Migratory movements, depth preferences, and thermal biology of Atlantic bluefin tuna

The deployment of electronic data storage tags that are surgically implante d or satellite-linked provides marine researchers with new ways to examine the movements, environmental preferences, and physiology of pelagic vertebr ates. We report the results obtained from tagging of Atlantic bluefin tuna with implantable archival and pop-up satellite archival tags. The electroni c tagging data provide insights into the seasonal movements and environment al preferences of this species. Bluefin tuna dive to depths of >1000 meters and maintain a warm body temperature. Western-tagged bluefin tuna make tra ns-Atlantic migrations and they frequent spawning grounds in the Gulf of Me xico and eastern Mediterranean. These data are critical for the future mana gement and conservation of bluefin tuna in the Atlantic.