AN ATLANTIC bluefin tuna measuring 3 metres (9.8ft) long and weighing 140kg (309lb) has been caught by fishermen from Dingle, Co Kerry.
The fish was hauled in as a by-catch by Dingle trawlers fishing for ordinary tuna. They were using seine nets, which are towed between two boats.
The bluefin species has declined by as much as 80 per cent in the past three decades because of the demand for its delicious red flesh for sushi worldwide, but especially in Japan.
High prices are now paid for the endangered fish – which in turn can lead to illegal fishing. Strict quotas are in force to allow the species to recover, with some countries having filled their quotas months ago.
Irish fishermen hunting for albacore tuna are allowed to have bluefin as a tiny part of their catch.
……..Irish Times…….03/08/12…..read full article…..
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2012.html
