Discover The Largest Bluefin Tuna Ever Caught in Maine

Types of rare fish - Bluefin Tuna
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Written by Alan Lemus

Updated: June 15, 2023

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Bluefin tuna is a delicious and highly valued fish that many people love. It’s found worldwide and is a big part of Maine State’s fishing industry, providing jobs and income for many people.

But there’s a problem. With so many people going after bluefin tuna, some experts are worried that we might be fishing too much and putting the species in danger. That isn’t good news for the ecosystem and the fishing industry’s future. 

So today, we discover the largest Bluefin tuna ever caught in Maine. We also look at bluefin tuna’s biology and behavior, how it affects Maine’s economy, and the challenges of protecting the species. 

The largest bluefin tuna ever caught in Maine weighed 1155 lbs.

The Largest Bluefin Tuna Ever Caught in Maine

The largest bluefin tuna ever caught in Maine weighed 1155 lbs. Anglers Tim Tower and Percy Stevens, Jr. caught the fish at Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, on August 20, 1981, elbowing the 1977 record-breaking catch by Jerry Jemison in Bath. Jemison’s catch weighed 819 lbs.

Although more recent catches have been recorded, none has come close to Tower and Stevens, Jr.’s record trophy. For example, in Portland, Ian T. Bexon caught an 810-pound bluefin tuna on September 7, 1998. 

Where is Perkins Cove Located on a Map?

Perkins Cove is a charming coastal village situated in the southern part of Maine, United States. The town is located approximately 85 miles northeast of Boston and about 15 minutes south of Portland. If you are planning to visit Perkins Cove for the first time and wondering how to get there, there are several ways to reach this idyllic location.

If you prefer traveling by air, Portland International Jetport is the nearest airport that serves Perkins Cove. From here, you can either rent a car or take a taxi to reach your destination.

Alternatively, if driving is more your style, you can easily access Perkins Cove via I-95 North from Boston or I-295 South from Portland. Once on Route One in Ogunquit Village, follow signs towards Perkins Cove—a delightful 1-mile drive along Shore Road with stunning views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

For those who enjoy scenic train rides with breathtaking views of Maine’s coastline, Amtrak’s Downeaster service offers daily trips between Boston and Brunswick with stops at Wells Station (10-minute taxi ride) or Saco-Biddeford Station (20-minute taxi ride).

No matter which mode of transportation you choose to get there – be it plane, train, or automobile – once you arrive at Perkins Cove’s picturesque harbor filled with colorful fishing boats bobbing up and down in the water – all your travel worries will disappear as soon as they see this peaceful haven nestled on Maine’s coast!

The Largest Bluefin Tuna Ever Caught Worldwide

The largest bluefin tuna ever caught worldwide weighed 1,496 lbs. Fisherman Ken Fraser caught the Atlantic Bluefin tuna off the coast of Canada’s Nova Scotia Province in 1979. No fisherman has ever come close to breaking this impressive record.

Biology and Behavior of Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna is pretty unique because it can be found all over the world in:

It’s also one of the world’s largest fish species, growing up to 10 ft. long and weighing over 1,000 lbs.

Let’s learn more about Bluefin tuna’s biology and behavior.

Bluefish tuna swims in the ocean with a fishing net in the background

Bluefish tuna is one of the world’s largest fish species, growing up to 10 ft. long and weighing over 1,000 lbs.

Physical Characteristics and Life Cycle

Like a torpedo, bluefin tuna have a body shape built for speed and endurance. And when you see them, you’ll notice that they have a nice metallic blue or black back, with silver sides.

Bluefin tuna have two dorsal fins: one big, one small, and two anal fins. 

They’ve got a big mouth with sharp chompers, which they use to catch and eat prey.

Bluefin tuna can live up to 40 years, with females tending to outlive males. They’re ready to start reproducing at 4-5 years old.

Feeding Habits and Diet

Bluefin tuna are carnivores, which means they feed on other animals, including:

  • Small fish
  • Squid
  • Crustaceans

They’re also not too picky and will eat whatever they can get their fins on.

