Bluefin tuna are considered suitable candidates for aquaculture due to their high market demand, rapid growth rate, favourable edible meat-to-body ratio, and tolerance to a wide range of temperatures. In Malta, bluefin tuna are typically captured from the wild and transferred to offshore cages, located approximately 6 km off the southeast coast. These fish are then fattened over a period of time using large quantities of feed. Since the early 2000s, significant efforts—supported by EU-funded projects—have been made to improve tuna breeding and spawning techniques in captivity.

Despite its economic importance, bluefin tuna farming raises several environmental and sustainability concerns. One major issue is that most farms rely on capturing wild juveniles rather than breeding fish entirely in captivity, which places continued pressure on already vulnerable wild populations.

Another concern is the high demand for feed. Tuna require large quantities of smaller fish, such as sardines and mackerel, leading to additional pressure on marine ecosystems and contributing to overfishing of these species.

Fish farming operations can also impact the surrounding marine environment. Waste products, including uneaten feed and fish excrement, can accumulate beneath cages, leading to nutrient enrichment (eutrophication), reduced oxygen levels, and degradation of seabed habitats.

There are also concerns related to disease transmission and parasites, which can spread more easily in densely stocked cages and potentially affect wild fish populations. Additionally, the use of chemicals or treatments to manage these issues may have unintended environmental consequences.

Finally, tuna farming raises ethical and welfare concerns, as these are highly migratory species adapted to vast ocean spaces, yet are confined within relatively small cages for extended periods.