A complete success! The data from these tagged bluefin tunas will help to improve the management and thereby contribute to the return of strong tuna stocks in our northern waters, says Markus Lundgren, conservation manager at the Swedish Anglers Association.
Saturday became historic for Swedish anglers, when the first bluefin tuna ever was tagged in Swedish waters. This was also the first tuna caught on rod since 1964. In total, three bluefin tunas (185-227 cm) were tagged and released in Swedish waters, and two (247 cm and 251 cm) in Danish waters on the same day. This tagging project is financed by ICCAT. The fishing fleet in Sweden is coordinated by the EAA member 'the Swedish Anglers Association' ['Sportfiskarna']. The Swedish part of the project is a cooperation with WWF and SLU Aqua together with Basque tagging expert Iñigo Onandia from Azti-Tecnalia.
The data from the tagged giants will provide unique information on the migration patterns of these northern bluefin tunas. A genetic sample is also collected from each fish. The project continues for another few weeks.
"A complete success! The data from these tagged bluefin tunas will help to improve the management and thereby contribute to the return of strong tuna stocks in our northern waters," said Markus Lundgren, conservation manager at the Swedish Anglers Association.
Photos @Markus Lundgren