A fish of remarkable spectacle, the Atlantic bluefin tuna, has been found on an Anglesey beach, marking its unexpected return to Welsh waters after many years. Known for their massive size, weighing double that of a baby elephant, and unparalleled predatory prowess, this species had vanished from the local marine landscape.
On Thursday, January 2, wildlife enthusiasts stumbled upon a deceased adult tuna on an undisclosed Anglesey shore, the Daily Post reported. The absence of apparent injuries from netting or fishing leaves the cause of its death a mystery. Historically native to British seas, the bluefin tuna saw a rapid population decline driven by a soaring demand for Japanese sashimi in the 1960s, compounded by the depletion of herring and mackerel stocks due to overfishing.
Photo: UGC
The discovery on Anglesey has been logged with the authorities by volunteers from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR). BDMLR’s North Wales rescue coordinator, Gem Simmons, commented: “The deceased bluefin tuna was brought in on the morning tide. It appeared to be a relatively healthy specimen and, hopefully, it’s a sign of a conservation success story. It’s nice to see them returning to the UK after a long absence. For around 60 years we’d not had any sightings but in the past few years, UK numbers have been growing slowly, reflecting improved management. The poleward shift of marine species may be another factor as changing ocean temperatures expand their range further north.”
in 2021, the UK government eased restrictions prohibiting the capture of this protected big game fish by approving a catch-and-release tagging programme. Last year, the Welsh Government issued 15 permits to recreational boats for bluefin tuna catch-and-release in Welsh waters. Defra has permitted a limited catch of bluefin tuna for consumption. Within the UK’s allocated quota, 65 tonnes of bluefin tuna may be caught, with 39 tonnes earmarked for a pilot commercial fishery. Critics argue that the majestic bluefin tuna ought to be valued and conserved not targeted by commercial fisheries to provide luxury fare for upscale eateries.