ROME (Reuters) - An influential global network of governments, scientists and conservationists has called for a ban on fishing for the Mediterranean bluefin tuna, a highly prized species which is threatened with extinction.
Members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) passed a resolution which urges a total ban on fishing the species and for the creation of a sanctuary for bluefin tuna around Spain's Balearic islands.
Although non-binding, the motion passed late Monday will strengthen the hand of parties seeking tough new rules on tuna fishing at a meeting next month of the global body which overseas the industry, the Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna.
"Common sense is now promising to bring an end to the real shame in the international system of fisheries management," said Sergi Tudela of WWF (formerly the World Wild Fund for Nature) who welcomed the result of the vote at a IUCN congress in Barcelona. "The message that we need to close the fishery now or have few fish and no fishery into the future is now coming from scientists, from consumers, from communities and from countries," Tudela said.
Bluefin tuna are known for their huge size, power and speed, with maximum weights recorded in excess of 600 kg (1,300 lb). Since last year, market prices for the delicacy have tripled: in Japan a single fish can cost up to $100,000. The fish are prized as a delicacy, especially in sushi and sashimi dishes where cuts are often known as toro or maguro.
The European Unions shortened this year's hunting season to try to protect the species but WWF says many tuna are fished illegally, bypassing hunting and quota rules.
