Arshad Mahmood Awan
World Tuna Day, a global observance initiated by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2016, is a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of conservation management and to ensure that tuna stocks are not depleted. Celebrated annually on May 2nd, this day recognizes the critical role of tuna in sustainable development, food security, economic opportunity, and the livelihoods of people worldwide. It also underscores the need for sustainable fishing practices to ensure that tuna is fished responsibly, emphasizing the global impact of our actions.
Tuna is a vital resource for many countries that depend heavily on it for food security and nutrition, economic development, employment, government revenue, livelihoods, culture, and recreation. Over 7 million metric tons of tuna and tuna-like species are harvested yearly, making it one of the most valuable commercial fish species globally. These migratory tuna species account for 20% of the value of all marine capture fisheries and over 8% of all globally traded seafood. The significance of tuna in the global economy cannot be understated, and as such, it is imperative that the species is fished sustainably.
World Tuna Day aims to recognize the value of tuna, both economically and nutritionally, and to raise awareness about the challenges facing the species. Overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices, and bycatch are some of the issues that have resulted in the depletion of tuna stocks. These practices have led to a decline in the population of tuna species and have threatened the sustainability of the industry. As such, World Tuna Day is an opportunity to promote sustainable fishing practices and encourage responsible consumption of tuna.
Sustainable fishing practices are not just a local concern, but a global responsibility. The FAO’s Common Oceans Tuna project, for instance, is a significant effort that aims to ensure that all major tuna stocks are fished at sustainable levels by 2027. This project has made substantial progress in reducing overfishing from 13 to 5 tuna stocks between 2014 and 2019. Similarly, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) have implemented measures to address overfishing and promote sustainable fishing practices. These collective efforts underline the global commitment to preserving our tuna stocks.
World Tuna Day is not just a day of recognition, but a call to action for each one of us. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing practices and to encourage responsible consumption of tuna. By promoting sustainable fishing practices, we can ensure that the tuna population is maintained and that future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits of this valuable resource. Each individual’s choice to consume responsibly can make a significant difference in the conservation of tuna stocks.
Canned tuna has become a staple in many households, especially during the pandemic. It is a versatile and convenient food item that is rich in Omega-3, minerals, proteins, and vitamin B12. However, the increasing demand for tuna over the years has put a strain on the species’ population. According to recent data, 33.3% of the seven principal tuna species have been fished at biologically unsustainable levels. This has led to a need for sustainable fishing practices to ensure that the tuna population is maintained.
To address this issue, the United Nations General Assembly voted to observe World Tuna Day in December 2016. The aim is to raise awareness about the importance of conservation management and to ensure that tuna stocks are not depleted. The FAO’s Common Oceans Tuna project is one such effort that aims to ensure that all major tuna stocks are fished at sustainable levels by 2027. Between 2014 and 2019, the project helped reduce the number of tuna stocks experiencing overfishing from 13 to 5. This ambitious goal is part of the efforts towards more sustainable tuna fishing and biodiversity conservation.
Tuna is not just a fish, but a lifeline for many countries. It is a vital resource that is heavily relied upon for food security and nutrition, economic development, employment, government revenue, livelihoods, culture, and recreation. Over 7 million metric tons of tuna and tuna-like species are harvested yearly, making it one of the most valuable commercial fish species globally. These migratory tuna species account for 20% of the value of all marine capture fisheries and over 8% of all globally traded seafood. Therefore, it is not just essential, but urgent to recognize the critical role of tuna in sustainable development, food security, economic opportunity, and the livelihoods of people worldwide.
Overfishing is a significant issue that needs to be addressed to maintain the tuna population. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations notes that market demand for tuna is still high, and the significant overcapacity of tuna fishing fleets remains. However, there are positive results in reducing overfishing in some FAO relevant programs. These programs include the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
To address the decline in tuna stocks resulting from overfishing in the world’s oceans, the UN Legal Counsel emphasizes the critical importance of effectively implementing the international legal framework. This includes the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Code of Conduct for Sustainable Fishery, the UN Fish Stocks Agreement, recommendations of its Review Conference, annual General Assembly resolutions on sustainable fisheries, and other efforts by the international community at the global, regional, and national levels.
Finally, the future of tuna depends on our collective efforts. It is necessary to ensure that tuna is fished sustainably to maintain the species’ population and prevent it from crashing. Sustainable fishing practices are essential to keep the population of tuna at a healthy level. The positive results in reducing overfishing from some FAO relevant programs are a step in the right direction. It is crucial to recognize the critical role of tuna in sustainable development, food security, economic opportunity, and the livelihoods of people worldwide. As you finish reading this, consider what you can do to support sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of tuna stocks. Let’s remain optimistic about the future of tuna.
