Aquatic Animals

Tuna Farming and Welfare Challenges

Atlantic bluefin tuna is one of the most challenging fish species to farm due to their complex behavioural needs.

Key Facts

Atlantic bluefin tuna can grow to 3m and weigh over 700kg
Tuna are highly active, fast-swimming fish that cover hundreds of kilometres daily in the wild
Current farming of bluefin tuna relies on capturing wild juveniles for fattening in net pens
Full-cycle aquaculture of bluefin tuna has only been achieved in Japan and a few research facilities
High stocking densities in net pens cause chronic stress, injury from collisions, and disease

Welfare Considerations

Bluefin tuna farming presents profound welfare challenges. These animals are adapted for continuous high-speed swimming across open ocean and cannot be adequately accommodated in any current farming system. Net pen farming causes chronic stress from space restriction, competition, and confinement. Until full-cycle farming with genuinely adequate welfare can be demonstrated, the welfare costs of tuna farming are extremely high relative to any benefits.

What You Can Do

Avoid bluefin tuna products due to both welfare and conservation concerns
Choose sustainably certified fish from species with better welfare in aquaculture
Learn about the conservation status of bluefin tuna populations
Support research into truly welfare-compatible aquaculture species
Advocate for welfare assessments as a prerequisite for aquaculture licensing