Habitat:
A fast swimming tuna found in the open ocean, southern bluefin are highly migratory and may be found around Tasmania when the water temperature starts to cool, generally from March to June and spend winter in offshore waters. Can be found in close to sea cliffs but generally found in waters from 40 metres depth.
Fishing information:
Southern bluefin tuna are actively targeted by game fishers off Tasmania’s east and south coasts during autumn and into winter. Usually caught by trolling large lures. In recent years, the stocks of SBT have declined to the point where catch limits have been placed upon the fishery in an attempt to allow the stocks to recover.
Responsible fishing tips:
Avoid long playing times by using heavier line. Use a large de-hooker or pliers to remove hook. Use barbless single hooks on lures. Minimise interactions with seals and other wildlife. Don’t dispose of fish frames around boat ramps. If you catch a tagged tuna, please record the tag details and report to the
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Research.
Find out more on Southern Bluefin Tuna Code of Practice and
Tuna Champions.
Handling
If practising catch and release, keep tuna out of the water for the minimum time possible, cover their eyes and handle with wet hands or cloth. Don’t use a gaff. Larger tuna should be released without removing them from the water. If photographing, hold horizontally, not unsupported by the tail.
Cooking:
Tuna need to be correctly handled after capture to retain the best eating quality. They should be killed using a brain spike, bled, then cleaned and chilled shortly after capture. Tuna has a high oil content, distinctive flavour and firm, dark flesh which lightens when cooked. Cooking methods: bake, barbecue, foil bake, marinate, sashimi. Cooked tuna steaks are often preferred by Tasmanian fishers.