Bluefin tuna failed by ICCAT, again
December 1, 2010, 18:10, by
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) has on many occasions been dubbed the International Conspiracy to Catch All Tuna, and not without reason. This international organization is supposed to be in charge of managing the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery but at their annual meeting in Paris last week, it failed again to make substantial cuts in the bluefin tuna quotas for 2011, leaving the species little chance of survival.
Bluefin tuna in a floating cage in the Tyrrhenian Sea off Italy
by Marco Carè/Marine Photobank
Bluefin tuna is so heavily threatened by overfishing and poaching activity in the Mediterranean Sea that the iconic fish might disappear from this region within 5 years, unless action is taken. The question is, if nothing is done, which species will be next? Where will the short term thinking stop? When will those in power see that the protection of our precious marine ecosystems is a far more sensible option then this ongoing human greed and the making of a quick buck?
One can be appalled by the inaction and political unwill from our respresentatives in Brussels as well as those at ICCAT but it should come as no surprise. Once again it shows that real change will ultimately have to come from ordinary people, showing the dedication and compassion to make the difference. One thing is for sure: The Black Fish will not stand by to witness this senseless slaughter. When the organization was founded, it made a commitment to protection Europe's oceans and we intend to live up to this promise to the best of our abilities.
The Black Fish is planning action campaigns on various issues this coming summer. Your continued support will make the difference to the success of our efforts. Please visit our support page to see how you can help.
