Protecting Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Dec. 2, 2014, marked a historic milestone for management of bluefin tuna. NOAA Fisheries issued a strong and balanced final rule for protecting these giants of the ocean while keeping fishermen on the water. Beginning in January 2015, the new rule will help stop western Atlantic bluefin from unnecessarily dying on surface longlines, fishing gear that is intended primarily for yellowfin tuna and swordfish, but indiscriminately kills bluefin and other species.

Bluefin tuna command respect. They’re as fast as racehorses, bring fishermen to their knees, and grow to the size of a small car. These "superfish" make transoceanic migrations, can dive deeper than 4,000 feet, and live up to 40 years. But bluefin are no match for wasteful fishing methods.