U.N. Votes Against Bluefin Tuna Ban
Posted on | March 18, 2010 | 2 Comments
Of all the issues surrounding sustainable fisheries in the world today, the bluefin tuna debacle stands out as the biggest. This issue is so big you see headlines about it in most major newspapers around the globe. SOP hopes more of the general public internalizes this problem and becomes engaged in actively promoting fish conservation and sustainable seafood.
We're not talking about small fish here
ICCAT, the international body responsible for setting bluefin tuna quotas, has consistently allowed unsustainable harvests despite scientific findings of declining biomass. Some estimates put the species’ numbers at 85% below their historic levels. When terrestrial animals such as elephants and polar bears get down to these population levels, they receive extra protection to make sure they are around for future generations.
Today, the United Nations Convention voted against further protections for the majestic species. Leading the charge to institute a total ban on all export of bluefin tuna was Monaco. The United States and a handful of other countries are on record supporting the proposal because ICCAT has shown little willpower to properly manage harvest. Unfortunately, Japan, which consumes most of the world’s bluefin tuna, rounded up Canada and a bunch of developing countries to sway the Convention’s vote in favor of short term economic gain.
U.N. decides not to intervene
While SOP believes the total ban on the export of bluefin is a necessary measure at this point, it is not a viable long term solution. The ban would have applied across the board, even to countries and fishermen who strive for a sustainable fishery. If populations ever recover, science (not politics or economics) must be the basis for setting harvest levels.
Tags: bluefin > fishery > ICCAT > seafood > sustainable > tuna > United Nations
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April 6th, 2010 @ 4:35 AM
I heard news coverage of this on the Canadian Forces Network (CFN), which is broadcast as a public service for Canadian forces stationed overseas. According to their news coverage, Canada led the charge to vote against further protections for blue fin tuna.
April 7th, 2010 @ 12:58 PM
Great to hear the CFN is being honest and critical of its government’s actions on this. Eventually, enough people around the world will be aware of this tragedy. Hopefully, it won’t be too late to take action.