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Basque Venture Fattens 75 Bluefin Tuna in Cantabrian Sea Cages

The pilot uses submersible enclosures with real-time monitoring to gauge tuna growth before an October evaluation that precedes an ICCAT quota decision.

Overview

  • Approximately 75 bluefin tuna captured by the Kantauri this summer are being fattened in two open-sea cages off Getaria.
  • The floating enclosures can submerge to 18 meters and feature sensors and cameras to monitor water quality and fish behavior.
  • Live transport in low-speed cages minimizes stress and mortality before tuna are fed a diet of frozen sardines and mackerel under constant supervision.
  • Growth and fat metrics will be assessed in late October to determine if the experiment meets market criteria and informs ICCAT’s 2026 quota review.
  • Funded with €2.5 million, the project aims to reclaim Basque quota rights and validate the economic potential of northern bluefin aquaculture.