Bluefin tuna are a highly sought after delicacy, especially in Asian markets. At the first auction of the year in Tokyo's new fish market, a Bluefin Tuna broke records, selling for ¥333.6 million ($3.1 million). According to the New York Times, the fish was purchased by Japan's "King of Tuna" Kiyoshi Kimura for his sushi restaurant chain-- Sushi Zanmai.
Bluefins are considered a vulnerable species, especially the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, which are endangered. The populations have shrunk to less than 3.5% of their historic size and continue to fall due to the pressures of overfishing. Not surprisingly demand continues to increase. Just take a look at the size of and prices paid for Bluefin Tuna between this year and last.
2018- A 892lb Bluefin sold for $323,000
2019- A 612lb Bluefin sold for $3.1 million
Despite this years record tuna weighing 278lb less than last years fish, it sold for nearly $2.8 million less.
What can you do to make a difference? I highly encourage you to make smart choices when ordering and purchasing seafood. For more information about it, be sure to check out: www.seafoodwatch.org .
Want to learn more about world tuna populations? Check out these websites:
World Wildlife Fund: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/bluefin-tuna
Pew Charitable Trust: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/global-tuna-conservation