# Atlantic bluefin tuna resurgence in the North Sea

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/atlantic-bluefin-tuna-resurgence-in-the-north-sea
> Updated: 2026-08-18T13:01:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Reports indicate a significant presence of Atlantic bluefin tuna in the North Sea, highlighted by the landing of a 746-pound specimen at the fishing port of Whitby in North Yorkshire. Caught by the vessel Dominator, this event is noted as potentially the first time such a catch has been recorded in the North Sea since 1939.

The species had largely disappeared from the region in the 1960s following the overfishing of herring stocks. While the tuna have recently seen a resurgence off the southwest coast of England, this latest catch suggests they are returning to the North Sea in significant numbers. Fishing for the species remains subject to strict regulations and limited quotas managed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Large tuna catches reported in Whitby and Antalya

Large tuna catches have been reported in Whitby, UK, where a 338kg bluefin tuna was caught, and in Antalya, Turkey, where a 118kg tuna was landed in the Mediterranean.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/large-tuna-catches-reported-in-whitby-and-antalya

### 2026-08-18: Bluefin tuna caught in North Sea for first time since 1939

The first bluefin tuna landed in the North Sea since 1939 was caught off Whitby, North Yorkshire, signaling a potential recovery of the marine ecosystem.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bluefin-tuna-caught-in-north-sea-for-first-time-since-1939

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Cite as: Atlantic bluefin tuna resurgence in the North Sea. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/atlantic-bluefin-tuna-resurgence-in-the-north-sea