The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a large migratory fish found in the western and eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. This species is at serious risk of extinction if unsustainable fishing practices in the Mediterranean are not stopped.
Bluefin tuna in crisis
What we need
A temporary ban on the international trade of Atlantic bluefin to allow the overexploited species to recover.
Latest news
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10 Mar 2010
All 27 EU countries to back Atlantic bluefin tuna international trade ban
WWF applauds the confirmation from European Union member states that they will vote for a ban on international commercial trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna during a meeting of the largest wildlife trade convention starting this week.
An amazing species with an uncertain future
The Atlantic bluefin tuna can reach over 4 metres in length and average around 250kg in weight.
When chasing prey they travel at speeds that can exceed 70 km/h.
But the bluefin tuna stock in the Mediterranean Sea is at serious risk of collapse.
A massive and hi-tech commerical fishing fleet and illegal fishing could mean that this magnificent species is gone from Mediterranean waters.
It isn't too late... yet.
WWF is demanding a sensible and science-based management scheme in the long term, but this is not happening and the species is collapsing.
The only way to allow the recovery of bluefin tuna stocks in the Atlantic and Mediterranean - and ensure a sustainable fishing industry - is to temporarily ban global trade through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
The time to act is now.
The hunting of highly valued animals into oblivion is a symptom of human foolishness that many consign to the unenlightened past, like the 19th century, when bird species were wiped out for feathered hats and bison were decimated for sport. But the slaughter of the giant bluefin tuna is happening now.
The New York Times
Give bluefin tuna a break
Given the current lack of respect for scientific advice by fisheries decision-makers, WWF is encouraging restaurants, chefs, retailers and consumers to stop serving, buying, selling and eating endangered bluefin tuna – until this amazing species shows signs of recovery.
If you are a retailer, restaurant, chef or hospitality chain that cares about sustainable seafood, get in touch with WWF's Mediterranean Programme to add your name to the bluefin tuna campaign.
