The allusive bluefin tuna is one of the largest, fastest and most sought-after fish in the wild sea. Bluefin tuna can weigh more than half a ton, measure more than four meters in length and dive up to 1,000 meters deep. They can reach speeds of 70 miles per hour and even raise their body temperature well above that of the surrounding water in order to cross arctic waters. They are among the most ambitious of migratory fish, with some tagged bluefin tuna being tracked swimming from North American waters to European waters several times a year. Bluefin tuna is unique, a perfectly adapted product of evolution. They are also dangerously close to extinction (Brown). Today, bluefin tuna has been fished at 97 percent of pre-fishing levels in the 1950s (Walsh). Much of this stock depletion comes from overfishing. Fished for its dense, dark red flesh used in sushi, bluefin tuna has become a highly valuable fish for commercial fishing as consumers continue to want more of it and are willing to pay premium prices to get it (Foster ). However, scientists are asking sushi lovers to stop eating bluefin tuna, in order to help stocks return to balance (Walsh). While much of the developed world also loves sushi, Japan itself consumes 80 percent of the world's bluefin tuna. In Japan, where sushi is a cultural delight and is taken very seriously, the best pieces of sashimi or O-Toro, which are small, thinly sliced ​​raw pieces of bluefin tuna, can sell for up to $24 each for 1 ounce. . portion at high-end sushi restaurants. (Foster) In early 2013, at the Tsukij fish market in Tokyo, the best example of the price of a bluefin tuna came when a single bluefin tuna was sold for $1.78 million. This particular bluefin tuna weighed 489 p... middle of paper ...... December 2013. In the article "Japan's Bluefin Tuna Is Disappearing: Few Chefs Fear a Shortage", by Malcolm Foster , the author explains how Japan looks at bluefin tuna. It also gives details about the industry and the role it plays in Japan. Mercopress. Bluefin Tuna opens 2013 with a record auction price in Tsukiji: $1.78 million. (2013). Internet. December 20, 2013. In the article, “Bluefin Tuna opens 2013 with record auction price in Tsukiji. » The article explains how a single bluefin tuna sold for $1.78 million and why it cost so much. Walsh, Bryan. Pacific bluefin tuna: it's okay, it's okay. (2013). Internet. December 20, 2013. In the article “Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Going, Going” by Bryan Walsh, the author explains the situation around bluefin tuna. The author cites scientific evidence with authors in the field of marine biology and studies.