World Tuna Day
Sleek, powerful ocean dwellers, tuna command a watery realm, embodying the epitome of aquatic prowess and grace.
While fishing for tuna has been documented for thousands of years, it hasn’t been until more recently that the populations have begun to diminish and find themselves at risk. World Tuna Day seeks to celebrate this fish that has made its way into many cultures throughout the world, raising awareness about its plight.
History of World Tuna Day
The background of World Tuna Day can be traced back to 2016 when the need for it was brought to the attention of the United Nations. It was in December of that year that the UN General Assembly voted to officially observe World Tuna Day and the inaugural celebration of the day took place in May of 2017.
The purpose behind this day was to raise awareness about the vital role of tuna fish, as well as the risk this species is in due to population declines, poor conservation management and high levels of illegal or unregulated tuna fishing. World Tuna Day highlights the importance of fish stocks that are sustainably managed, with an eye toward the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
How to Celebrate World Tuna Day
Show some love and care for these fish of the sea by observing World Tuna Day in a number of different ways, including some of these to get started with:
Purchase Sustainable Tuna
One important way to show support on World Tuna Day and all the year through is to make a commitment to only purchasing tuna that is caught and processed in a sustainable and legal manner. A specification is to purchase tuna only from pole and line catch fisheries and never Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs).
Learn Fun Facts About Tuna
Get involved with World Tuna Day by connecting with information about tuna fish and sharing it with others, whether in person or through online social media platforms. Check out and share some of these interesting bits of trivia about tuna to begin with:
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Tuna fish live in everyone of the oceans on the planet
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There are 15 different types of tuna, including yellowfin, albacore, bluefin, bigeye and several others
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Tuna fish are amazingly fast swimmers, some clocking speeds of up to 43 miles per hour
Make Inquiries about Tuna
Those who eat tuna from their favorite seafood shops or restaurants can make a difference on World Tuna Day by asking more questions. Ask to speak to the manager in a kind way to find out if the tuna fish they are serving has been caught in a sustainable way and, if not, make a suggestion that they do so before you are willing to purchase from their establishment in the future.
Get involved with a variety of other days that share the focus of fish and sea life by enjoying World Fish Migration Day in May, World Aquatic Animal Day in April, or World Dolphin Day in September.
