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World Tuna Day is observed annually on the 2nd of May. This day aims to shed light on the decreasing tuna populations globally and emphasize the importance of enforcing international regulations to protect the availability of tuna in the future. Tuna, being a nutritious and valuable fish, plays a crucial role in providing food for nations at different stages of development. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure the preservation of robust and sustainable tuna stocks for the benefit of upcoming generations.
World Tuna Day Presents a chance to increase consciousness regarding the urgent matter of overfishing and the necessity for global collaboration in tackling this worldwide predicament. It also acts as a reminder of the significance of implementing sustainable fisheries management practices and the need to minimize bycatch and unintentional catches of undesired species. This day holds great importance in raising awareness about a crucial global issue that the tuna industry is currently facing.
Date of World Tuna Day 2024
World Tuna Day will be celebrated on Thursday, 2nd May 2024 this year.
History of World Tuna Day
World Tuna Day was first observed in 2017. This day was officially established by the United Nations General Assembly with the aim of increasing awareness regarding the diminishing tuna population and advocating for the conservation and management of tuna fisheries. The tuna industry plays a cructrole in providing food security, fostering economic development, and creating employment opportunities for numerous nations.
Tuna is renowned for its abundance of omega-3, vitamin B12, and proteins, making it a highly nutritious and valuable food source. However, the tuna population has experienced a significant decline in recent years, with certain regions witnessing a reduction of over 97 percent. The decline can be attributed to various factors, including the loss of natural habitats, overfishing, and shifts in consumer preferences. The dwindling tuna population is a cause for concern, as it could have far-reaching consequences for the food security and economic development of numerous nations.
Importance of World Tuna Day
The significance of World Tuna Day lies in its ability to create awareness regarding the challenges that the tuna population is currently encountering. Moreover, it serves as a platform to advocate for the preservation and effective management of this fragile species. This day provides an opportunity to contemplate the value of sustainable fishing practices and to commemorate the tuna industry, all while acknowledging the imperative of the well- being of the future generations.
World Tuna Day offers a chance to advocate for sustainable methods and promote the implementation of a circular economy strategy in managing fisheries. Through collective efforts, we can have a positive impact and contribute to preserving the tuna population for the upcoming generations.
Surprising facts about Tuna
Here are some fascinating facts about Tuna that are not widely known.
- Tuna are unique in that they are warm-blooded fish, allowing them to adjust their body temperature based on their environment.
- Tuna have the ability to grow up to 6 feet in length and can weigh over 500 pounds.
- Tuna is known for its high price. It plays a significant role in the global industry, valued at $7.2 billion. The record-breaking sake of a 593-pound bluefin tuna in Japan reached an astonishing price of $736,000.
- Tuna are known for their impressive swimming speeds, reaching over 40 miles per hour by retracting their dorsal and pectoral fins to reduce drag.
- Tuna have a diverse diet, being omnivorous creature that consume a variety of food including other fish like shellfish, squid, and eels, as well as vegetable such as plankton, kelp, and seaweed.
- The decline in tuna populations by an estimated 90 percent since the beginning of 20th century can be attributed to various factors such as habitat loss, overfishing, and the utilization of artificial lures and boats.
- Tuna plays a crucial role in the cycling of nutrients that sustain the entire ocean food chain, as they swim, dive, eat and eventually die. Consequently, the absence of tuna could potentially have a substantial effect on the overall well-being of the ocean ecosystem.
