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EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.
Defra: Britain has indicated its support for an international ban on the sale of bluefin tuna, the long term survival of which is threatened by over fishing. The docu-film The End of the Line, released earlier this year, presented the bluefin as the starkest example of 21st Century over-fishing. It is considered a highly valued delicacy in many parts of the world where a fully grown bluefin tuna can command up to $100,000 US (£60,800) at market.
Monaco has drafted a proposal that the species be added to Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the European Union is currently considering whether to add its support and act as co-sponsor to their call. The European Commission has tabled a proposal for the species to be listed at the next meeting of CITES which takes place in Doha in March 2010.
Management of Atlantic tuna fisheries is currently undertaken by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Bluefin tuna will be discussed at the annual meeting to be held in Recife, Brazil in November 2009.
Press release ~ Defra: Marine environment ~ Marine & Freshwater Fisheries ~ The End of the Line Film ~ Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) ~ International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) ~ Bluefin tuna: Commission proposes application of revised ICCAT recovery plan
