Return of the Tuna

Chris_and_Ralph/Pixabay

I had no idea until I read the news from the Sea Trust that tuna can grow up to four metres in length. I have never eaten the fishy beasties but I have fed the cats tuna and I assumed they were tiddly things stuffed in those cans.

Nor did I know that the Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) has been largely absent from UK waters for more than 50 years.The Sea Trust has been observing them in small numbers over the past few years, but this year sightings have increased dramatically.

The Trust says there used to be lots of bluefin in years gone by but overfishing  greatly diminished the population. It says that less fishing pressure and possibly the impacts of climate change are bringing about changes.

(Editor’s note: Nigel Summerley says: “I’ve swum with dolphins and with tuna in the sea off South Australia. While dolphins appear to be curious and playful, tuna tend to come at you like an out-of-control motorbike: if you’re in their way, look out – and be prepared for a bruising.”)

Go to the Sea Trust website or visit it in Goodwick to find out more about its work.