Atlantic bluefin tuna farming boom threatens species survival

A new report by Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) warns that the rapid expansion of Atlantic bluefin tuna farming threatens the species and marine biodiversity. Since 2006, the number of authorized farms has grown from 13 to 123, with the annual number of farmed fish increasing from approximately 55,000 to as many as one million.

The industry relies on capturing wild tuna alive during their reproductive cycles to transfer them into marine cages for fattening. This practice places unprecedented pressure on wild populations that had only recently begun to recover after being classified as endangered by the IUCN in 2011.

Beyond ecological concerns, the report highlights animal welfare issues. Because bluefin tuna are migratory species that swim hundreds of kilometers daily, being confined to small cages causes significant distress. Observations from Mediterranean farms show fish swimming in circles and suffering from skin erosion, fin injuries, and loss of eyes.