Pacific Bluefin Tuna Biomass Estimates

Question

Sushi is a type of food that originated in Asia. It often consists of raw fish or vegetables wrapped in rice and seaweed. The first sushi restaurant in the United States opened in the mid-1960s. Sushi restaurants are now common throughout the United States and many other parts of the world.

Pacific bluefin tuna is one of the most popular species of fish used in sushi. The graph below shows how the biomass of this fish species has changed between the 1950s and 2014

Part B

What happened to Pacific bluefin tuna populations during the time shown in the graph?

Could the declines in Pacific bluefin tuna populations during this time be linked to the global popularity of sushi? Explain your answer

(2 points)

What are two ways that humans around the world could help Pacific bluefin tuna populations increase?

(2 points)

2010

Pacific Bluefin Tuna Biomass Estimates

250.000

150.000

Tunal stock binnen (1)

50000

0

1950

T

1960

1970

Flaming year

2010

1980

Answer 1

During the time shown in the graph, Pacific bluefin tuna populations experienced a significant decline. The biomass estimates for Pacific bluefin tuna decreased from around 250,000 in the 1950s to only about 50,000 in 2010.

The declines in Pacific bluefin tuna populations during this time could indeed be linked to the global popularity of sushi. The demand for sushi, particularly using Pacific bluefin tuna, has led to overfishing of this species. As a result, the populations have been unable to sustain themselves and have experienced a drastic decline in numbers.

Two ways that humans around the world could help Pacific bluefin tuna populations increase are by implementing stricter fishing regulations and promoting sustainable fishing practices. By setting quotas on Pacific bluefin tuna catches and enforcing regulations to prevent overfishing, the populations could have a chance to recover. Additionally, encouraging the use of sustainable fishing methods, such as pole-and-line fishing, can help reduce the impact on Pacific bluefin tuna populations.