The United Nations (UN’s) World Tuna Day is observed globally on 2nd May every year to emphasize tuna’s ecological and economic importance, advocate for sustainable fishing practices, and address the threats posed by overfishing to marine biodiversity.
Background:
i.On 7th December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/71/124, officially designating 2nd May as World Tuna Day.
ii.The proposal was led by Pacific Island nations, including Fiji, Kiribati, and Samoa, where tuna fisheries contribute significantly to livelihoods and GDP.
iii.The first World Tuna Day was observed on 2nd May 2017.
About Tuna:
Tuna belongs to the Scombridae family and the Thunnini tribe, comprising 15 species across 5 genera: Thunnus, Euthynnus, Allothunnus, Auxis, and Katsuwonus.
Key Features:
i.Global Distribution: Found in equatorial and subpolar oceans, tuna is highly migratory, traversing vast marine territories.
ii.Ecological Role: As apex predators, tuna regulate marine food chains, ensuring ecosystem balance.
iii.Nutritional Value: Tuna is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamin B12, and minerals, which support global food security.
iv.Economic Impact: Commercially, tuna generates over USD 42 billion annually, with Pacific nations relying heavily on tuna exports.
Challenges Facing Tuna Populations
i.Overfishing, driven by high demand and overcapacity of fishing fleets, has led to the depletion of tuna stocks.
ii.According to the UN, among the seven principal tuna species, approximately 33.3% of stocks are estimated to be fished at biologically unsustainable levels.
Why Sustainable Tuna Fishing Matters?
i.Food Security: Over 7 million metric tons of tuna are caught yearly, feeding millions globally.
ii.Livelihoods: Directly employs over 43,000 people in Pacific Island nations.
iii.Biodiversity: Protects endangered species like sharks and sea turtles from bycatch.
Sustainable Tuna Fishing by 2027: FAO’s Global Initiative
The Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) of the UN, headquartered in Rome, Italy, launched the ‘Common Oceans Tuna Project’ to ensure all major tuna stocks are fished sustainably by 2027.
Common Oceans Tuna Project (2022–2027):
i.The project, formally titled “Sustainable Management of Tuna Fisheries and Biodiversity Conservation in the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ Tuna Project)”, is an extension of efforts from 2014 to 2019.
ii.It aims to promote responsible fishing practices to reduce bycatch and illegal fishing, and strengthen regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs).
iii.The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by FAO and managed by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), headquartered in Victoria, Seychelles.
Progress as of 2024:
i.Of 23 major tuna stocks, only 2 stocks remain overfished, down from 13 stocks in 2014.
ii.Species like skipjack tuna (70% of global catch) are now harvested within sustainable limits.
About Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO):
Director General (DG) – QU Dongyu (China)
Headquarters – Rome, Italy
Founded – 1945
