By atuna.com
Tuna lovers can unite on May 2 by celebrating the first annual International World Tuna Day.
Ministers of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) launched the global initiative last July to turn the spotlight on the popular seafood and to recognize its value as an important resource.
For consumers who enjoy tuna’s great taste and high nutritional value, and for retailers who benefit from its trade, World Tuna Day will be a reminder to both that sustainable fishing practices are necessary for a healthy future.
The PNA, made up of eight Pacific island countries, will mark the significant day and their 30th anniversary with festivities in Alotau, Papua New Guinea on May 2. The PNA ministers are also expected to meet in Alotau to discuss policy and sustainable development, while delegates will gather for their annual meeting April 23-27.
The PNA are active leaders in tuna conservation and management. The Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu are home to the world’s largest sustainable tuna purse seine fishery, which supplies 50% of the world’s skipjack tuna. Their fishing grounds also supply about 25% of the global catch of all tuna species.
To promote World Tuna Day and to increase awareness, the PNA is also sponsoring the World Tuna Day Art and Talent Quest. The contest encourages PNA nationals to enter their artwork, poetry, performance or short film to win USD 3000. The winning entry will also be featured on the PNA’s websites and promoted in international media on May 2.
Entries must encompass one or all of the following themes:
-Pacific Tuna in the wild
-Tuna and local cultures and lifestyles
-Pacific ways of fishing for tuna
-Islanders working together to conserve and manage tuna
Entries must be sent to worldtunaday@pnatuna.com by April 16, 2012. Poetry or short story (max 5000 words), photos of artwork, short films (20 minutes or less), or filmed music, dance and drama performances will be accepted.
Entry is free. No late entries accepted. Proof of nationality will be required for the winning entry before the prize is awarded.