Biology
Which of the following is a characteristic of bluefin tuna?
A. They are freshwater fish
B. They are among the fastest fish in the ocean
C. They only live in cold waters
D. They do not migrate
✅ Correct Answer: B
What is the primary threat to bluefin tuna populations?
Overfishing, especially for sushi markets, is the main threat.
What is one way to reduce overfishing of bluefin tuna?
Enforce strict fishing quotas.
What is the typical size range of a bluefin tuna at maturity, and how does this vary between the different species?
Atlantic bluefin can reach up to 10 feet and 1,500 pounds. Pacific bluefin grow to 9 feet and 1,000 pounds. Southern bluefin reach 8 feet and 600 pounds.
How does bycatch affect bluefin tuna?
Bluefin tuna are often caught unintentionally, leading to population declines.
How can bycatch be minimized?
Use more selective fishing gear.
How do bluefin tuna regulate their body temperature, and why is this important?
Bluefin tuna are warm-blooded and use countercurrent heat exchangers to retain body heat, allowing them to thrive in colder waters and maintain high metabolic rates.
What role does habitat degradation play in threatening bluefin tuna?
Pollution and climate change damage their spawning and feeding habitats.
What helps protect tuna habitats?
Create and enforce marine protected areas.
What are the primary dietary preferences of bluefin tuna, and how do they impact the marine food web?
Bluefin tuna eat smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans, acting as apex predators to regulate prey populations and maintain balance in marine ecosystems.
How does illegal fishing contribute to the decline of bluefin tuna?
Illegal fishing bypasses regulations, leading to unsustainable harvests.
How can illegal fishing be controlled?
Improve monitoring and surveillance at sea.
Describe the migratory patterns of bluefin tuna and how they are influenced by environmental factors.
Bluefin tuna migrate between feeding and spawning grounds, influenced by water temperature and prey availability.
Why are bluefin tuna particularly vulnerable to overfishing?
They have slow reproductive rates and take longer to reach maturity.
What supports long-term tuna population recovery?
Promote sustainable fishing and allow time for breeding.