Bluefin tuna in crisis

Mediterranean bluefin tuna is on the verge of collapse.

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

What you can do

Check out our consumer advice and find out how you can avoid industrially overfished bluefin tuna from the Mediterranean.