  

(Estruch et al. 2010)

Management implications 

(Estruch et al. 2010)

300

Both the Gulf of Mexico and Mediterranean seas are known _________ grounds for Atlantic Bluefin tuna. 

Spawning 

(Estruch et al. 2010)

400

Atlantic bluefin tuna migrations motivated by reproduction and ____ resources. 

Food 

(Estruch et al. 2010)

500

Distributions of Atlantic Bluefin tuna is able to be recorded and monitored through the The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) __________ program. 

Tagging program

(Estruch et al. 2010)

Bluefin Ecology

100

Compared to other species of tuna growth rates Bluefin is _______ than others. 

Slower

(NOAA Fisheries 2020)

200

Atlantic Bluefin tuna generally do not spawn until the age of __ 

(Lifespans up to 20 years)

8 years old 

(NOAA Fisheries 2020)

300

Spawning in the Gulf of Mexico takes place in the spring mid April until _____

June

(NOAA Fisheries 2020)

400

Adult bluefin main predator includes marine mammals (whales) and ________

Sharks 

(NOAA Fisheries 2020)

500

Juvenile Bluefin main predators include Bluefish and _______ (Think from above)

Image (NOAA Fisheries 2020)

Sea birds 

(NOAA Fisheries 2020)

Bluefin Cultural and Economic importance

100

Commercial landings of Bluefin within NOAA fisheries in 2019 grossed ___ million dollars. 

9.6 million dollars from 2.4 million pounds of tuna. 

Be aware of different agency reporting 

(NOAA Fisheries 2020) 

200

Atlantic Bluefin value is highly dependent on the _____ of the fish/meat. 

Quality

Freshness, method of storage, fat content as well as supply and demand

(NOAA Fisheries 2020)

300

Largest importer of Atlantic Bluefin from the US. Highly valued in Sushi production. 

Japan 

(NOAA Fisheries 2020) 

400

Records show Atlantic Bluefin tuna playing a major role in diet of the people in the ___________ from 9000 BC.  

Mediterranean

With exception to the last 30 years stocks of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna have shown decline in the Mediterranean 

(Addis et al. 2009)

500

Historical evidence shows between 800-1200 AD in Sicily the tuna fishery was dictated by royals. This trapping system was used and originated from a nearby Meditterean country (Hint: Also home of NRSC  program advisor "it depends")

Image (Addis et al. 2009)

Greece 

Traps were traditionally located near salt or olive oil resources for the use of meat preservation. 

Transported in Amphorae 

(Addis et al. 2009)

Bluefin Conservation status

100

What does ICCAT stand for?

International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna

(Sissenwine et al. 1998)

200

What does the ICCAT do?

 ICCAT is an organization responsible for conservation of tunas and tuna like species.  

(ICCAT 2022)

300

In what years did Atlantic Bluefin Tuna populations see a rapid decline due to over fishing?

    A: Early 1900’s

    B: 1930 - 1940

    C: 1960 - 1970

    D: 1980 - 1990

C: 1960 - 1970 

TAC or total allowable catch  peaked at 20,000 metric tons in 1960. TAC in 1970 was only 5,000 metric tons

 This forced ICCAT to implement and annual TAC of 1,160 metric tons

(Sissenwine et al. 1998)

400

True or False; the Atlantic bluefin tuna is listed as protected under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

False

Nominated for protection under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) , this nomination failed

(Webster 2011)

500

What is the Individual allowable catch limit of Atlantic bluefin tuna for fisheries vessels in eastern Canada?

1 tuna a year.

(Webster 2011)

Bluefin Fun facts

100

What is the largest Atlantic bluefin tuna ever caught (lbs)?

1496 pounds, caught in 1979 off the coast of Nova Scotia.

(Heise notes 2022)

200

What are the Atlantic bluefin tuna predators?

Toothed whales and some open-ocean shark species.

(Heise notes 2022)

300

Where will you find Atlantic bluefin tuna during summer months?

Atlantic Canadian waters.

They are found in this area in summer months because it is known as their feeding ground, they migrate back down south to their spawning ground in the gulf of Mexico.

(Heise notes 2022)

400

What percent of red muscle do bluefin tuna contain?

40%

This along with body shape, fin placement and swimming form allow for the tuna to be highly maneuverable, however this high abundance of red muscle makes it more difficult to regulate body temperature so they must take breaks and rest in deep waters to help regulate body temperature.

(Heise notes 2022)

500

 What is the top speed that an Atlantic bluefin tuna can reach (Km/h)

65 Km/h 

(Heise notes 2022)