Fundraising: Feeding the Bluefin Tuna Comeback

🐟 Ocean Giants Return to Devon’s Coastal Waters: The Incredible Bluefin Tuna Comeback  

Something remarkable glides through the crystal waters just off Devon’s south coast – sleek, silver and up to 6.5 feet long!

We’re talking about Atlantic bluefin tuna, one of the ocean’s most iconic predators, now making an exciting return to the waters of Devon and Cornwall after decades away. Once rare, these spectacular fish are now regular visitors, thrilling local fishers, swimmers, and wildlife watchers alike.

From the shores of Salcombe to Brixham sightings are on the rise – and they’re capturing the imagination of marine lovers across the South West.

 

🌊 A Devon Nature Comeback Story 

Bluefin tuna were absent from UK waters for nearly 60 years. Now they’re back, chasing shoals of fish along our coasts and bringing with them a new era of marine wonder and eco-tourism potential. 

Whether you’re on a sea safari off Dartmouth, paddleboarding in the South Hams, or horizon gazing while hiking the South West Coast Path; you might just glimpse their power beneath the surface – fast, fluid, and utterly unforgettable.

 

🔍 What Are They Eating – and Why Does It Matter? 

Here’s the mystery: we don’t really know the full story on why they’re back, and what they’re eating while they’re here. And if we want to keep them to carry on returning to Devon’s waters, we need to find out.

That’s why a new project called “Feeding the Comeback” is setting out to study the diets of bluefin tuna in South West waters, to help us understand what’s fuelling this return – and how to protect it. 

Led by marine scientists, this research will work with local fishers to study samples from bluefin caught in the region’s small-scale, licensed commercial fishery. The results will help inform sustainable fisheries policy, protect the food chains tuna rely on, and ensure this magical return continues.

 

🌿 A Win for Nature, Tourism & Community 

The return of bluefin isn’t just good news for marine ecosystems — it’s a boost for wildlife tourism, local pride, and Devon’s growing reputation as a destination where nature comes first. 

As visitors become more curious about sustainable travel and rewilding success stories, bluefin tuna are fast becoming a symbol of hope — and a reason to fall in love with our coast all over again.

“The sight of a bluefin tuna breaching off the South Devon coast is something you’ll never forget,” says marine ecologist Dr Tom Horton. “But to protect this comeback, we need to understand it.” 

 

🎁 Be Part of the Story – and Get Something Special 

To get the research off the ground, Devon Environment Foundation and Exeter University have launched a Crowdfunder offering supporters a range of exclusive rewards:

đŸŽœ Limited-edition “Feeding the Comeback” T-shirts (screen printed in Cornwall)
🎁 Sponsor a tuna sample and get project updates
đŸ›¶ Bluefin watching experiences off the Devon coast (limited availability!)
🎣 Catch-and-release tuna trips with expert guides (for the adventurous)

Every donation helps – and every reward connects you to this one-of-a-kind conservation story unfolding in our own backyard.

👉 Explore the rewards and support the Crowdfunder

 

🐬 Swim Wild, Watch Wisely 

So whether you’re planning a wildlife holiday in Devon or simply dreaming of your next salty sea escape, remember this: there’s more than seabirds and seals to look out for.

You just might catch a glimpse of one of the sea’s greatest comeback stories – happening right here in Devon.

Support the Feeding the Comeback Crowdfunder HERE.

 

Images courtesy of Dr Tom Horton, University of Exeter.