Tourism operator has investigated the practicality of fishing for large bluefin tuna off the Outer Hebrides. An Isle of Harris fishing skipper and tourism operator, who recently became the star of a US TV show, and Marine Scotland are working to track and trace the species that are commonly found in the Mediterranean Sea, around the west coast of Scotland.

In 2013, Captain Angus Campbell, from Kilda Cruises, caught a 515lb bluefin tuna in the Outer Hebrides waters. It was recently telecasted on the Outdoor Channel’s Trev Gowdy’s Monster Fish programme and got millions of viewers.

In the programme, the presenter, American fishing expert Fred Lavitman, expressed that before finally hooking a 500lb fish, large bluefin tuna, there were doubts about finding tuna in Scotland. But now, it has become more common over the past few years.

It was thought that tuna slowly but surely moved to north when herring and mackerel stocks recovered and the water temperature showed a rise.

Mr. Campbell has decided to carry out the study with Marine Scotland to spot tuna with satellites and track where they come from and where they go to.

He said, “After I caught the first rod-line caught tuna in Scotland, I was approached by the American TV producers. The advertising the Outer Hebrides has received from the programme is incredible”.

In addition to it, he mentioned that he is also collaborating with UHI Lews Castle College in Stornoway with a motive to carry out water temperature sampling.

He said that the study will give a clearer idea of time and water temperature change and how it is in touch with the arrival of the tuna.

Anne MacAulay, from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, who are supporting the project, said that the main aim of the study is to support ocean science research, which will enable all to gain more understanding of the marine life in the Outer Hebrides and will present opportunities for economic development.