there’s something about Southern Bluefin Tuna
We all love Southern Bluefin Tuna – it’s why we’re here, right?
But where do they spawn, what’s their migratory path, how long do they live,
how big can they get?
- Discover more about this amazing fish here.
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for our regular Tuna Travel Tales (where did that bluefin go?)
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rec fishing surveys
Recreational catch is determined by surveys used regularly across many recreational fisheries, and designed to provide data for sustainable management.
In May 2020, IMAS completed the first comprehensive assessment of the recreational harvest of Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) in Australia, on behalf of the Australian Government.
The survey was carried out to understand the recreational fishing harvest of SBT, so Australia can meet its obligation to report all sources of SBT mortality to the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT).
Running for 12 months from December 2018, the survey describes the fishing effort, harvest and released catch from South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales. It includes Western Australia’s recent recreational SBT catch estimates from DPIRD boat-based surveys.
The results will inform international SBT reporting, stock assessments and resource sharing arrangement between the recreational and commercial fishing sectors. Get the report snapshot (including state summary cards) or read the full report.
keeping the code
As recreational fishers, we can all be stewards of Southern Bluefin Tuna. It’s as simple as using responsible fishing practices that consider the welfare of individual fish and minimise the impact on the SBT fishing stock.
This code of practice is based on scientific research and developed in consultation with peak recreational fishing groups.
It shows you how to be part of improving the recreational fishing experience for everyone.
- Watch the SBT Code of Practice video from RecFish SA
- Read the SBT Code of Practice