The history of the human catching the Bluefin tuna species and the reason as to why it is greatly preferred
Abstract
With regard to the political-economic approach, in this paper we will focus on the history of the human catching the Bluefin tuna species and the reason as to why it is greatly preferred. Therefore, we will examine the main species of the Bluefin tuna which is the Atlantic Bluefin tuna. We will also examine, Mediterranean which is the largest fishery in the world. In order to capture all the aspects in this paper we will discuss on the transformations that have occurred with reference to the fishing operations with the necessary modifications to the Bluefin tuna as well as the imperative growth under the capitalism society. The main objective of this research paper is to study the history of the human beings catching the Bluefin tuna species. Other aims of this research paper is to examine the assumptions as well as the stock structure of the Bluefin species, the movement of the Bluefin species, to identify reasons why the Atlantic blue fin species is preferred to other species. In doing so, we will analyze the most prized fish in the world and reasons for its exploitation. In this study, we will also discuss the biological characteristics of the Bluefin fish as well as its adaptation. In this research paper, the analysis of the fieldwork done by the scientists and the interviews used in the collection of the primary and the secondary data will be used. We will also analyze the aspects that have led to the increase in the human over-fishing of the Bluefin tuna as well as examine the agro-food systems at global levels, the traditional trap fisheries used over the centuries. The life history and the life cycle of the Bluefin tuna will be discuss as well as the ranching and the industrialization of the fishing operations. The proposed solutions and recommendation that would reduce the over-fishing of the Bluefin tuna especially the Atlantic Bluefin tuna will be outlined.
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.0 Overview
In this chapter we will discuss on the background information of the Bluefin tuna, the problem statement of the study and the objectives of the study.
1.1 Introduction
The main species of the blue fin include; the Atlantic Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) which is the largest and the most endangered species, the pacific species and the southern species. Majority of the catches of the Atlantic Bluefin tuna are from the Mediterranean Sea which is the largest Bluefin tuna fishery all over the world.
1.2 Background Information
1.2.1 Biological features
They are dark blue or black and have light blue side as well as underneath they have silvery grey, their shape is streamlined and have two dorsal fins, they can grow up to 331cm long and they can also weigh 725kg, unlike other fish the Bluefin tuna are warm-blooded. Additionally, the blue fin tuna cannot breath unless they are on the move, hence, they are always swimming. This is the reason why they migrate more often. They also have high metabolism, hence, they require large numbers of prey in order to fulfil their needs of metabolism. Atlantic Bluefin tuna can tolerate change in temperatures, hence, they are highly migratory.
1.2.2 Life history
The female Bluefin tuna produces around 30 million eggs and the spawn are in two and they are separated at long distances. Study shows shat one spawning normally exists in the region of the western Mediterranean in the Balearic Islands and the other spawning is in the Gulf of Mexico. However, satellites have shown that in the regions where the spawning takes place, the scientists as well as the fishermen appear at large numbers.
The largest Bluefin Tuna can survive up to the age of 40 years. The Bluefin Tuna is one of the species that normally migrates across all the oceans. It can also dive as deep as 3,000 feet. Their adaptation is made on speed, this is because they have the retractable fins, and their eyes ae also set flush to their own bodies. Since the hatching of the Bluefin Tuna they are tremendous predators, this is because they hunt by the aspect of great sight.
Based on the recorded history, the Atlantic Bluefin tuna is one of the food fish that is highly prized. Additionally, the aspect of the commercial value as food as well as the huge size and the power has set admiration to the fisherman as well as the writers and scientists to highly fish and study the Atlantic Bluefin tuna respectively. One of the world most lucrative commercial fisheries is the foundation of the Atlantic blue fin tuna. The Atlantic Bluefin tuna is also used for sushi and sashimi, hence, the consumer demand is high. Therefore, leading to overfishing of this species. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas in the year 2009, recorded that there is a drastic decline of the population of the Bluefin tuna.
1.3 Problem statement
With the decline in the population of the Bluefin species, there is caution in identifying what are the major issues that have led to the decline and how to deal with the issues. It is important to note that the main problem that is confronting on the fisheries of the Bluefin Tuna is the fact that the oceans are usually presented with the aspect of the realm in situations where the individuals are hardened and they observe the free operating laws. This is evident in the ‘Wild West’ where the individuals have majored on chasing of the fish for self-interest without any regard to the effect and the impact caused to the Bluefin species. The decline in the number of the Bluefin species is a scientific warning where the fishermen of the Bluefin species are not taking caution of. Therefore, in this study we will focus on the catching of the bluefin tuna species by the human beings and find out some of the strategies that can be used to aid in coping with the problem.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
1.4.1 General Objective
To study the history of human catching bluefin tuna.
