Atlantic Bluefin tuna are putting on a display in the warm waters of Devon and Cornwall. This video was taken onboard Opportunity Charters, catch and release Tuna Charter this month (August 2025). Their seasonal presence, typically in Summer and Autumn is driven by feeding opportunities in the region’s rich marine ecosystems. Opportunity Charters operates out of Plymouth, Britain’s first national marine park. At Opportunity Charters we practice catch and release techniques for these Tuna, so you can experience the thrill of reeling in these apex predators, whilst also playing a part in the conservation of stocks. Book your place today for the experience of a lifetime!

Bluefin Tuna are often referred to as apex predators and are known to pursue dense schools of small bait-fish, often breaching the surface in dramatic chases, like the one shown in the Video. While their exact diet in UK waters remains partially unknown, researchers believe sardines are a primary food source, given their abundance and the tuna’s preference for energy-rich prey. Mackerel, sand eel, squid and crustaceans are other known prey. Electronic tagging, has revealed that Bluefin tuna are not merely passing through but are returning annually, diving deep and wide in pursuit of prey.

Projects like Thunnus UK and initiatives by the Blue Marine Foundation are collecting stomach samples from landed tuna to identify their diet using DNA sequencing. The Bluefin Tuna’s feeding behavior in UK waters underscores their ecological importance and the need for sustainable management of both predator and prey species to ensure their continued resurgence. At Opportunity Charters we are expert in safe catch and release, techniques, ensuring a sustainable balance between the thrill of sports fishing and the conservation of stocks. Book your place today for the experience of a lifetime!

How do Bluefin Tuna catch their prey?

Speed & Agility: Bluefin tuna are among the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds over 40 mph (64 km/h). This allows them to chase down fast-moving prey like mackerel, sardines, and squid.

Schooling Tactics: Tuna often hunt in coordinated groups, herding schools of smaller fish into tight balls (sometimes called bait balls) to make them easier to attack. Their schooling behaviour is part of what makes them so incredible to watch as they break the surface. Bluefin tuna often use a technique called ram feeding, where they swim with their mouths open and engulf prey in their path.

Vertical Movement: Bluefin tuna can dive to depths of over 1,000 meters, allowing them to catch prey at various ocean layers depending on time of day and prey behavior.

Exceptional Vision: Their large eyes are adapted for detecting movement and contrast in the water, even in low light conditions. According to the WWF, they hunt by sight and have the sharpest vision of any bony fish.

Lateral Line System: This sensory organ detects vibrations and movement in the water, helping them locate prey even when visibility is poor.