Our Catch

At South Seas Tuna, we are proud to operate along the East Coast of Australia, focusing on the southern regions from Sydney to Tasmania. This area is renowned for its rich tuna stocks, with Southern Bluefin Tuna typically running from May to September, peaking in numbers during the months of June, July, and August. We also catch MSC certified, Yellowfin Tuna throughout the year, ensuring a steady supply of this prized species. Additionally, Bigeye Tuna and Albacore Tuna are often caught as bycatch in our operations. As are Striped Marlin and Swordfish species. We fully support the quota systems introduced by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, which have been instrumental in promoting sustainability within the industry. Over the years, we’ve seen tuna stocks steadily rise, and we are committed to being part of the solution that ensures a bright, sustainable future for the fishery. Our dedication to responsible fishing practices is at the heart of everything we do.

  • Southern Bluefin Tuna

    Scientific name: Thunnus maccoyii

    Family: Scombridae

    ​Southern bluefin tuna have torpedo-shaped bodies with blackish-blue backs and a silvery-white belly with alternating rows of clear dots and lines. Their anal fin and finlets are yellow with black edges, and the first dorsal fin has a yellow or blueish hue.

    They grow up to 2.45 meters and 260 kg, but are commonly found at 1.8 meters and 100 kg.

    Southern bluefin tuna are highly migratory, found throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and can dive to depths of 500 meters.

  • Yellowfin Tuna

    Scientific name: Thunnus albacares

    Family: Scombridae

    Yellowfin tuna have torpedo-shaped bodies with dark blue backs, yellow sides, and a silver belly. Their long dorsal and anal fins, along with finlets, are bright yellow.

    They grow up to 2.1 meters and 200 kg, but are commonly found at 50-90 cm in length and 100 kg.

    Yellowfin tuna are highly migratory, found throughout the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, and can dive to depths of 250 meters.

  • Bigeye Tuna

    Scientific name: Thunnus obesus

    Family: Scombridae

    Bigeye tuna have torpedo-shaped bodies with dark blue backs, whitish lower sides and bellies, and yellow dorsal and anal fins. Their finlets are bright yellow with black margins, and they have an iridescent blue lateral band. Their eyes are notably large compared to other tuna species.

    They grow up to 2.5 meters and 200 kg, but are commonly found at 1.8 meters and 100 kg.

    Bigeye tuna are highly migratory, found in the tropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, and can dive to depths of 250 meters.

  • Albacore Tuna

    Scientific name: Thunnus alalunga

    Family: Scombridae

    Albacore tuna have torpedo-shaped bodies with dark blue backs and silver sides and bellies. Their first dorsal fin is dark yellow, and the second is pale yellow. They have long pectoral fins and a crescent-shaped, deeply forked tail.

    They grow up to 1.2 meters and 55 kg, but are commonly found at 50‑90 cm and 3‑22 kg.

    Albacore tuna are highly migratory, found throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and can dive to depths of 200 meters.

  • Striped Marlin

    Scientific name: Kajikia audaxtion

    Striped Marlin have elongated bodies with dark blue or black backs and 12-16 blue vertical bars on their lower sides. Their first dorsal fin is large, and their bill is long, thin, and pointed. These marlin are known for the rapid color change of their bars, which shift from blue to lavender when excited, due to the contraction or expansion of chromatophores (special pigmented cells).

    They can grow up to 4 meters in length and 260 kg in weight, but are commonly found at 1.6-2.5 meters and 30-120 kg.

    Striped marlin are found in warm, offshore waters and are known for slashing their prey with their bill rather than impaling it, unlike other marlin species.

  • Broadbill Swordfish

    Scientific name: Xiphias gladius

    Broadbill Swordfish have long, cylindrical bodies that transition from blackish-brown on the back and sides to light brown on the underside. The membrane of their first dorsal fin is usually black. Adults lack scales, teeth, and pelvic fins, and they are distinguished by their long, flat bill, which they use to stun or kill prey.

    They grow up to 4.5 meters in length and 500 kg in weight, but are commonly found at 1.5-3 meters and 70-150 kg.

    Females grow faster and live longer than males. The color of their flesh can vary from white to orange to pink, depending on their diet.