Happy New Year, everyone! We look forward to your continued support of Tokyo Sea Life Park this year.

In my elementary school yearbook, I wrote that my dream for the future was to be a crew member on a deep-sea tuna fishing boat. As a huge tuna lover, the topic that interests me most every year around this time is the price of bluefin tuna at the first auction of the year.

This year, a 212kg bluefin tuna caught in Oma, Aomori Prefecture, sold for 36.04 million yen. Generally, one serving of sashimi is about 80g, so a simple calculation shows that one serving would cost 13,600 yen. However, the restaurant will be serving it at its usual price, so one can't help but wonder if they're losing a lot of money. For reference, the largest Pacific Bluefin Tuna currently kept at the aquarium weighs about 100kg, so please compare them.

I've worked at the aquarium for 23 years. Initially, I was in the research department, where I collected and transported tuna and other creatures for display. Next, I worked in the animal care and exhibition department, where I was in charge of raising tuna. Now, I'm in the education and outreach department, where I continue to work with tuna, sharing information about the ocean and the creatures that live there in an enjoyable way.

My recommended observation points are at either end of the Aqua Theater, when Pacific Bluefin Tuna turn around and face you. If you observe the individual tuna head-on, paying attention to the thickness of its belly, you'll be surprised by its "thickness" and truly appreciate the size of Pacific Bluefin Tuna.


Observe the "thickness" of Pacific Bluefin Tuna in front of the tank.
Now, while tuna is a beloved fish among us Japanese, there are some species whose populations are currently a cause for concern due to declining numbers. Since tuna migrate long distances across the ocean, countries and regions that utilize tuna must cooperate to manage them effectively.

Currently, there are five international organizations, of which Japan is a member, and member states gather every year to hold meetings to decide on catch limits, fishing methods, and rules. In order to continue protecting tuna and enjoying it in the future, we must make sure to choose and eat tuna that has been caught using methods that strictly adhere to the rules.

As part of its efforts, Tokyo Sea Life Park has also made some of its products, such as the tuna bowls served at the Sea Wind restaurant, available. MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification We use ingredients that have undergone the necessary procedures. This year, please enjoy the size and deliciousness of our tuna at our farm.

[Tokyo Sea Life Park]

◎Related News
・ We offer MSC/ASC certified "Sustainable Seafood" menu items. (September 21, 2022)

(January 13, 2023)