Bluefin tuna
Common Name: Bluefin tuna
Scientific Name: *Thunnus thynnus
Description: The Atlantic Bluefin tuna is found in the entire extent of the North Atlantic Ocean (covering the five OSPAR regions) and its adjacent seas, particularly the Mediterranean Sea, ranging from the southern boundary of the equator to the northern boundary of the north of Norway, and from the western boundary of the Gulf of Mexico to the eastern boundary of the Black Sea.
(Fromentin, 2008). It is a highly migratory species that has two separate spawning grounds on either side of the Atlantic Ocean, in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea.
Atlantic Bluefin tuna mostly occupy the surface and sub‐surface waters of the coastal and open‐sea areas, between 0m and 200m depths. However, both juvenile and adult Atlantic Bluefin tuna can dive to depths of 500m to 1000m. Juvenile and adult Atlantic Bluefin tuna also tend to aggregate along ocean fronts, such as upwelling areas and meso‐scale oceanographic structures
associated with the general circulation of the North Atlantic and adjacent seas.
OSPAR Regions where it occurs: V
OSPAR Regions where under threat and/or in decline: V7
What is the latest status of the feature?
The status assessment describes the latest changes in distribution, abundance and range of the feature, as well as any changes in the threats and pressures impacting the feature. The status assessments are updated regularly and inform OSPAR’s consideration of the effectiveness of the measures and actions that have been adopted and implemented by Contracting Parties.
Why is this feature included on the OSPAR List? |  |
What protective measures and actions has OSPAR committed to taking? |  |
What actions have been implemented by OSPAR? |
