Bluefin tuna in crisis
Italy flouting bluefin tuna rules
Latest news
13 Oct 2008
Spain, Japan back bluefin tuna ban
Key fishing state Spain and key tuna market Japan joined with a majority of other countries to back closing the Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna fishery until it can be brought under control and establishing protected areas in the main breeding grounds.
Spain, Japan back bluefin tuna ban
Key fishing state Spain and key tuna market Japan joined with a majority of other countries to back closing the Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna fishery until it can be brought under control and establishing protected areas in the main breeding grounds.
BBC news: Closure call for tuna 'disgrace'
Japan to back calls to close the bluefin tuna fishery
"Fisheries agency official Hideki Moronuki told BBC News: "Urgent and effective action has to be taken for the conservation and sustainable use of this particular species. We believe that with this particular motion we can do something for the conservation of bluefin tuna, so that in future it can become a sustainable fishery." Read the BBC report
"Fisheries agency official Hideki Moronuki told BBC News: "Urgent and effective action has to be taken for the conservation and sustainable use of this particular species. We believe that with this particular motion we can do something for the conservation of bluefin tuna, so that in future it can become a sustainable fishery." Read the BBC report
“Fishing for bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean is unsustainable and totally out of control. In light of the data in WWF’s latest report, the Italian government now has all the elements to combat this widespread system of illegal fishing,” Michele Candotti, CEO of WWF Italy. Read more
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 has declared its boycott last year, 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.
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
