NOAA: Atlantic bluefin tuna not endangered

Well, the Mediterranean stock is probably a goner, but according to the geniuses at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (in the fisheries department -- I have a lot of respect for all the good and great things NOAA does), the Atlantic bluefin tuna stock is NOT endangered.

But two years from now, and several thousands tons of prime toro later, they'll revisit the decision, and probably find out that they should have been more conservative.

"NOAA is formally designating both the western Atlantic and eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean stocks of bluefin tuna as “species of concern” under the Endangered Species Act. This places the species on a watchlist for concerns about its status and threats to the species."

Bluefin tuna 'a species of concern' but not endangered, says NOAA

From the Washington Post:

NOAA declines to protect Atlantic bluefin tuna

Quoting "Over the past 50 years, the adult population of eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna has declined 74 percent. In the western Atlantic, there has been an 82 percent drop in 40 years."

I guess I'd find that concerning.

And consternating.