Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Proposal Not Adopted After Intense Debate
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The proposal to list Atlantic
bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) under Appendix I of CITES was
not adopted today by the Parties. The proposal, sponsored by the
Principality of Monaco, and strongly supported by the United States,
garnered intense debate by the Parties due to the importance of this
migratory fish species for commercial purposes. The final tally was
20 in support, 68 against and 30 abstentions.
“The U.S. is strongly committed to protecting the bluefin tuna and
restoring the health of the fishery for the benefit of all nations,”
said Tom Strickland, head of the U.S. Delegation. “Today’s vote was a
setback for the Atlantic bluefin tuna, but we will keep fighting to
ensure that the fishery is managed sustainably, so that future
generations may see it return to health.”
“The United States remains committed to ensuring that
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas keeps
its commitments to science-based, well enforced management of bluefin
tuna," said National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA)
administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for
oceans and atmosphere. "ICCAT took some unprecedented management steps
in 2009, but they are not enough. We will continue to work with ICCAT
members to conserve and recover the species.”
Read the complete story at NOAA News.
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