The Mediterranean Sea - Tuna farms, Mediterranean Sea
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The Mediterranean Sea
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Introduction
The sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea are home to over 700 varieties of fish and almost 10 per cent of the world's marine species. Its coastline is one of the most densely populated in the world and the human pressure on this sea is magnified each summer with the influx of holiday makers. Western civilisation developed around these shores but now human activity is having a profound effect on this endangered sea.
Tuna farms, Mediterranean Sea
Overview
The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a fascinating large warm-blooded fish that roams the world's oceans. They are a highly valued prize in the world's fishing industries and the estimated value of the bluefin tuna catch in the Mediterranean is £400 million. The sheer value of this market has given rise to one of the more recent developments in Mediterranean fisheries - the tuna farm. There are now over 40 offshore tuna farms in the Mediterranean Sea.
Each summer 20 to 30,000 tonnes of fish are caught in vast dragnets and towed to these farms. The fish are regularly fed until they reach the target size of around 250kg. They are then taken to the mainland from where they are distributed around the world. Although most tuna farms act within the law, the fish's high value has caused some fisherman to exceed quota limits. Others illegally catch juveniles; which gives the fish no chance of procreation. Some scientists estimate that up to 20,000 tonnes of tuna are illegally caught each year. As a consequence of this, the Mediterranean tuna industry is feared to be on the verge of collapse.
| Importance: | The global demand for Atlantic bluefin tuna has resulted in them becoming an endangered species. |
| Dive category: | Open water dive with restricted access. |
| Access: | Tuna farms are private property, permission must be gained from the fishery. It is unlikely access will be granted to members of the public. |
Interesting for
- Bluefin tuna in crisis
- This article by the World Wildlife Fund reveals the facts about the bluefin tuna, looks at how the crisis has developed and investigates what can be done to help.
- Meet the amazing bluefin tuna
- Mysteries of Mediterranean bluefin tuna come under the microscope
- This article by Fish Farmer looks at what is being done to alleviate the demise of the tuna industry in the Mediterranean.
- Bluefin tuna tagging project
BBC related content
- Oceans presenter biography: Philippe Cousteau
- Oceans presenter biography: Tooni Mahto
- Oceans image gallery: The Mediterranean Sea
- BBC News: Closure call for tuna 'disgrace'
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