EU proposes bluefin tuna ban

BRUSSELS - After months of protracted wrangling, the European Commission has called on EU member states to back a ban on the international trade in bluefin tuna.

"Since there is a high risk that Atlantic bluefin tuna will soon be gone forever, we have no other choice than to act now and propose a ban on international trade," said the EU's new environment commissioner, Janez Potocnik, in Brussels on Monday (22 February).

Beloved by sushi eaters across the globe, scientists say bluefin tuna stocks in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean shrunk 60 percent between 1997 and 2007, a result of surging demand combined with illegal and underreported catches.

In a bid to win member state support for its proposal, the commission suggested the ban be delayed until 2011, giving the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the responsible fisheries management body, time to carry out further research.

Brussels is hoping national capitals can adopt a common position on bluefin tuna before a crucial meeting next month in Doha of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).

The proposal to add the species to the Cites' first appendix would make it illegal for EU member states to export bluefin tuna, an unpalatable prospect for Japan which currently consumes roughly three-quarters of the tasty-but-endangered fish caught in the Atlantic.

Spurred on by strong fishing lobbies, Europe's Mediterranean countries have traditionally opposed any curtailment to bluefin tuna fishing. Both France and Italy recently softened their positions however, with France signaling it will support a trade ban if its implementation is delayed.

For its part, Italy has voluntarily introduced a one-year moratorium. But Spain, Greece, Cyprus and Malta still have doubts about a ban. The EU's fisheries department has voiced its opposition to the proposed move in the past, but has recently changed sides.

"What really matters here is our intention, the future for fish and fisheries concerns every country," said EU fisheries commissioner Maria Damanki at the joint press conference. "We are well aware of the short-term cost, but I am sure we can guarantee a viable future for our fishermen."

Environmental groups broadly welcomed the commission's initiative, but were critical of the proposed 2011 state date. "The only real choice, if the fishery is to be saved, is to support full implementation of the ban as soon as possible," said Sergi Tudela from the WWF.