Blue Fin Tuna - Too Little, Too Late

Media Release
The Wilderness Society Sydney Inc
27 October 2009

The announcement on Monday 26 October 2009 by the Australian government that the Southern Blue Fish Tuna catch will be cut by 25% was described by the Wilderness Society as a step in the right direction. The Wilderness Society however warned that the cut is too little, too late and fears it will not be enough to ensure that this magnificent fish is not lost forever.

The agreement was made at the conclusion of a meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Blue Fish Tuna in Korea and commits key Blue Fin Tuna fishing countries to quota cuts over the next two years.  The latest scientific report showed that spawning stocks have been reduced to just 5% of 1940s level. As most fisheries operate at 20 to 40% of spawning stocks, our southern blue fin tuna fishery is nearing collapse.

“Every indication is that the Blue Fin Tuna population is crashing toward extinction,” said Felicity Wishart, marine campaigner for the Wilderness Society. “While it is heartening to see governments finally acting on its plight, the 30% international cut is inadequate for the crisis the blue fin tuna is facing.

“If we were serious about bringing this fish back from the brink,” concluded Ms Wishart, “the fishery would be completely closed while populations recovered.”