Bluefin Tuna

There are three species of Bluefin tuna, Southern bluefin tuna which is found in the Southern Oceans, Pacific bluefin tuna which is found in the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic bluefin tuna which is found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Although they may seem to be formidable ocean giants, all 3 species of Bluefin tuna share biological characteristics which render them particularly vulnerable to high fishing pressure.

Over the last four decades, the Atlantic bluefin tuna has declined by at least 51% and is now listed as “Endangered”; while the Southern bluefin tuna adult fish has experienced an 85% decline, resulting in its “Critically Endangered” status. The Pacific bluefin tuna is relatively least threatened among the three species, it has not yet been recognized as “Endangered”, however overfishing on this species is occurring.

Bluefin tuna will soon disappear unless urgent action is taken. Members of the public in Hong Kong care, as shown by a survey commissioned by WWF in 2005 where 97% of Cantonese speakers said that they would stop consuming a species if they found out it was endangered. Living in a city that loves seafood, we should be aware of the environmental cost of our incessant and irresponsible pursuit of fine but rare food.

In Hong Kong, WWF was among the first to take steps to address the problem locally, launching a bluefin saver campaign, inviting hotels, restaurants and individuals to pledge not to consume or serve bluefin tuna.