British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Marine Glossary - Bluefin tuna - definition

Translation:

Bluefin Tuna originate in the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Mexico and are rarely seen in UK waters. Measuring 3 metres and weighing 600kg, these are large creatures. Bluefin Tuna are unique because they are warm-blooded which enables them to live in warmer and cooler seas. This is important because they are a migratory species that travels thousands of miles. When they are ready to give birth to their young, the adults return to the place they themselves were born.

Bluefin Tuna are predators - they have good eyesight and can swim at speeds of up to 70kmph in pursuit of their prey. They eat mackerel, squid and other fish. A popular dish in sushi, their meat is a deep red colour because of high levels of oxygen. A single fish can be worth one million dollars! Bluefin Tuna exist worldwide but numbers in the Mediterranean have declined steeply.