Date: March 18, 2010
Contacts: Hugh Vickery (DOI), 202-208-6416
Christine Eustis (FWS – Doha), 703-343-3939
Scott Smullen (NOAA), 202-482-6090
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Proposal Not Adopted After Intense
Debate
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.”
Spain, speaking on behalf of the European Union, introduced an amendment to the
proposal that would have provided for some assurance that the species could be delisted
in the future in order to attempt a compromise position. This amendment was also
rejected.
“The U.S. calls on all Parties of CITES and those who are also members of the
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas to fulfill the promises
made today to conserve the Atlantic bluefin tuna,” said Jane Lyder, acting Head of the
U.S. Delegation. “The responsibility is now on ICCAT to manage the fishery in a
sustainable manner. The world will be watching.”
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