09 Nov 2007 - Antalya,
Turkey Members of the international body
responsible for the management of bluefin
tuna in the Mediterranean Sea must agree
to a moratorium on fishing for this imperilled
species or risk the end of a valuable fishery.
WWF is calling on the International Commission
for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT)
meeting this week in Antalya, Turkey,
from 9 to 18 November to support a multi-annual
closure of the fishery for at least 3 years
to give stocks a chance of recovery.
A healthy Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery
for the future demands management measures
based on scientific advice and strict enforcement
," says Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries
at WWF Mediterranean.
"But if fishing levels continue at
the present rate there will simply be no
tuna left to catch.
Mediterranean bluefin tuna highly prized
around the world, especially in Japan for
sushi and sashimi has been under increasing
pressure from overfishing. Scientists have
repeatedly raised concern that the stock
is at risk of collapse, but ICCAT has repeatedly
failed to act.
Another season of massive overfishing and
illegal activity this year has highlighted
major management problems facing Mediterranean
bluefin tuna. Under-reported and laundered
catch, illegal sale of quotas, lack of monitoring
and control are all hampering any kind of
sound management, and putting Mediterranean
bluefin under threat of imminent collapse.
This year ICCAT has a unique opportunity
to give this majestic species a fighting
chance of survival, adds Dr Tudela.
The choice is simple: moratorium today
for a sustainable fishery tomorrow, or do
nothing and fish this princely species to
an untimely death.
Gemma Parkes, Communications Officer
WWF Mediterranean
