Usually a fish breaks records because of its size, but a recent southern bluefin tuna caught in the waters off the far-south coast of NSW has scientists excited because of its age.
The CSIRO claims this is the oldest recaptured southern bluefin tuna — at 29 years. It was first tagged back in February 1994 off the coast of South Australia at an estimated age of three.
Senior principal research scientist with the CSIRO Campbell Davies said this was one of those great moments in a research career.
"These are incredible animals and getting tags back that have been out in the wild for this long is one of those wow moments," Dr Davies said.
Researchers track fish's travels
Researchers at CSIRO tag the species as part of a program to track their movement and monitor population biology.
This includes collecting data on their rate of mortality due to natural causes and due to fishing at different sizes and ages to assist with fishery management.
Yet, this particular specimen was not only the most senior. It also rated second largest in weight at 148 kilograms, in the top 20 for length at 1.8 metres as well as having the most days at liberty for a CSIRO tag — 9,639 days.
"You could consider this one to be a very lucky fish," Dr Davies said.
"There's not a very big proportion of the population that gets through to old age."
The southern bluefin tuna is a highly migratory fish and travels right around Australia and most part of the Southern, Indian and Pacific Oceans.
End of the line
For the anglers onboard the Charter Fish Narooma vessel it was a gruelling catch of the day that took more than four hours to reel in.
Benn Boulton, who operates the boat, said by the time it reached the boat it was dead due to the fishing line that was caught around its gills.
"The anglers knew this was a huge and special fish and it's not very often you get a big southern bluefin tuna and to see it with a tag was a special and phenomenal moment," he said.
