Tuna (Scombridae) are a family of large, fast-swimming fish that are highly prized for their meat. These fish are often found in the open waters of Marsa Alam.

Physical Characteristics:

Streamlined Body: Adapted for fast swimming.
Powerful Muscles: For rapid bursts of speed.
Dark Blue to Black Coloration: Camouflages them in the water.

Behavior:

Carnivorous: Feed on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Schooling: Often form large schools.
Migratory: Undertake long migrations to feeding and spawning grounds.

Why You Should See Them:

Powerful Swimmers: Watching these fish swim is a breathtaking sight.
Importance to the Fishing Industry: Tuna is a valuable commercial fish.
Conservation Efforts: Sustainable fishing practices are essential to protect tuna populations.

Why Marsa Alam is a Tuna Fishing Hotspot:

Abundant Food Supply: The Red Sea is teeming with baitfish and other smaller fish, providing a plentiful food source for tuna.
Strong Currents: These currents attract a variety of pelagic fish, including tuna, to the area.
Diverse Tuna Species: Marsa Alam offers the opportunity to target several tuna species, including yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna.

Popular Tuna Fishing Techniques in Marsa Alam:

Trolling: This technique involves dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat to attract tuna.
Jigging: This technique involves casting a weighted lure to the bottom and then reeling it in with a jerking motion to attract tuna.

Best Dive Sites in Marsa Alam to Spot Tuna:

Open Water: Tuna are often spotted in deeper waters, away from the coast.

Best Time to Fish for Tuna in Marsa Alam:

The best time to fish for tuna in Marsa Alam is during the winter months, from November to April. During this time, the water temperatures are cooler, and the fish are more active.

Conservation Efforts:

Overfishing is a major threat to tuna populations. It’s important to support sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation efforts to protect these valuable fish.