What are Southern Bluefin Tuna Eating?
The Tasmanian Government, in partnership with IMAS and TARfish, is running a new citizen science project to better understand the diet of Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) in Tasmanian waters.
Why This Matters
Southern Bluefin Tuna are an important species for recreational fishers and the marine ecosystem. By studying what they eat and how their diet changes across locations and seasons, we can:
- Update scientific knowledge about tuna diets in Tasmanian waters
- Contribute to ecosystem understanding
- Support responsible fisheries management
How You Can Help
If you’re a recreational fisher, you can make a big difference by donating tuna stomachs from your catch. This is a practical and sustainable way to collect data because it uses fish that are already being harvested.
What’s Involved
- Sign up to receive a sampling kit (bags and waterproof labels)
- Collect and freeze tuna stomachs from your catch
- Drop them off to one of the collection points around Tassie
- Scientists at IMAS will analyse the stomach contents and provide quarterly updates for those involved
Collection Points
- Burnie - Tackleworld, 37 Wilson St, Burnie
- Ulverstone - Deegan Marine, 102 Eastland Dr, Ulverstone
- Devonport - Seamaster 37 Elizabeth St, Devonport or BCF, 1/4 Friend St, Stony Rise
- Launceston - Tamar Marine, 6-8 W Tamar Rd, Riverside
- Kingston - Fisherman's Shed, 6/34 Mertonvale Cct, Kingston
- Hobart - Spot On - The Fishing Connection, 87-91 Harrington St
- Franklin - Franklin Marine, 3349 Huon Hwy, Franklin
- St Helens - St Helens Slipway Salvage and Marine, St Helens Slipway, 1 Tasman Hw
- Coles Bay - Freycinet Visitor Centre, 138 Freycinet Dr, Coles Bay
Get Involved
Your contribution, and the resulting science, will help protect Tasmania’s marine environment and ensure our fisheries remain healthy for future generations.
Contacts
| Dr Timothy Ward Lead Researcher, IMAS
timothy.ward@utas.edu.au
| Kelly Hunt
TARfish
kelly.hunt@tarfish.org
|