Bluefin Tuna, Northern Bluefin Tuna
One of the largest and most powerful fish in the ocean, the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, has a torpedo-shaped body built for speed. It has a metallic blue-black upper body, silver sides, and a pale belly with small finlets along its back and underside.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna migrate over vast distances in the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Around the UK, they are increasingly sighted in the waters off Cornwall, the south coast of England, and western Scotland, particularly during the summer months when they follow warm-water currents and food sources.
Sustainability Rating
Status: Classified as Near Threatened due to historical overfishing.
Best Choice: Bluefin Tuna should only be consumed when sourced from sustainable fisheries with strict quotas (such as rod-and-line caught under the UK’s Bluefin Tuna licensing scheme).
Avoid: Bluefin Tuna caught using unsustainable methods like industrial longlining or purse seining, which contribute to bycatch and stock depletion.
Culinary Uses
Bluefin Tuna is prized for its rich, fatty flesh, making it highly sought after in sushi and sashimi.
Often served as a seared steak, grilled, or slow cooked in Mediterranean dishes.
The deep red flesh has a bold, meaty flavour that pairs well with citrus, soy, and umami-rich marinades.
Best Fishing Practices
Rod-and-line fishing is the most sustainable method, reducing bycatch and ensuring controlled harvesting.
UK fisheries are strictly managed, with licensed fishers only allowed to catch and release Bluefin Tuna unless part of a regulated catch quota.
Avoiding tuna caught with industrial longlines or purse seines helps protect juvenile fish and prevent overfishing.
Seasonality
Best sighted in UK waters from July to October, when they migrate north in search of food.
Availability on menus is highly limited due to conservation efforts and strict quotas.
The Future of Bluefin Tuna in UK Waters
Once heavily overfished, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna stocks are showing signs of recovery, thanks to conservation measures and improved fisheries management. UK waters have seen an increase in sightings, leading to research into a sustainable, regulated fishery that balances economic benefits with environmental responsibility.
To ensure the future of Bluefin Tuna, always choose sustainably sourced tuna or explore alternative species like Yellowfin Tuna or responsibly farmed Albacore Tuna, which have a lower environmental impact.
On our menu: No
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