World Tuna Day 2025: Promoting Sustainability of a Vital Marine Resource

World Tuna Day, sponsored by the United Nations, is observed annually on May 2 to highlight the importance of tuna in global food security, economic development, and marine biodiversity. The day raises concerns about the overexploitation of tuna species and advocates for sustainable fishing practices.

Why is this in the News?

World Tuna Day 2025 is observed on Friday, 2 May 2025, marking its 9th annual celebration. The day is globally recognized to promote awareness about the importance of sustainable tuna fishing and marine conservation.

Background

• First observed on May 2, 2017.
• On December 7, 2016, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/71/124 designating May 2 as World Tuna Day.
• The day is supported by countries with significant tuna resources and conservation groups like WWF.

Important Details

• More than 96 countries are engaged in tuna fishing.
• Annually, 7 million metric tons of tuna and tuna-like species are harvested.
• There are over two dozen varieties of tuna; popular species include Bluefin, Yellowfin, Skipjack, and Albacore.
• Bluefin tuna is among the fastest and warm-blooded fish species, often compared to the cheetah of the ocean.

Aim

• Promote sustainable and science-based fishing practices.
• Ensure long-term availability of tuna stocks.
• Support efforts aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 14 – Life Below Water.

Significance

• Tuna accounts for 20% of the value of all marine fisheries and 8% of globally traded seafood.
• Essential for food security, especially in island and coastal nations.
• Overfishing and illegal fishing threaten marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Tuna is rich in Omega-3, Vitamin B12, and proteins, making it vital to human health.

Other Relevant Points

• WWF warns several tuna species are endangered due to overfishing.
• Calls for better monitoring, equipment, and international cooperation to ensure sustainable tuna fisheries.
• Emphasis on developing fishing policies that protect marine life while supporting economic needs.