1.4.2 Specific Objectives
- To examine the assumptions as well as the stock structure of the Bluefin species
- To analyze the movement of the Bluefin species
iii. To identify reasons why the Atlantic blue fin species is preferred to other species
- To recommend on ways that would assist in the coping with the extinction of the bluefin species.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 The Mediterranean Bluefin Fishery: From Artisanal Traps to Industrial Operations
In the eastern stocks spawn that are usually found in the Mediterranean Sea while the western stock spawn are usually on the Gulf of Mexico. Despite the spawning position, the Atlantic Bluefin tuna is highly migratory, therefore, they generally make their way form the open Atlantic via the Straits of Gibraltar this is because in most scenarios the Atlantic Bluefin tuna seeks for the salty, clear and warm waters to facilitate in proper reproduction.
In the civilization of the early Mediterranean the development of the methods to be used in the capturing of the Bluefin that had closely migrated in the shorelines was established. This was inclusive of the elaborative traps that were constructed for the ease in fishing. Additionally, in Italy this kind of trapping was referred to as the tonnara. Despite the application of the same method in other parts of the world, our main focus in this research paper will be on the Sicily and the Sardinia which are some of the locations of the Mediterranean because of the productivity of the fish traps in the regions. Nevertheless, the trap system that was developed in Sicily aided in the serving of many Mediterranean fisheries. Additionally, the traditional trap fisheries that were used remained to be resilient as well as aided in the harvesting of the Bluefin Tuna which assisted the communities for several centuries. The events recently occurring have also led to the association of the expansion of the capitalist society all over the globe. In the Sicily, the trapping system was the basic social life for highest number of people that had settled in the coast region. But currently, the usage of the practice has gradually vanished. In the Sardinia, the number of fisheries that existed were approximately 30 this was along the coast region of the western side. The traditional system was mainly organized with the aspect of the biological processes and the behavior of spawning of the Bluefin tuna.
2.2 Traditional Trap Fishing: La Tonnara
Over many years the Bluefin tuna fisheries have been among the most beneficial food that the people along the coast could readily acquire. Additionally, the consumption of the Bluefin tuna in the ancient times is evident due to the skeletal remains as well as the drawings of tuna that were located during the scientists study in the Grotta Del Uzzo which is in the north west of Sicily. This evidence was dated in the period of the Neolithic. Furthermore, artifacts from around 3600 years ago were recorded at the Scoglio Del Tonno which is in the southern part of Italy. Based on the evidence, Mycenaean ceramics that existed in the 12th century were recorded and they displayed that the capturing and the consumption of the Bluefin tuna commenced long time ago.
From the information obtained from the archives, it is evident that the Bluefin tuna was important in the functionality of the economies and the cultures of the people that lived along the coastal region. For instance, in the ancient times along the Mediterranean region, the coins used, the artwork used in the literature were symbolic of the existence of the Bluefin tuna as a basic food. In the earliest known discussion which was written by the Greek poet in the second century, Oppian of Cilicia, on the fishing and hunting, the book known as Halieutica, his description of the past times showed that the techniques the ancient people used as well the method ‘used such as the net like a city with gates that fill the closing net with copious pray.’ In addition, the ancient periods, the communities’ ad developed various skills that aided them in identifying the migration of the Bluefin tuna to facilitate easier and convenient fishing. At this point in history the fishing techniques for the Bluefin tuna were rudimentary in relation to the practices that have been developed after that time, meaning that the people have developed understanding on the effective fishing techniques for Bluefin Tuna.
2.3 Social History and Transformations in the Tonnara
Tonnara is located at a strategic geographical location where the resources in this island are abundant. Tonnara is located in the southern part of Italy which is one of region used in the contention for the powers. For instance, over many years ago, the Norman Kingdom battled with the Arab power over gaining control of Sicily. This is because the Norman sovereign gained great source of wealth from the fishing of the Bluefin Tuna. Bluefin tuna was the main source of food with biscuits as the supplements for the larger number of people located in the Mediterranean. Roger II who was in power by that time, encouraged the development of the fishing activity and the agricultural activities in order to easily sustain the human species. As a result, this gained the empire a lot of wealth and other empires desired the region due to the massive fishing activities.
