Bluefin Tuna

Photo Courtesy: Seafood Nutrition Partnership

Wild-caught Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is considered a smart seafood choice when harvested from American waters. Fisheries follow a sustainable conservation and management plan that limits harvest.

Bluefin are found throughout the waters of the Atlantic, from New England south to the Mid-Atlantic and into Gulf waters. They tend to live near the surface but frequently dive to depths of 500 to 1,000 meters. They are highly migratory and is is not uncommon for them to swim thousands of miles across open water.

Bluefins are the largest of the tuna species and can reach up to 13’ and 2,000 lbs.. They have a dark blue to black coloration along the back and white on the lower sides and belly.

Bluefin grow more slowly than other tuna species and reach spawning age around 8 years old. They generally spawn from mid-April to June in the Gulf and, as a result, targeting Bluefin in Gulf waters is prohibited.

Bluefin are considered top predators and generally feed on baitfish such as herring, bluefish and mackerel. Juvenile Bluefin will eat smaller fish, squid and crustaceans. This species of tuna are hunted by sharks, whales, other marine mammals and large fish.

From a culinary perspective, Bluefin delivers firm, dark red steaks with a the highest fat content of any tuna species. As such, Bluefin is highly sought after and considered the highest quality tuna steak available. It is prized as sushi, sashimi or seared.

Bluefin tuna is an excellent source of protein and considered a top choice for omega-3 fatty acid content.

Source Material: NOAA Fisheries, Seafood Nutrition Partnership