13/10/2026
🎣 FIRST GENETICALLY CONFIRMED PACIFIC BLUEFIN TUNA IN VICTORIA! 🐟🔥
Article by Jonah Yick
A remarkable discovery has confirmed the first genetically verified recreational captures of Pacific bluefin tuna in Victorian waters, just a stone's throw from Melbourne!
In July 2026, two large tuna caught in Bass Strait by Jack Agius and Fin Chaser Fishing Charters, weighing 165 kg and 131.6 kg respectively, were initially thought to be southern bluefin tuna. However, several unusual features noticed by Wind Against Tide host Dave Standing, myself, and other experienced fishers raised questions about their identity.
Recognising the significance of these captures, Dave quickly coordinated the collection of tissue samples, which were sent to me and promptly analysed by Dr Peter Grewe and his team at CSIRO. DNA testing confirmed both fish were Pacific bluefin tuna, representing the first known recreational captures of the species in Victoria. Even more remarkably, these fish were caught in local waters off Melbourne, less than 10 km from shore.
Over the past few weeks, anglers fishing off Lakes Entrance have experienced an unprecedented run of giant bluefin tuna ranging from 130 kg to almost 220 kg, all suspected to be Pacific bluefin tuna. Thanks to local angler Simon Webster, tissue samples were collected from several of these fish, with further genetic testing now underway at CSIRO.
If confirmed, these captures would suggest that Pacific bluefin tuna may be occurring in Victorian waters far more frequently than previously recognised, raising exciting new questions about the distribution and movements of this highly prized species.
This discovery highlights the incredible value of collaboration between recreational fishers, charter operators, and scientists. A huge thank you to ( ), Ricky Grech(Lakes Charter Fishing- Lakes Entrance), , Simon Webster, Victorian Fisheries Authority and everyone else who contributed samples and information that made this research possible.
