European Commission proposes that EU support ban on international trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna

The European Commission proposed on 22 February 2010 that the European Union should press for a ban on international trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna to enter into force within the next year. The Commission is deeply concerned that overfishing of Atlantic bluefin tuna driven largely by international trade is seriously depleting stocks of the species. The proposal will be discussed with Member States in order to reach a common EU position for the next meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), taking place in Doha, Qatar, from 13 to 25 March 2010.

European Commission: Speech: SPEECH/10/37: Maria DAMANAKI Member of the European Commission, responsible for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Speaking notes for press conference on the listing of bluefin tuna under the Convention on international Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Press C onference on the Commission's proposal to the Council in view of the upcoming Conference to the Convention on international Trade in Endangered Species Brussels, 22 February 2010 http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/10/38&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

EurActiv, 19.3.10: World nations reject ban on bluefin tuna http://www.euractiv.com/en/sustainability/un-rejects-ban-bluefin-tuna-news-355611

BBC News, 18.3.10: Tuna defeat's hypocritical roots http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/richardblack/2010/03/the_frustration_of_conservatio.html

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