Learn More About the Tag-A-Giant Foundation

Join Us to Save the Bluefin Tuna

The powerful northern bluefin tuna that migrate across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans are rapidly declining, due to high demand for sushi. Fearful of the real possibility of this fish becoming commercially extinct, a dedicated group of scientists and recreational fishermen founded the Tag-A-Giant Foundation in 2006. Our goal: to support scientific research, policy and conservation initiatives that promote a sustainable future for bluefin tuna.

Our loose association began in 1994. We've been building the necessary knowledge to maintain bluefin tuna in captivity and how to sustain healthy populations of wild fish. TAG’s scientists have pioneered electronic tagging technologies, learned how to maintain captive tuna populations, and conducted genetic analysis. TAG’s fishers have worked with scientists to capture and release over 1000 bluefin tuna so that we have been able to watch the bluefins' wide-ranging journeys across the oceans.

If you're as captivated by bluefin tuna as we are -- whether a recreational angler, a scientist, or someone who just doesn't want to see such an amazing species decline further -- contact us. No matter what your level of commitment -- donation, participation in our tagging expeditions, or just wanting to know the latest news about bluefin -- we welcome your involvement.

Our Mission

The Tag-A-Giant Foundation (TGF) is committed to reversing the decline of northern bluefin tuna populations by supporting the scientific research necessary to develop innovative and effective policy and conservation initiatives. We will engage scientists, policymakers, fishermen and citizens to chart the course toward rebuilding and maintaining sustainable populations of northern bluefin tuna in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Our Vision

An abundant future for northern bluefin tuna in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. A guaranteed role for bluefin as a top predator in ocean ecosystems. Robust recreational and commercial fisheries for bluefin tuna that thrive in both oceans.

Our Goals

Inspire immediate conservation of bluefin tuna.
Support scientific research that will inform fisheries management at domestic and international levels.
Convene a critical mass of researchers to develop innovative, science-based management techniques that will protect existing bluefin and restore population abundance.
Partner with policymakers and other stakeholders to implement a new bluefin management regime based on the researchers’ recommendations.
Preserve and enhance the opportunities of fishers who depend on bluefin tuna for sport or for their livelihoods.
Contribute to the science and policy of sustainable bluefin tuna farms, including efforts to enable bluefin spawning in captivity.

History

The Tag-A-Giant (TAG) program of Stanford University has pioneered electronic tagging of marine fish species across the globe. The team has tagged over 1,300 northern bluefin tuna in both ocean basins and been at the forefront of developing the new technologies required to study highly migratory marine animals. The increasing decline of bluefin tuna worldwide has catalyzed the TAG team to build a foundation to ensure the future of the species.

The Tag-A-Giant Foundation (TGF) was founded in 2006 by a core group of TAG scientists and funders. TGF was initiated by generous donations of Mr. Richard Worley and Mr. Tom McMurray. These men will oversee the development of the foundation's board. Dr. Barbara A. Block, a professor at Stanford University, is the scientific advisor of TGF and will help oversee development of TGF's scientific board. Dr. Block has over twenty-five years of experience tracking tunas, billfish and sharks; her Stanford laboratory conducts research on captive bluefin, genetics, physiology and electronic tagging. Shana Miller serves as TGF's Science & Policy Coordinator and is spearheading efforts to infuse new scientific knowledge acquired through TGF projects into international and domestic management and conservation of bluefin tuna.