Palma Aquarium celebrates over fishing ban on bluefin tuna

The ban, which came into place at midnight on June 9, 2010 was described as ‘brilliant‘ news by Debora Morrison, the British-born Community Education Manager at Palma Aquarium. The Aquarium had launched a regional and global campaign for a ban on fishing bluefin tuna as the area to the south of the Balearics is a very important feeding ground for the fish.

The Balearic government and scores of other local and international organisations and associations have also given their full backing for the breeding area to be declared a marine reserve.

The Aquarium has been warning that stocks of the Atlantic bluefin, which can reach prices of up to $100,000 each at market, have fallen by around 80 percent over the last 40 years, and continued overfishing threatens their survival. Due to the growing demand, especially from the Far East, the tuna are either being caught before they can return to the Balearic breeding ground, or they head west to the Atlantic or further east into the Mediterranean. Around 80 percent of all tuna caught in the Mediterranean are destined for the Far East.

France, Greece and Spain have all been informed of the decision. Small-scale fishing with hooks and spears will be allowed to continue for the moment.

The warm-blooded bluefin is known for its size and speed, reaching weights of over 600kgs (1,320 lb) - heavier than an average horse - and can accelerate faster than a sports car, reaching speeds of around 70 km/h (44 mph).