EU Parliament Demands Ban On Trade In Endangered Bluefin Tuna

EU Parliament Demands Ban On Trade In Endangered Bluefin Tuna

10 February 2010 - The EU Parliament plenary in Strasbourg today adopted a resolution (1) that calls on the EU Commission and Member States to support a ban on the international trade of the endangered bluefin tuna.

Caroline Lucas, who is President of the Euro-Parliament’s Animal Welfare Group, welcomed the vote for the ban, which would be achieved if the species is listed in Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at a meeting in Doha, Qatar next month.

The South-East Green MEP commented:

"I am delighted that the European Parliament has backed a ban on the international trade in bluefin tuna. The tide of political opinion might finally be turning as the bluefin tuna slides towards extinction. It is incomprehensible that it has taken so many years for politicians to listen to the scientific evidence, but at least it is finally happening.

“The EU has supported fishing quotas that are double the level advised by scientists and has even subsidised bluefin tuna fishing fleets to the tune of €34.5 million (2). On the new Commission’s first full day in office, Parliament has sent a clear message that it’s time to back an international trade ban for this species. This is the only option that will give bluefin tuna stocks some kind of chance to recover."
 
ENDS
 
Notes to Editors
 
(1) The critical amendment on CITES Appendix 1 listing was passed with 447 votes in favour, 205 against
 
(2) European Commission figures for 2000-2009, provided in response to a written request from Raül Romeva:
http://www.greens-efa.org/cms/pressreleases/dok/317/317584.bluefin_tuna@en.htm
 
This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 at 5:04 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.