A new project aims to research the diet of bluefin tuna, using the data to support the comeback of this iconic animal in UK waters.
Right now, Atlantic bluefin tuna are arriving off the UK coast for their annual summer visit – a spectacular seasonal return that has become one of the country's most remarkable marine wildlife events.
After decades of absence, these powerful predators are once again chasing prey in UK seas, particularly off the South West coast.
The new project - "Bluefin tuna: Feeding the Comeback" - is crowdfunding to uncover what's driving this return and ensure it continues.
"Bluefin tuna come here to feed each year on smaller fish," said Dr Tom Horton, Project Lead from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
"The reality is that, although we have some idea what they may be eating, we don't really know.
"This is important, as if the populations of prey dwindle for one reason or another, the bluefin may well begin to migrate elsewhere."
The project is backed by the Devon Environment Foundation and Cornwall Council, and has broad support across interest groups including environmental NGOs, such as the Devon and Cornwall Wildlife Trusts.
Dan Barrios-O'Neill, Head of Marine Conservation at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: "The return of Bluefin tuna to our seas is a real sign of hope in a rapidly changing world.
"Understanding what these incredible ocean giants are eating is a critical first step towards understanding their role in our marine ecosystems, and what factors may affect their recovery in future.
"Cornwall Wildlife Trust fully supports this much-needed research, which will underpin our future management and conservation work for this species."
Matt Slater, Cornwall Good Seafood Guide, said: "Our oceans are changing at a rapid pace and Cornwall Good Seafood Guide welcomes and supports this much-needed research which will shed light on what attracts tuna to our waters and what role they are playing in local marine ecology."
The team will work closely with the Marine Management Organisation and bluefin tuna fishermen to unravel the mysteries stored in the stomachs of bluefin tuna caught in the commercial fishery off Devon and Cornwall.
Emily Theobald is the Principal Marine Officer (PMO) for the South West at the Marine Management Organisation. Her team manages the day-to-day operations of the bluefin tuna commercial fishery and will be responsible for fisher liaison and access to samples in the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery.
"This is an exciting opportunity to understand these incredible animals further," she said.
"More science means more understanding, which means a better ability for fisheries managers to manage effectively and sustainably.
"We would be so excited to see this research undertaken and better our understanding of bluefin tuna, which is a unique and incredibly important hand line fishery to the South West.
"This research will provide an exciting opportunity for science and the fishing industry alike."
Chris Gill, one of the commercial bluefin tuna fishermen involved in the project, said: "It's great to be able to work with the team to make the most out of every bluefin tuna we catch.
"We're all invested in the comeback of bluefin tuna and being able to make sure there is enough food that keeps them coming here is clearly a good idea."
Part of the funds raised will help shine a spotlight on the role of bluefin tuna in our seas through striking visual media and outreach. Working with Blue Marine Foundation, researchers will share findings with managers and policymakers to help ensure predator-prey relationships are properly reflected in how we protect and manage our ocean.
"One of the most important elements of our policy work at Blue Marine Foundation is advocating for the inclusion of predator needs into the management of low trophic level or forage fish species, so we are delighted to be a part of this project," said Jonny Hughes, the Senior UK Marine Policy Manager at Blue Marine Foundation.
The project's Crowdfunder is now live and will be crucial to the success of this season's research: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/atlantic-bluefin-tuna-feeding-the-comeback
