Call for a ban on Mediterranean tuna hunt

An influential global network of governments, scientists and conservationists has called for a ban on fishing for the Mediterranean bluefin tuna.

It is no denying fact that the Mediterranean bluefin tuna is a highly prized species which is threatened with extinction. And keeping in this mind conservation groups along with governments have called for a ban on its fishing. Members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) passed a resolution which urges a total ban on fishing the species and for the creation of a sanctuary for bluefin tuna around Spain's Balearic islands.

The motion passed on Monday that will strengthen the hand of parties seeking tough new rules on tuna fishing at a meeting next month of the global body which overseas the industry, the Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna. Sergi Tudela of WWF welcomed the result of the vote at a IUCN congress saying that common sense is now promising to bring an end to the real shame in the international system of fisheries management.

He also said that the message needs to close the fishery now or have few fish and no fishery into the future is now coming from scientists, from consumers, from communities and from countries. It is evident that bluefin tuna are known for their huge size, power and speed, with maximum weights recorded in excess of 600 kg (1,300 lb). Since last year, market prices for the delicacy have tripled: in Japan a single fish can cost up to $100,000.

The European Unions has shortened the 2008 hunting season of bluefin tuna in order to protect the species but WWF says many tuna are fished illegally, bypassing hunting and quota rules.

Source: Reuters"

WorldFishingToday d. 15-10-2008