UK: Warming Mediterranean makes it harder for bluefin tuna to recover

Published Nov 30, 2023

Tridge summary

A study has found that bluefin tuna will need to adapt their reproduction strategy in the Mediterranean Sea due to expected increase in temperatures in the next 50 years. It is likely that the current breeding population in the Mediterranean Sea will be forced to move to other regions with more temperate climates. This suggests the need for adaptation of fisheries management to accommodate the future distribution of bluefin tuna and the creation of new breeding areas.

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Original content

The study shows that due to expected increases in temperatures in the Mediterranean Sea (their main breeding area) over the next 50 years, bluefin tuna will have to adapt their reproductive strategy if they are to continue to survive in this new scenario. It is possible that in the future the population that is currently breeding in the Mediterranean Sea will be forced to move to other, more temperate regions. This calls for adaptation of fisheries management for this species to suit its future distribution and the creation of new breeding and productivity areas. Clive Trueman, Professor of Geochemical Ecology at the University of Southampton and lead author of the study, explains the results: “We found that temperatures above 28°C have a negative effect on the growth of bluefin tuna. Based on global climate model projections, we expect much of the Mediterranean Sea to exceed this threshold in the next 50 years, making it too warm for juvenile bluefin tuna. This could lead to the ...

Source: Fishretail