Canada Blocks Tuna Conservation Proposal

OTTAWA -- A proposed export ban on Atlantic bluefin tuna was rejected at this week’s meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).  Originally proposed by Monaco and the United States, Canada lobbied hard against the proposal, possibly dooming the big fish to collapse.

“The Canadian government never takes the side of environmental protection or conservation unless there are absolutely no economic stakes to be protected,” said Janice Harvey, Green Party Fisheries Critic. “We have seen the result of ignoring scientists’ warnings with the collapse of the northern cod stocks.  We have obviously learned nothing from that devastating experience. Otherwise, we would be advocating for a precautionary approach with all threatened fish species.”

Scientists report that Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks have dropped by 74% over the past fifty years.  In the western Atlantic, the decline is even more pronounced, with a population drop of 82% in the past 40 years.

“It is prudent to treat fish stocks carefully especially in the face of unexpected impacts of climate change,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May. “Despite what some may think, the sea will not give us unlimited fish forever. With the CITES proposal, we had the chance to take a sensible path of removing stress on this fish for a few years to allow the population to recover.  Instead we have prioritized short term profit, with the likely result of species collapse and the permanent loss of jobs.”

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