Moreover, during the period of the Norman, the fishing sights that were considered prime were under the demesne of the king. During the 13th century there was the number of concessions in Sicily were increased under the ruling of King Frederick II. Therefore, the emergence of the social relations in the Sicilian society developed and there were development of rules such as no fishing community could engage in the fishing activities directly without the concession from the royals. This was done to facilitate control of the fishing point to avoid over-fishing of the Bluefin tuna. Therefore, the collection of taxes and royalties was implemented, hence, the tuna fishery became valuable and a major source of revenue. In this time, Tonnara became productive and the preservation of the Bluefin tuna increased including the exportation activity began. With the primitive market as the local communities and the secondary markets for the exportation of Bluefin tuna. In the 17th century, exportation of the Bluefin tuna to other regions was massive. This led to the growth of Bluefin tuna catching for the purpose of making profits through sales.
2.4 Global Commodification of Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna
With the rise of the demand for the consumption of the Bluefin tuna, the development as well as the industrialization of the bluefin fishery was implemented. This is due to the technological expansions that led to the increase in the opportunities that led to more lucrative profits. Therefore, the sale of the bluefin tuna increased in order to meet the everyday growing demand. With this lucrative opportunities, over-fishing of the bluefin tuna increases. Over a period of time, the bluefin species markets had relatively low value but later with the invention of the consumption of sushi and sashimi, the markets for the sale of the bluefin increased. The status of the sushi and sashimi as luxurious foods have participated widely in the boosting of bluefin market value.
Over a very short period of time, market metamorphosis of the bluefin tuna after they were considered unfit for the human consumption. Later, the refrigeration and the shipping with the new and advanced technologies helped in curbing with the problem. Within a period of around two years in the 1980s, the markets for the bluefin tuna expanded to other parts of the world such as the United States and the western parts of Europe. The development of this markets, the development of the medium-grade was implemented and thus this led to the increase in consumption of the bluefin tuna. Recently, in the year 2011, one single bluefin tuna recorded a sale of around 254,000 euros in the Japan markets. Currently, the higher number of the Mediterranean bluefin tuna that are captured are exported to Japan. In addition, the increase in te capital as well as the technology has led to the increase in the mechanization technique which is more efficient and reliable unlike the traditional trapping systems. Currently, there is the use of the sonar and spotter planes that aid in the finding the location of the bluefin tuna.
3.0 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the development of the Mediterranean fisheries is important for easier and convenient fishing activities. This is based on the recent news on the Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery where most of the individuals carried out the fishing activities ruthlessly, with selfish interests and had no regard to the law. Hence, the individuals have taken advantage of the situation and have engaged in over exploitation of the bluefin tuna to ensure that they have increased their personal profits and the costs used for socialization and recreation. This is a tragedy to the fisheries because the concern for the bluefin population is not an issue to anyone.
In addition, due to the massive capitalist development of the bluefin tuna as a global commodity has led to the increase in the development of the modern fisheries.
4.0 Recommendation
The main solution to the above discussed problem is the implementation of the market-oriented plans that are inclusive of the technological fixes as well as ensuring the development of the economic modernization of the fishery sector. Additionally, the consideration of the growth of the imperative of the capitalism society will also aid in curding of the problem. Another solution to the decline in the population of the Bluefin species is the influencing of the commodification process across all the fisheries in the world. The use of capitalism which is a system that has expansion measures would be logical since it accounts for the maximization of profits based on the evaluation as well as the efficiency of the system. Therefore, this would educate the fishermen to not carry out the over-fishing practice on the Bluefin species. Moreover, the transformation in the operations as well as the scales would lead to the development of the agricultural products and generally on the food regimes, this is after the implementation of the advanced technology and the exploitation of other available resource which would limit the fishing activity of the Bluefin species.
The World Wildlife should also be consulted and engaged in facilitating that the bluefin species is not endangered. This is because with the increasing demand on the bluefin it is alarming due to the drastic decline in the population. The aspect of the commodification of the bluefin tuna species is relevant to the industrial transformation of the operations used in the fishing activities. In addition, the implementation of the bluefin tuna ranching as well as development of the bluefin tuna aquaculture would aid in meeting the ever rising demand. With the implementation of the ranches the population of the bluefin tuna would not decline. The ranching process would aid in the provision of sustainable levels of control that would lead to over-production of the bluefin tuna.
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