Tuna Ranching

What it covers

Port Lincoln, SA is the world capital of Southern Bluefin Tuna ranching — wild juveniles are towed in cages from the Bight to feeding pens, then harvested for the global sashimi market.

Key facts

• Wild juveniles caught in the Great Australian Bight, mostly in summer
• Towed in slow-moving cages back to Port Lincoln
• Fed sardines and pilchards over 3–6 months for fat and flavour
• Predominantly exported to Japan's sashimi market
• Stock now classified as recovering — once depleted, now under conservative management
• Industry vital to the Port Lincoln regional economy

By the numbers