Pacific Bluefin Tuna Confirmed in Victorian Waters, Boosting Local Economy

CSIRO confirmed in October 2026 that two unusually large tuna caught in July 2026 off Bass Strait were Pacific bluefin tuna, a species rarely recorded in Australian recreational fisheries[2][4]. This discovery has ignited a surge of interest in Victoria's coastal town of Lakes Entrance, where anglers are now catching similarly large tuna, some exceeding 200 kilograms, with genetic testing underway to confirm their species[1][7].

This unexpected appearance of Pacific bluefin tuna in southern Australian waters marks a significant shift in understanding tuna distribution and presents a potential economic boon for the East Gippsland region, drawing anglers from across the country[1][7][9].

What the records show

In July 2026, two large tuna were caught by recreational anglers near Western Port Bay off Bass Strait[4]. One fish weighed approximately 165 kilograms and measured 2.12 meters, while the second weighed 131.6 kilograms and measured 2.02 meters[4]. Initially, these were thought to be Southern bluefin tuna, a more common species in the area[4]. However, Tuna Champions Scientific Ambassador Jonah Yick and experienced fisher Dave Standing noted unusual features, prompting them to arrange for muscle samples to be sent for genetic testing to CSIRO[4]. In mid-October 2026, CSIRO announced that DNA screening confirmed both fish were Pacific bluefin tuna, marking the first genetically confirmed recreational catches of this species in Victorian waters[2][4]. Following these confirmations, anglers off Lakes Entrance began reporting numerous large tuna catches, many over 100 kilograms and some exceeding 200 kilograms[1][7]. Preliminary assessments suggest these fish may also be Pacific bluefin tuna, and samples have been sent to CSIRO for genetic testing[7][9]. Ricky Grech, operator of Lakes Charter Fishing, reported an early major catch of a 154 kg bluefin tuna landed by his 10-year-old son, Oliver, assisted by Troy Grech[9].

The timeline

The unusual activity began in July 2026 when the first two large tuna were caught off Bass Strait[4]. These catches prompted scientific inquiry due to their unusual characteristics[4]. By mid-October 2026, CSIRO officially confirmed the identity of these fish as Pacific bluefin tuna through DNA testing[2][4]. In the recent weeks leading up to October 2026, reports of numerous large tuna catches, some over 200 kilograms, began emerging from Lakes Entrance[1][7]. Samples from these more recent catches have been sent to CSIRO for further genetic analysis[7][9].

What changed and for whom

The confirmed presence of Pacific bluefin tuna has brought Lakes Entrance into the