Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Do Atlantic bluefin tuna still have a chance?


According to this article in the Huffington Post, relatively strict enforcement of low catch quotas for Mediterranean and Atlantic bluefin tuna may be having an effect.  Hard to believe, but apparently given the chance, tuna do what comes naturally, which is, make more tuna.

Atlantic bluefin tuna to be discussed by fisheries nations

Thanks in part to a sharp reduction in the amount of fish legally caught, the bluefin population in the Atlantic is on the rebound though "the magnitude and speed of the increase vary considerably," according to a stock assessment by scientists released ahead of the annual International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas which starts Monday in Morocco.
So what is the cultured Japanese sushi consumer eating now?  Tilapia?

But this is way too early to celebrate.  Further down:


"This year is really a test year for ICCAT," said Amanda Nickson, director of the Global Tuna Conservation Campaign at the Pew Environment Group.

"The stock assessment results seem to indicate there may be the possibility of a glimmer of recovery but it's so uncertain at the moment," she said. "This is the first year where they will have to stick to science even if does look like there is a bit of good news. So it's important from our perspective we retain pressure on governments at ICCAT to listen to that science. Our key message is hold those quotas where they are."
So it's all up to ICCAT... again.  Pardon me if I don't hold my breath.



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