Tuna is the dominant predator in temperate and tropical ocean ecosytems around the world.
It is one of the most commercially valuable fish on Earth, with the major markets focusing on albacore, bigeye, yellowfin and the 3 bluefin species. Skipjack tuna (
Katsuwonus pelamis) is also an important component of the tuna market.
Threats
Tuna is perhaps the most high profile victim of unregulated and uncontrolled overfishing. Bluefin tuna populations have declined alarmingly over the past few decades. The decline has largely been driven by Japanese demand for sushi and sashimi.
There are 2 populations of Atlantic bluefin tuna. The smaller western stock has declined by nearly 90% since the 1970s and is classified as critically endangered. The larger eastern stock, which spawns in the Mediterranean Sea, is currently classified as endangered but in fact is in danger of complete commercial and biological extinction. Both populations are classified as overfished, but overfishing continues.
There are now concerns about the future viability of other tuna species including western and central Pacific bigeye and yellowfin tuna.
What is WWF doing?
WWF works to promote sustainable fishing. Its activities include:
- Ensuring ecologically based fisheries management which delivers equitable benefits to local communities.
- Reducing illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.
- Implementing incentives for sustainable fishing practices.
- Helping inform and engage civil society on the importance, status and management of oceanic fisheries resources.
- Making the tuna fisheries more sustainable by turtle bycatch reduction through gear change and the promotion of best fishing practices.
- Participation in tagging exercises to understand better migration routes and behaviour.
