Friday, 4th September 2009
Support bluefin tuna ban
Dear Sir,
Support has been steadily growing in Brussels for a commercial ban on bluefin tuna fishing. The species has been severely over-exploited by fishermen in the Mediterranean, keen to meet the demand of the Japanese, where a single bluefin tuna can sell for over $100,000. Scientists estimate there has been a 90 per cent drop in tuna stocks since the 1970s and suggest if there is no change, the tuna population will be wiped out in three years.
A number of EU members, including the UK, France and the Netherlands have given their support for a ban or suspension on tuna fishing until stocks recover. I urge other EU members such as Italy, Spain and Malta to get behind this idea and help protect Mediterranean tuna stocks before it is too late.
STRUAN STEVENSON MEP
