A bluefin tuna in Sussex? That’s somefin unusual!
THIS huge bluefin tuna, one of the world’s most expensive species, has been found washed up on the Sussex coast.
The fish, more than two metres (6ft 7in) long and weighing 180kg – nearly 400lb – was spotted at Thorney Island in Chichester Harbour on Wednesday.
It had to be winched aboard the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority’s patrol vessel Watchful, where marine experts examined it.
They concluded the Atlantic bluefin died recently and showed no signs of damage. Because it is an endangered species, commercial vessels are not allowed to catch Atlantic bluefin, which can grow to 680kg.
Its Pacific cousin is considered a delicacy in Japan, where one sold at auction to a sushi restaurant last year for £2.5million.
Tim Dapling, chief fisheries and conservation officer at Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, said: ‘Although it is a pity the fish was not alive, it is first time we have an encountered at close quarters a bluefin tuna specimen in Sussex waters.
‘Why it was in Chichester Harbour or came ashore may never be clear, but we do know species such as mackerel and bass are present in numbers within the harbour and perhaps it entered the harbour to feed.
‘A fish of this size and species is used to open sea areas where it can swim unconstrained to hunt prey. [Its] presence indicates the improving health of ecosystems. I’d be surprised if it was the only one in Sussex waters.’
‘First time we’ve encountered one’