World Tuna Day (02/05)

World Tuna Day, which is celebrated on May 2, was proclaimed by a UN General Assembly resolution (№ 71/274) in December 2016 to raise awareness among the world's population about the value of this type of fish, the threats faced tuna populations, and the economic and social benefits of sustainable management of tuna stocks. The draft resolution was co-sponsored by 93 States.

Tunas – are a group of sea fish of the mackerel family (Scombridae). There are about 40 varieties of tuna in nature, which vary greatly in size and weight. The smallest representative of – mackerel tuna – is approximately 50 cm in size and weighs 1.8 kg. And the largest representative of a kind of – common tuna – can reach a length of up to 4.5 m and weigh more than 600 kg.

Tuna live in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean Sea. But they can also be found in more temperate latitudes. In search of food, these schooling pelagic fish travel long distances. Their diet consists of crustaceans, mollusks and fish. In addition, they are capable of accelerating to 90 km/h.

Tunas – are an important fishing object and are also valued among recreational fishermen. According to the UN, more than 96 countries are currently employed in the tuna industry, thousands of tuna vessels operate in all oceans, and their capacity is growing most rapidly in the Indian and Pacific oceans. About 7 million tons of tuna are caught worldwide every year.

Tuna fishing is aimed at meeting the needs of the canning industry and cooking. Tuna has become one of the most beloved and sought-after seafood delicacies these days. The meat of this fish, eaten raw, fried and canned, is valued for its delicate taste, complete absence of foreign odors, high protein content and a huge range of beneficial properties.

In addition, many countries, both developing and developed, are heavily dependent on tuna resources, not only for food security and nutrition, but also for economic development, employment, government revenues, livelihoods, culture and leisure.

However, due to overfishing, environmental threats caused by human activities and the effects of climate change, tuna populations and habitats have declined significantly in recent decades, bringing some tuna species to the brink of extinction.

Therefore, the UN, and in particular the – Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), controls marine fisheries and takes measures to protect and conserve the valuable resources of the world's oceans. After all, 16% of the world's fish stocks are currently overfished, and 8% – are significantly depleted. And the most actively exploited tuna stocks are. According to the latest data, of the seven main types of tuna, 33.3% of stocks are caught in violation of biological requirements.

Tunas – are an important fishing object (Photo: londondeposit, licensed by depositphotos.com)

Thus, in 1995, the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries was adopted. It sets standards for fisheries that should not harm the flora and fauna of the seas and oceans. Recommendations include eliminating fishing methods and tools that harm marine and ocean ecosystems, limiting fishing, and taking steps to replenish fish populations. For example, one of the solutions in this situation is – aquaculture, that is, artificial cultivation and fattening of tuna in pens specially created for these purposes.

So today's date – Tuna Day – is an occasion to pay attention to the conservation of the planet's fisheries resources and share advanced developments in this area. The UN invites all member states of the organization and other international and regional organizations and civil society in general to properly celebrate this Day in accordance with national priorities in order to raise awareness of the value of tuna, the threats faced by tuna populations and the economic and social benefits of sustainable management tuna stocks.



• Infographics – poster «Tuna Day»

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