Being opportunistic eaters, bluefin tuna feed on whatever is available, whether it’s their favorite food or not. With their high metabolism, the fish must eat a lot to keep their energy levels up.

Behavioral Patterns and Migratory Routes

Bluefin tuna are known for their migratory ways. They will travel far and wide in search of food, spawning grounds, and just the right water temperature. 

In fact, they’ll sometimes swim across entire oceans, covering thousands of miles in a single trip.

Bluefin tuna often travel in groups of several hundred individuals when on the move. They are excellent swimmers! They can swim 50 mph and aren’t afraid to dive deep. In fact, they can dive over 3,000 feet deep if the need arises.

Bluefin tuna have a complex social structure and communication system. They use this to coordinate their group behavior and find prey, kind of like they’re talking to each other in their own language.

Bluefin Tuna in Maine

Let’s talk about the habitat, fishing methods, and economic and cultural significance of bluefin tuna in Maine.

These fish typically make their way to Maine from June through October to take advantage of all the delicious

herring

, mackerel, and other bait fish they can prey on.

Habitat and Migration Patterns

You can find Bluefin in Maine’s waters even during summer. These fish typically make their way to Maine from June through October to take advantage of all the delicious herring, mackerel, and other bait fish they can prey on.

Bluefin tuna have a pretty specific preference when it comes to water temperature, too. They love areas where the water is between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. 

You can find them in the following areas:

  • The Gulf of Maine
  • Off the coast of Maine
  • The Bay of Fundy

As for where they like to swim, bluefin tuna can be found at different depths depending on the location. In Maine, you might spot them in shallow inshore waters or deeper areas that go down as far as 300 feet. So keep your eyes peeled if you’re ever out and about in Maine’s waters!

Fishing Methods and Regulations

The following agencies regulate bluefin tuna fishing in Maine:

  • The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
  • The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT)

The two primary methods for catching the fish in Maine are rod and reel and harpoon fishing.

Rod and reel fishing is typically done from small boats and involves trolling lures or live bait until a fish strikes the line.

Harpoon fishing is done from larger vessels and involves spotting the fish on the surface and using a harpoon to capture it.

Economic and Cultural Significance

Bluefin tuna is a big deal in Maine. The fish is highly valued with a high demand both locally and internationally. 

Bluefin tuna fishing has an entrenched cultural history in Maine. Many fishermen and coastal communities depend on it for their livelihoods. 

Let’s not forget about the sportfishing industry. Anglers from all over the place come to Maine to try their luck at catching these elusive fish. It’s no wonder why. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of reeling in a massive bluefin tuna!

Economic Impact of Bluefin Tuna Fishing in Maine

Bluefin tuna have a significant economic impact on Maine’s fishing industry and the broader economy. Here’s a detailed account of the economic impact of bluefin tuna fishing in Maine.

Commercial Fishing

Bluefin tuna are highly valued in Maine. The state’s commercial fishing industry generates millions of dollars in revenue from selling this fish. 

To ensure the bluefin tuna population in Maine remains healthy, fishing is regulated by:

  • Catch limits
  • Size limits
  • Reporting requirements.

These measures help prevent overfishing and support sustainable fishing practices.

Bluefin tuna is a commercial catch and a popular target for recreational fishing in Maine.

Recreational Fishing

Bluefin tuna is a commercial catch and a popular target for recreational fishing in Maine. The state’s abundant waters and the thrill of the chase draw many anglers to pursue this mighty fish, making it a significant contributor to the sportfishing industry in Maine. 

The sale of fishing licenses, guide services, equipment, and related services generates considerable revenue, benefiting anglers and local businesses that support them. 

Many coastal communities in Maine depend on the sportfishing industry to boost their economies, making bluefin tuna fishing an important source of income for the region.

International Market

Maine’s bluefin tuna is popular in the US and overseas countries, especially Japan, where it’s a popular ingredient in sushi and sashimi. 

The global demand for bluefin tuna is high, but its fishing is heavily regulated to ensure sustainability. Maine’s bluefin tuna fishery is no exception, with strict catch limits and other measures in place to prevent overfishing. 

Despite these regulations, Bluefin tuna fishing remains an important source of income for many fishermen and related businesses in Maine, who supply the international market with this valuable fish species.

