Marine

Wild Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Welfare and Ranching

Atlantic bluefin tuna are farmed in Mediterranean ranching operations where wild-caught juveniles are fattened in sea cages. Welfare during capture, towing, and slaughter requires significant improvement.

Key Facts

Bluefin tuna are highly active, warm-blooded fish requiring vast home ranges
Mediterranean ranching operations capture wild juvenile tuna and fatten them in cages
Towing of tuna during harvest can take days, causing significant stress and injury
Slaughter methods including carbon dioxide have been criticised as inhumane

Welfare Considerations

Bluefin tuna ranching welfare requires attention to capture stress, towing duration, cage conditions, and slaughter method. Transitioning from wild-caught juveniles to fully captive-bred populations would reduce capture welfare harm and fishing pressure.

What You Can Do

Reduce consumption of bluefin tuna products until welfare standards improve
Support WWF bluefin tuna conservation and welfare campaigns
Ask sushi restaurants about their bluefin tuna sourcing and welfare standards