European Union member states ignore their responsability to conserve bluefin tuna

Lead by Mediterranean countries, the EU rejects the proposal for a bluefin tuna international trade ban

Press Release Date: April 26, 2010

Location: Madrid

Contact:

Marta Madina | email: mmadina@oceana.org | tel.: Marta Madina

Oceana and Marviva are disappointed at the irresponsible behaviour of EU member states in today rejecting support for the Monaco proposal to add bluefin tuna to CITES Appendix I. The proposal, which was intended to ban international trade in order to preserve the species, was strongly opposed by Mediterranean countries.

Xavier Pastor, Executive Director for Oceana in Europe stated: β€œIt is deplorable that the EU member states who are mostly responsible for the depletion of bluefin tuna stocks, refused to agree a measure that would have helped reverse the situation. They continue to defend the interests of the tuna fishing industry with apparent disregard for the fact they are pushing tuna to the point of no return.”