THE MTR ROYAN PROJECT

What is the Mission Thon Rouge ?
Created in 2025, the Mission Thon Rouge (MTR) is an association dedicated to organizing fish tagging campaigns for scientific research.
Initiated by the Pays Royannais Sport Fishermen's Association (PSPR), the Royan Town Hall, the local SNSM (Sea Rescue), and the MTR association, this project is based on a unique synergy between scientists, recreational fishermen, and institutions. The objective is simple yet ambitious: to provide concrete assistance to IFREMER (French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea) in its study of Atlantic bluefin tuna populations.

Mission Area: From Cordouan to Arcachon Although the association is based in Royan, our tagging campaigns cover a strategic maritime sector ranging from the Cordouan Lighthouse to the northern Arcachon Bay, extending up to 30 nautical miles offshore. This area represents a vital migratory corridor for bluefin tuna during the summer season.

The Bluefin Tuna: A Little-Known Great Traveler
The Northern bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is an iconic species, fished for over 7,000 years. It is an essential "apex predator" for the balance of marine ecosystems.

• A marine athlete: It can weigh over 600 kg (up to 900 kg) and measure up to 4 meters.
  
• An untiring migrator: During its 40-year lifespan, it travels thousands of nautical miles to feed in cold waters and reproduce in warm waters.
  
• Complex management: Its constant movement between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean makes its protection difficult without precise knowledge of its trajectories.
  

Our main missions consist of:

• Collecting DNA samples (determining sex and age).
• Studying complex migratory routes of the bluefin tuna.
• Analyzing the climatic impact on large pelagic populations.

No-Kill Commitment: All tuna are tagged and released in less than 2 minutes to guarantee their well-being and survival.