Atlantic bluefin tuna return to Yorkshire coast after 60 years

Atlantic bluefin tuna have been caught off the coast of Yorkshire, England, marking a significant return for the species to the North Sea after nearly 60 years. The crew of the cutter ‘Dominator’ landed a 338 kg specimen in the port of Whitby, followed by another catch exceeding 300 kg the next day.

The species largely disappeared from the region in the 1960s following the collapse of herring stocks due to overfishing. While sightings have increased near Devon and Cornwall over the last decade, these recent catches suggest the fish are expanding their range further north.

Researchers, including Lucy Hawkes from the University of Exeter, note that the return of these apex predators is a positive indicator of ecosystem health, as they require stable food chains to thrive. The high-quality tuna is highly valued in the culinary market, with sushi masters reportedly paying up to £100 per kilogram for premium specimens.