EU Regulators Ban Bluefin Tuna Fishing In Med., E. Atlantic Effective 6/16/08 - ENN

[hatrack]

EU fisheries regulators have banned trawling from next week for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean to stop overfishing of a species that is approaching stock collapse, the EU executive said on Friday.

Bluefin tuna is prized by sushi lovers and its numbers have fallen sharply after heavy exploitation by EU countries that hunt for it in these waters -- Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain. Last year, their combined national fleets caused the EU to exceed its international catch quota by 25 percent. Scientists say bluefin tuna may die out if fishing is not restricted.

But the incentive to catch bluefin tuna remains strong, particularly in June, the month when around 85 percent of the fish are caught. Since last year, market prices for the delicacy have roughly tripled: in Japan, the major market for bluefin tuna, a single fish can cost up to $100,000.

As of June 16, vessels flying the flags of Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy and Malta will be prohibited from fishing for bluefin tune in either Mediterranean or eastern Atlantic waters. Spain gets a similar ban that will enter into force on June 23.

EDIT

http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/37383

[jpak]

1. Long overdue but poachers will have a hugh incentive to catch and smuggle BFT

in the eastern Atlantic and the ban will increase BFT exploitation in the western Atlantic...