Bluefin tuna in crisis
Mediterranean bluefin tuna is on the verge of collapse.
Latest news
27 Jun 2008
Spanish government data reveal overshoot of Mediterranean tuna fishing quota
WWF and Greenpeace have expressed serious concern at official data released by the Spanish government revealing an overshoot of the country’s fishing quota for Mediterranean bluefin tuna in the 2007 season – of over 25 per cent.
Spanish government data reveal overshoot of Mediterranean tuna fishing quota
WWF and Greenpeace have expressed serious concern at official data released by the Spanish government revealing an overshoot of the country’s fishing quota for Mediterranean bluefin tuna in the 2007 season – of over 25 per cent.
The hunting of highly valued animals into oblivion is a symptom of human foolishness that many consign to the unenlightened past, like the 19th century, when bird species were wiped out for feathered hats and bison were decimated for sport. But the slaughter of the giant bluefin tuna is happening now.
The New York Times
EU closes bluefin tuna fishery early - time for more radical steps.
The European Commission has closed the Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery to EU industrial fleets, two weeks before the official season ends - but it's not the end game! Urgent and more far-reaching fisheries management reform is needed to avoid the collapse of the species.Boycott Mediterranean bluefin
As more and more major European retailers boycott Mediterranean bluefin tuna, WWF is calling on other supermarket chains - and chefs, restaurants, consumers - to follow suit, until the imperilled species is out of the danger zone.France's Auchan group, with a nearly 14% share of the retail fish trade, declared its boycott on 28 December, noting that scientists had advised a 15,000 tonne ceiling on annual catches, while the international tuna management body was allowing a 2008 quota of 29,500 tonnes.
"Moreover, each year, captures greatly exceed the fixed quotas," Auchan said in a statement outlining how the ban had been taken in line with its policy of pursuing a sustainable trade in fish.
Wake-up call
“The seafood industry is waking up to its responsibilities, recognising that there is not an endless supply of fish like bluefin tuna. By taking action now, retailers can help give this amazing species a fighting chance of survival, for the benefit of both business and the marine ecosystem,” continued Dr Tudela.
Read more on the Mediterranean bluefin boycott
