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Genetic testing has confirmed two recreationally caught Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) in Victorian waters—the first confirmed recreational records of the species in the state. Both fish were caught in July 2026 off Bass Strait, wide of Western Port Bay, and were initially recorded as southern bluefin tuna.
What was confirmed
CSIRO reported the identification on 14 October 2026 after testing muscle samples from two large tuna caught days apart by recreational anglers. A rapid species-identification screen indicated Pacific bluefin; a secondary forensic-grade sequencing analysis confirmed the result. Dr Peter Grewe, a CSIRO principal research scientist, said he was “extremely confident” after the second analysis.
The catches were made in 50–60 metres of water. Their recorded measurements were:
| Fish | Length | Weight | Capture area | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First tuna | 2.12 m | Approximately 165 kg | Bass Strait, wide of Western Port Bay | 50–60 m |
| Second tuna | 2.02 m | 131.6 kg | Bass Strait, wide of Western Port Bay | 50–60 m |
Jonah Yick, a scientific ambassador for Tuna Champions, described the proximity to Melbourne as remarkable: the fish were caught within 10 kilometres of the shoreline.
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Why DNA testing was needed
Pacific bluefin and southern bluefin tuna can look almost identical. External features that may help include the length of the anal and second dorsal fins, skin markings, body shape and typical size, but none is consistently decisive in the field.
Without genetic analysis, CSIRO said the Victorian fish would probably have been recorded as southern bluefin. The two-stage process—an initial rapid screen followed by forensic-grade sequencing—provided confirmation rather than relying on photographs or anglers’ visual assessments.
Where Pacific bluefin fit in the ocean
Pacific bluefin are generally associated with the Northern Hemisphere, although recreational fishers also catch them in New Zealand. CSIRO says many first-year fish can travel more than 8,000 kilometres from spawning grounds near Japan. As adults, they return to warm spawning waters and later feed in cooler waters near California and New Zealand.
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The Victorian catches do not establish a new migration route by themselves. They do, however, indicate that Pacific bluefin may occur in southern Australian waters more regularly than previously recognised. Continued sampling and reporting will be needed to determine how often they appear.
The species can grow to almost three metres and approach 450 kilograms. At 2.02–2.12 metres and 131.6–approximately 165 kilograms, the Victorian tuna were substantial but below that reported maximum size.
Are the Lakes Entrance tuna confirmed?
No. Anglers near Lakes Entrance later reported tuna weighing between 130 and 217 kilograms. Their external features suggested Pacific bluefin, and samples were collected, but CSIRO said testing was still underway when its report was published.
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Those fish should therefore be described as suspected or under investigation, not as confirmed Pacific bluefin. A visual match can guide sampling, but only laboratory identification can resolve the Pacific-versus-southern bluefin question reliably.
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The Victorian Fisheries Authority’s current rule sets a combined bag limit of two tuna across southern bluefin, yellowfin, Pacific and bigeye tuna. The limit is combined across those species, not two of each type.
Tuna caught in Victorian waters cannot be filleted in or on the water. They must remain whole or in carcass form until the fisher is away from the water. Cleaning tables at boat ramps may be used.
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VFA describes tuna as migratory and says Victorian offshore anglers use trolling lures, lure casting, jigging and cubing. A seasonal charter fleet also serves offshore fishers. Those activities provide context for how the catches occur, but the discovery is principally a species-identification finding rather than a fishing-equipment story.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What anglers and scientists should record next
Preserve evidence for identification
Unusual tuna should be documented with clear photographs of the whole fish, fins, markings and body profile. If authorities or researchers request a sample, keeping the specimen and its capture details traceable is important because visual features alone may misclassify the species.
Record the catch location and conditions
The confirmed fish were caught off Western Port Bay in Bass Strait at 50–60 metres. Future reports should include the general fishing area, depth, date, length and weight so scientists can compare sightings without overstating what a single catch proves.
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Separate confirmed records from leads
A report based on appearance is a lead for testing. It becomes a confirmed Pacific bluefin record only after an appropriate genetic result. This distinction is especially important for the Lakes Entrance fish, whose laboratory results were pending in the CSIRO account.
Why recreational reports matter
Grewe said information from people on the water every day is invaluable to scientists, adding that fishers often see unusual animals and provide observations researchers would not otherwise obtain. The two Western Port-area catches show how recreational records, followed by laboratory testing, can reveal species presence that routine visual catch records may miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was a Pacific bluefin tuna really caught in Victoria?
Yes. CSIRO genetically confirmed two recreational catches from July 2026 off Bass Strait, wide of Western Port Bay. They are the first confirmed recreational Pacific bluefin records reported for Victoria.
How did scientists distinguish Pacific bluefin from southern bluefin?
They tested muscle samples. A rapid species-identification screen indicated Pacific bluefin, and forensic-grade sequencing provided secondary confirmation because appearance is not reliably conclusive.
What is Victoria’s tuna bag limit?
Victoria’s combined bag limit is two tuna across southern bluefin, yellowfin, Pacific and bigeye tuna.
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