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Featured Species
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Thunnus orientalis
Fishing Status
Reduced to end overfishing.Quick Facts
About the Species
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Status
- According to the 2018 stock assessment, Pacific bluefin tuna are overfished and subject to overfishing.
- NOAA Fisheries first determined the Pacific bluefin tuna stock to be overfished in 2013. The 2018 assessment completed by the International Scientific Committee for Tuna and Tuna-Like Species in the North Pacific Ocean found the stock is still overfished.
- That assessment estimated that in 2016 the spawning stock biomass was at 3.3 percent of the level it would be had the stock never been fished. That’s up from 3 percent in 2014.
Appearance
- Pacific bluefin tuna have black or dark blue dorsal sides, with a grayish-green iridescence.
- Their bellies are dotted with silver or gray spots or bands.
- They have a series of small yellow fins, edged in black, running from the second dorsal fin to the tail.
- A distinguishing characteristic of Pacific bluefin is that the tips of the pectoral fins do not reach the front of the second dorsal fin.
- They have relatively small eyes compared to other species of tuna.
Biology
- Pacific bluefin tunas reach maturity at approximately 5 years of age and can live up to 26 years, although the average lifespan is about 15 years.
- Adults are approximately 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) long and weigh about 60 kilograms (130 pounds).
- The maximum reported length and weight for Pacific bluefin is 3 meters (9.8 feet) in length and 450 kilograms (990 pounds).
- Pacific bluefin tunas are predatory and mainly eat squids and fishes, such as sardines and anchovies, saury, herring, pompanos, mackerel, hake, other tunas, and occasionally red crabs and krill.
Where They Live
- Most of the U.S. catch of Pacific bluefin tuna is within about 100 nautical miles of the California coast.
Scientific Classification
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Management Overview
Highlights
Viewing Marine Mammals
Alaska is among the best destinations worldwide to view marine mammals, including several whale species, sea lions, and seals. These animals need time and space to eat, sleep, socialize, and care for their young. NOAA Fisheries helps ensure marine mammals are not being put at risk by promoting responsible wildlife viewing in Alaska.
Reporting Marine Mammals in Distress
The Marine Mammal Stranding Network is composed of government wildlife and fisheries agencies, veterinary clinics, Alaska Native organizations, and academic institutions who respond to or provide professional advice on handling strandings, and collect and compile data on strandings. If you see injured, entangled or dead whales, seals or sea lions in the water or on the beach, call the statewide 24-hour Stranding Hotline: (877) 925-7773.
Essential Fish Habitat
One of the greatest long-term threats to the viability of commercial and recreational fisheries is the continuing loss of marine, estuarine, and other aquatic habitats. We work to protect and conserve marine habitats that provide food, protection, and safe areas for spawning and rearing marine life. We also identify actions to encourage conservation and enhancement of essential fish habitat.
Learn more about essential fish habitat
Subsistence Halibut Fishing
Science Overview
Highlights
Alaska Research Surveys
Each year we conduct long-term field surveys from land, sea, and air using innovative technologies and methods to monitor the health of fish, shellfish, whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises and other marine life in Alaska. Over time we can detect trends in abundance and population health. We also monitor changes to habitats and the environment that can affect marine species.
Alaska Stock Assessments
A variety of data are input into computer models to estimate population size and trends for fish, crabs and marine mammals generating a stock assessment report. Research surveys provide biological, ecological and environmental data. Independent fishery observers collect information on commercial fisheries catches. We also compile socio-economic data on fishing communities.
Alaska Marine Mammal Research
Together with research partners we collect data from land, sea and air to learn more about whales, seals, and other marine mammals. We study the abundance and trends of these animals, along with their ecology and behavior. Our research results are used by resource managers and federal and tribal government partners to comply with U.S. laws to protect these species.
Ecosystem and Socio-Economic Research
Understanding the health and productivity of marine ecosystems is key to sustainable management. In the laboratory and in the field, our scientists monitor Alaska ecosystems to see how changes in the marine environment affect marine species.
Alaska Fisheries Observers
Trained observers collect information on fisheries catch, including species caught inadvertently (also known as bycatch). They also collect important biological data on fish and threatened and endangered species including Steller sea lions, killer whales, harbor porpoises, and seabirds such as the endangered short-tailed albatross. Scientists use observer-collected data for stock assessments and marine ecosystem research.
Alaska Habitat Research
The frigid waters of Alaska contain a remarkable number of diverse ocean habitats. Our research explores kelp forests, eelgrass meadows, deep-sea coral gardens, valleys and seamounts, the summits of the ocean. We study the places where Alaska marine species live.
Learn more about our exploration of Alaska's rich underwater habitat