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Monsters of the Deep: Tuna Return to Devon Coast
3 Oct
Summary
- Atlantic bluefin tuna, growing to 3 metres, have returned to British waters.
- Overfishing had nearly caused their extinction in the UK by the 1950s.
- Effective management and global warming aid their comeback.
- Tuna were reclassified from 'critically endangered' to 'least concern'.
Astonishingly, Atlantic bluefin tuna have made a significant return to British waters. These powerful predators, known to grow up to 3 meters and reach speeds exceeding 40mph, were a common sight off England's south coast until the 1950s.
Intense overfishing led to their near extinction in the region. However, the implementation of strict regulations in the early 2000s has demonstrated the success of effective marine management, allowing populations to recover.
Coinciding with their recovery is the impact of global warming, which is altering migration patterns. These tuna thrive in warmer waters, making the Devon coast an increasingly suitable habitat following recent heatwaves.
This resurgence is a significant conservation success story. In 2021, the Atlantic bluefin tuna was reclassified on the IUCN red list from 'critically endangered' to 'least concern', marking a substantial recovery for the species.
