Crucial gathering in Japan to decide fate of southern bluefin

Japan (October 15, 2001) - The immediate fate of southern bluefin tuna will be decided at a meeting starting today in Japan.

Environmental groups fear the fish could be pushed to the brink of extinction.

Bluefin tuna is extremely popular in Japan, where a single fish can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

But over fishing has seriously depleted tuna stocks and Japan, Australia, and New Zealand have agreed their annual catch will be a combined total of just under 12,000 tons.

The annual commission for the conservation of the species will meet for five days to discuss whether more fish can be caught.

In attendance will be the previously so-called "rogue" fishing nations of Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia.

Australia's southern bluefin tuna industry says the meeting in Japan is one of the most crucial gatherings ever in terms of securing the long-term sustainability of the species.

Australian Tuna Boat Owners Association president, Brian Jeffriess,says the attendance of the nations who are now seeking membership of the commission, including Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia, is vital.

"The reality is that whichever level you set the quota it was not going to be sustainable in the long-term if these countries, these non-members, went on catching unregulated in the longer term," Jeffriess said.

"The quota is meaningless unless you get the catchers involved in the regulation."

Source : Fish Info and Services