Source: Full text WWF Press Release
Global conservation organization WWF has launched a consumer boycott of Mediterranean bluefin tuna, reinforcing the momentum already taking hold among restaurateurs and retailers around the world who are refusing to buy and sell the imperiled fish - until strong recovery and management measures are put in place in this fishery.
“It is now the turn of consumers - as well as restaurant owners, chefs, and retailers - to stand up for sustainable seafood, and help bring this magnificent species back from the brink,†says Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean. “The WWF boycott is a strong message from the market to fisheries decision-makers that enough is enough.â€
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) has been responsible for the management of Mediterranean bluefin tuna for more than 40 years. But its quota system has failed, and the species is now on the verge of commercial and biological collapse - highly threatened by illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, the dramatic overcapacity of fishing fleets, lack of control, and inadequate management measures. Mediterranean bluefin is considered the best tuna by far for quality sushi and sashimi, and this unprecedented popularity fetches high prices and fuels the overfishing.
“Time is running out to save tuna - but the consumer’s voice can help make a difference,†adds Tudela. “WWF is calling on ICCAT when it meets this November to close the Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery until conditions are in place for a real recovery plan that is scientifically based and strictly controlled.â€