Tagged by scientists, bluefin tuna passing submerged listening lines help reveal species' survival

Tagged by scientists, bluefin tuna passing submerged listening lines help reveal species' survival

An array of underwater listening lines that detect passing giant Atlantic bluefin tuna previously caught and tagged by scientists has created a new system to monitor these enormous, fast, powerful and lucrative fish in the open ocean.

A 10-year research project using the technology sheds light on the species' natural mortality as well as migration, important information for sustainable management of their populations.

Results of the study, published today in the journal Scientific Reports demonstrates that giant Atlantic bluefin gather in hot spots for 3 to 4 months a year to feast on their favourite snack foods—herring and mackerel.

read more: PHYS ORG

Original Paper: Barbara A. Block et al. Estimating Natural Mortality of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Using Acoustic Telemetry, Scientific Reports (2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40065-z