The United Nations(UN)’s World Tuna Day is annually observed across the globe on 2nd May to create awareness about the importance of Tuna and to promote sustainable fishing practices.
World Tuna Day is observed to promote the conservation and sustainable stock management of deep-sea species.
Background:
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/71/124 on 7th December 2016 and proclaimed the 2nd May of every year as the World Tuna Day.
The first World Tuna Day was observed on 2nd May 2017.
Facts of Tuna:
i.Tuna and Tuna like species include around 40 species which are found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans and in the Mediterranean Sea.
ii.According to the report of the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO), the global stock of more than one third of seven principal tuna and tuna-like species is estimated to reach biologically sustainable levels due to overfishing in the deep sea.
iii.The demand in tuna is high due to its nutritional value like Omega-3, minerals, proteins and vitamin B12, among other advantages.
iv.The global population of tuna has declined by more than 97 percent due to overfishing and illegal fishing.
Tuna and Sustainable development:
Many countries depend on tuna for food security and nutrition, economic development, employment, government revenue and livelihood which implies that the Sustainable development Goal (SDG) 14 – Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources applies to the global tuna market.
Events:
i.As a part of the World Tuna Day 2021, INFOFISH TUNA 2021 Virtual Conference and Exhibition has been organised under the theme “The Global Tuna Industry: Trailblazing through Tough Times”.
ii.The conference will be held from 19th to 21st May 2021.
