The Bigeye Tuna

The bigeye tuna (scientific name thunnus obesus) is a subspecies of tuna that inhabits the waters the Galapagos, the Coral Triangle, Coastal East Africa, and the Gulf of California. Generally, it is smaller than bluefin tuna, but larger than yellowfin tuna, growing, at most, 6 feet long and weighing, at most, 460 pounds. It has a long, streamlined body with an almost white stomach and lower sides and a dark metallic blue back and upper sides. It can live between 10 and 12 years.

The bigeye tuna is classified as a Vulnerable species. It is this close to becoming extinct for two reasons. The first reason is that its young are increasingly getting caught in fishing nets meant for the skipjack tuna they travel with. Because of this, one of the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF's) efforts to save it consists of partnering with the governments and fishery management organizations around its habitat to advocate for stricter plans to reduce the amount of it that are caught in these fishing nets. The second reason is that it is increasingly getting caught in fishing nets that are actually meant for it, as it is prized in Asian markets as sashimi and in various other markets as both fresh and frozen seafood. Because of this, another one of the WWF's efforts to save it consists of ensuring that it is harvested responsibly and managed sustainably. All of this is being done because it is an integral part of the marine environment as a whole, as it is a top predator in this food chain and, therefore, helps maintain balance in this environment.

Source for picture and all information: https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/bigeye-tuna