Bluefin tuna is considered an exceedingly value added fish species. It is one of the valuable fish as it is very tasty and is well known by sushi lovers over the world mainly in Japan. Sports fishers are really fond of Bluefin tuna because they believe that this species is fast, powerful and put up a good fight. However, prices for Bluefin are rising drastically because it is one among the fish which is considered to be over-exploited.
In the end of year 2010, one Bluefin tuna weighing at 340kg were sold at approximately $400,000 in Tokyo’s fish market. This was very shocking news for the population by seeing the amount paid for Bluefin tuna.
Since 1970, increase in demand for Bluefin tuna has led fishing industries to look for a more effective way to catch Bluefin. This has resulted in a huge fall in fish stock especially of breeding-age fish. Research has shown that the stock level has fallen about more than 80 percent over the past 40 years. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has listed Bluefin Tuna as “critically endangered” species.
One of the major issues is the way we see the economics. None of the fishing markets are willing to compete against the conservation of biodiversity, no one is ready to pay $400,000 to have fishermen let this fish alone.
Governments from all over the world have subsidized to the over-exploitation of the many fish species together with Bluefin Tuna. They have even subsidized the commercial catching of fish with billions of dollars each year by using modern fishing vessels.
However, we need to continue seeking for the ban of catching of Bluefin tuna and other fish species which are considered to be over-exploited. Strict rules and regulations need to be set forward when it comes to global fisheries. Also, awareness campaign should be set for consumers in order to remind them that they should avoid fish that are considered to be critically endangered.
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Ref: http://www.tillsonburgnews.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2943608
