June 17, 2008

Fisheries regulators in the EU have banned trawling from next week for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean to stop over fishing of a species with depleting stock.

The number of bluefin tuna has decreased significantly after heavy exploitation by EU countries that hunt for it in these waters. These include 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.

According to scientists, bluefin tuna may die out if fishing is not controlled.

Market prices for the tuna have roughly tripled. In Japan, the biggest market for bluefin tuna, a single fish can cost up to US$100,000.

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