Atlantic bluefin tuna

SIZE : 

2 m, up to 3.1 m for 725 kg.

LIFE EXPECTANCY : 

From 20 to 50 years.

LIFE CYCLE : 

Spawning takes place in the Gulf of Mexico, between the months of April and June.

Each female lays between 30 and 60 million small, transparent eggs directly into the water column, close to the surface. These planktonic eggs hatch in 2 or 3 days.

In the water column, usually between the surface and a depth of 100 m, but can reach depths of over 1,000 m.

The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a highly migratory species, which travels no less than 10,000 km per year. It can tolerate wide temperature variations, from 3 ° C to 30 ° C.

During the summer, it feeds in Canadian waters, including the Gulf of St. Lawrence; it spends the winter in the Gulf of Mexico. It regularly travels in shoals.

PREY :

Herring
Mackerel
Capelin
Calmars

MACHINES :

Line fishing, electric harpoon.

REGULATIONS :

• Quotas
• Specified fishing season
• Logbook to be updated for each fishing trip
• Maximum number of 4 lines on the boat
• Maximum number of 53 boats for the Quebec fleet and regulations on their size

Although the Atlantic bluefin tuna has been declared endangered due to over-fishing from the 1970s to the 1990s, its entry on the list of species protected by the Species at Risk Act has been rejected. This is due to the fact that its stock has shown a slight increase since the 2010s, even though its level remains very low compared to its historical levels.

BENEFITS : 

Atlantic bluefin tuna is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and B12.

LET’S COOK : 

Firm texture. Red flesh. Rich, flavorful taste.

It is not uncommon to speak of tuna “steak”, a reference to its meat-like texture and color.

OUR CULINARY ADVICE :

• When buying tuna, it is important to check its Latin name. Given its endangered status, we do not recommend eating it if it is Thunnus thynnus, which comes from the West Atlantic. It is best to consume East Atlantic tuna, be it in great moderation.