U.S. Announces Support for Appendix I CITES Listing for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

U.S. Announces Support for Appendix I CITES Listing for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

The United States’ support for an international proposal to protect Atlantic bluefin tuna comes not a moment too soon, according to the IGFA, and hopefully not a moment too late. The highly migratory species, which can exceed 10 ft. in length and traverse the ocean in just two months, is extremely valued in commercial markets for sashimi and sushi. Prices for a single bluefin have been as high as $150,000 in Japan, which consumes the most tuna annually. High demand coupled with a track record of poor management has caused bluefin tuna populations to decline by more than 60% in the past decade – running dangerously close to commercial extinction.

At the urging of the IGFA and other conservation organizations, the United States has announced that it will support an international proposal to protect the bluefin tuna. In a statement released on Wednesday, March 3^rd, 2010, the Department of the Interior acknowledged that populations of the iconic fish have declined so precipitously that the species now qualifies for protection under Appendix I of commercial regulation from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife Flora and Fauna (CITES). A CITES listing for bluefin would effectively prohibit international trade of the species but would still allow U.S. commercial fishermen to fish for and sell bluefin domestically.  The regulation would also have absolutely no effect on U.S. recreational anglers fishing for bluefin.

In a letter recommending the Appedix I designation, IGFA President Rob Kramer explained that: “Poorly managed fishing quotas resulting in overfishing, as well as illegal, unregulated, and unreported catches are largely to blame for the steep decline in bluefin numbers. In repeatedly ignoring the recommendations of the scientific and conservation communities, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas has proved to the world that they are overly influenced by the economic revenue generated by international trade and that they are unable to provide management regulations that are in the best long term interest for the species.”

The current situation with Atlantic bluefin tuna not only underscores the need for improved fisheries management, but also more recreational angler representation. As a vibrant entity with considerable global participation and economic impact, recreational fishermen have a vested interest in the conservation of this species and its protection from commercial overharvest.

Download the News Release from the United States Department of the Interior: FinalNRbluefin030310-1.pdf (105.32 kb)