UK Bluefin Tuna Comeback: Nature's Resilience, Says WWF
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UK Bluefin Tuna Comeback: Nature's Resilience, Says WWF
Image source: Henry Kirkwood/WWF-UK
Image caption: Bluefin tuna have returned in significant numbers to the waters off Cornwall
By Justin Rowlatt
Climate Editor
Published 3 hours ago
Bluefin tuna, once nearly extinct in UK waters, have made a remarkable comeback, highlighting the power of conservation efforts, according to a new report from WWF.
The return of these giant predators is just one of several wildlife recovery stories detailed in the Living Planet Report 2026. Despite the global decline in monitored wildlife populations, the report offers a glimmer of hope.
A Historical Perspective
The UK's bluefin tuna population suffered a dramatic decline due to overfishing in the 1960s, nearly vanishing from these waters.
A Success Story of Conservation
The report attributes this recovery to international cooperation, including:
- Reduced catch quotas
- Size limits on fish
- Protection of spawning grounds
Hannah Rudd, head of marine at the Angling Trust, praises these efforts, calling it close to an "explosion" in the tuna population.
Global Recovery Stories
The WWF report showcases other conservation successes worldwide:
- Tigers: A 70% increase in numbers, from around 3,200 in 2010 to approximately 5,700 in 2025.
- Green Sea Turtle: Downgraded from "endangered" to "least concern" after 50 years of conservation efforts.
- Elephants: Stable or growing populations in parts of southern Africa due to community-based conservation initiatives.
The Science of Hope
Mike Barrett, chief scientific adviser at WWF-UK, emphasizes the importance of a clear goal, a credible plan, and people's belief in making a difference. He calls this "the science of hope," not wishful thinking, but active action.
A Mixed Picture for Nature
Despite these successes, the overall state of the world's wildlife remains concerning. WWF's analysis shows global monitored wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73% since 1970.
Tracking Wildlife Populations
Using data from the Zoological Society of London, WWF tracks nearly 36,000 populations of almost 6,000 species, revealing a mixed picture of stability and decline.
Image source: Emmanuel Rondeau/WWF-US
Image caption: The Khata Biological Corridor in Nepal has contributed to the recovery of local tiger populations.