Sushi short-sightedness shame
March 23, 2010 1:11 PM
Originally published by Diana Wallis MEP
Originally published by Diana Wallis MEP
A Euro MP has spoken of her anger at the decision not to ban the trade in the world's most valuable fish.
Liberal Democrat MEP Diana Wallis says that the Mediterranean bluefin tuna is likely to become extinct as a result of the decision by governments represented at a world conference on trade in endangered species.
European Union proposals for a complete ban to allow stocks of the fish to recover were rejected by a coalition of countries led by Japan at the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) talks currently taking place in Doha, Qatar.
Bluefin tuna is prized as a delicacy not least in Japan where individual fish can command prices of up to £100,000. But with organised criminals ignoring all restrictions stocks in the Mediterranean are said to be at less than 8% of the levels of 20 years ago.
Diana Wallis MEP said she was shocked and angered at the failure of so many governments to recognise the folly of continuing the trade.
The Liberal Democrat strongly supported efforts by WWF, the world's largest environmental charity, to secure a total ban.
She said: "Governments must recognise that if we carry on like this there will be no fish left in the seas and no jobs for fishermen."
"Europe rightly took a lead on this and it is tragic that governments around the world have not woken up to the fact that extinction for blue fin tuna is on the cards."
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