Bigeye Tuna

Bigeye tuna is highly valued for its rich, flavorful flesh, which is often served as sushi or sashimi. It can also be grilled, baked, or broiled.

Bigeye Tuna, also known as Thunnus obesus, is a species of tuna found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. It is one of the largest tuna species, reaching lengths of up to 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) and weights of up to 600 pounds (270 kilograms). Bigeye tuna is highly valued for its rich, flavorful flesh, and is a popular target for commercial and recreational fishermen.

Appearance

Bigeye tuna has a streamlined body shape and dark blue to black coloring on its back with silvery white on its sides and belly. It has large, elliptical-shaped eyes that are set high on its head and a yellow-colored finlet on its dorsal fin.

Habitat

Bigeye tuna is found in deep offshore waters, typically at depths between 165 and 985 feet (50 to 300 meters). It is commonly found in warm waters with temperatures between 64 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 27 degrees Celsius), but can also be found in cooler waters.

Fishing and Seasonality 

Bigeye tuna is primarily caught using longline gear, which consists of a long line with baited hooks. It is also caught using purse seines, which encircle schools of fish with a large net. Bigeye tuna is typically caught year-round, with peak seasons varying by region. In the Atlantic Ocean, peak fishing seasons for bigeye tuna occur from May to June and from September to November. In the Pacific Ocean, peak seasons occur from January to April and from August to October.

Culinary

Bigeye tuna is highly valued for its rich, flavorful flesh, which is often served as sushi or sashimi. It can also be grilled, baked, or broiled. Its high oil content makes it ideal for canning, and it is a popular ingredient in canned tuna.

Conservation

Bigeye tuna is considered a vulnerable species due to overfishing, and its population is currently declining. It is subject to catch limits and fishing quotas in many regions, and there are efforts underway to improve management of the species and reduce bycatch of non-target species.

In the United States, bigeye tuna is managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission also have measures in place to manage bigeye tuna populations in the Pacific Ocean. The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation considers bigeye tuna to be a species of concern, and encourages improved management to ensure the long-term sustainability of the species.