Cultural Impact

Maine’s bluefin tuna fishing isn’t just about economics. It’s also an important part of the state’s cultural heritage. 

Maine’s coastal communities have relied on the fish for their livelihoods for generations. Furthermore, many fishermen and their families have passed down their skills and knowledge from generation to generation.

Bluefin tuna fishing is essential to Maine’s identity, reflecting the state’s connection to the ocean and its unique way of life. 

Maine’s coastal communities are proud of their fishing heritage, and bluefin tuna fishing is a vital part of that. It’s more than just a job. It’s a way of life and an essential part of the state’s cultural fabric.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite efforts to promote the conservation and sustainability of bluefin tuna in Maine, there are still several challenges and controversies surrounding the fish. Here are the challenges and controversies facing bluefin tuna fishing in Maine.

Illegal fishing

Illegal fishing is a challenge for bluefin tuna in Maine. But it’s not just limited to overfishing. 

Poaching is another form of illegal fishing that can have a devastating impact on bluefin tuna populations. It makes it harder for any regulations and conservation efforts to work effectively. 

Illegal fishing is a serious threat to the sustainability of bluefin tuna, all stakeholders must take action to prevent it.

Enforcement

It’s difficult to enforce regulations and laws related to bluefin tuna fishing, especially in remote areas and on the open sea. 

Enforcement agencies face limited resources and jurisdiction, making it tough to stop illegal fishing and enforce regulations.

Bycatch

Turtles breathe out of their butts

when fishing for bluefin tuna, other marine animals can accidentally get caught in the fishing gear. This is known as bycatch and can include endangered or threatened species like sea turtles.

Sometimes, when fishing for bluefin tuna, other marine animals can accidentally get caught in the fishing gear. This is known as bycatch and can include endangered or threatened species like sea turtles, sharks, and other marine mammals. 

Bycatch is a big problem in bluefin tuna fishing because it can harm marine ecosystems and threaten the overall health and diversity of the ocean.

Allocation of Quotas

Heated debates can emerge among fishermen, policymakers, and other stakeholders over allocating bluefin tuna fishing quotas.

Since only a limited number of bluefin tuna can be caught yearly, fishermen may face tough competition accessing the fishing grounds. As a result, arguments may arise over how quotas should be allocated.

Market Demand

Consumers’ love for bluefin tuna can cause a surge in demand and raise prices, which can put undue pressure on the fish.

The commercial value of bluefin tuna can tempt fishermen to catch more than is sustainable. As a result, some may resort to illegal fishing practices to meet the market demand.

Climate Change

Climate change is a big deal for Maine’s bluefin tuna fishing industry. 

With ocean temperatures and currents changing, these fish might also have to change their ways. For example, they might migrate differently or have a harder time finding a suitable breeding spot. All of these changes could affect the health of bluefin tuna populations.

Key Takeaways

Largest Bluefin Tuna - Tuna Fishing

Bluefin tuna are a big deal for many people, from fishermen to policymakers to researchers and conservationists.

Bluefin tuna are a big deal for many people, from fishermen to policymakers to researchers and conservationists. 

The fish is an important income source for Maine’s coastal communities. But many challenges come with it. These challenges include things like sustainability, conservation, and market demand, and they can be pretty complicated.

But there are ways to promote the sustainability and conservation of bluefin tuna populations in Maine. By working together and using science-based management practices, stakeholders can develop effective conservation strategies and protect the health of marine ecosystems. 

It’s not just about balancing economic considerations with sustainable fishing practices but also about the long-term viability of bluefin fishing and protecting the health of marine ecosystems.

To make this happen, everyone involved—fishermen, policymakers, researchers, and conservationists—must cooperate and commit to ongoing cooperation. 

By promoting sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of bluefin tuna populations, stakeholders can ensure the future of the fish and protect the health of marine ecosystems for generations to come. That’s important for the environment and the economic good of Maine’s coastal communities.


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About the Author

Alan Lemus

Alan is a freelance writer and an avid traveler. He specializes in travel content. When he visits home he enjoys spending time with his family Rottie, Opie.

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