Previously I was reading an article on Treehugger that Japan has ignored the ban on Bluefin Tuna, and they remarked that the fish is not that endangered.
Japan eats approximately 80% of the world's bluefin tuna, and contribute as the biggest consumer for this fish. The bluefin tuna can be found in the Mediterranean and Atlantic waters. However, it is currently being fished to extinction because of massive and high-tech commercial fishing fleet and illegal fishing.
There have been numerous calls for the ban on the fishing of bluefin tuna to allow their numbers to recover. Such extensive unsustainable methods of fishing is not going to benefit Japan, nor the rest of the world.
Japan is adamant about not participating in any agreement to ban international trade of bluefin tuna under the United Nations treaty on endangered species. This is because, majority of the Japanese population love this fish, and any restriction on its consumption is going to hurt them.
According to scientists, if the current method of fishing continues, coupled with the seemingly unwavered demand, it is estimated that the population of bluefin tuna will be totally extinct within the next 3 years. Japanese have tried to seek other solutions. A collaboration between Japan's Kinki University and Australia's Clear Seas Tuna Ltd have tried to breed bluefin tuna in captivity. This method albeit new, is a possible way of reducing the impact. However, more research still needs to be done.
With such a forecast, it is bewildering why the Japanese fisheries negotiators are not concerned, or willing to make any compromise to acknowledge the situation. While I can understand their reasons for not participating in the total banning of the trade of bluefin tuna, what I would expect to see from such a mature nation is active support to maintain the population of bluefin tuna to ensure sustainability. Perhaps there could be greater support from the general population through wider food selection and reduced reliance on just eating bluefin tuna. With reduced demand, the supply would naturally drop, thereby giving the Japanese more number of years to enjoy the freshness of such delicacy. Otherwise, their future generations are not going to be able to savour such traditional Japanese culture.
Possible references:
www.treehugger.com
www.washingtonpost.com
http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/footprint/smart_fishing/sustainable_fisheries/bluefin_tuna/
I do say it does taste good and I know that they are becoming fewer ever year. I do want to support preserving Bluefin tuna, but there are going to be sacrifice. Sacrifice can be like limits on catching and selling that can raise the price. Even that, I do want to support it so that we can still eat it.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good thing to know that this species is leaning toward extinction
I know they are disappearing and they must be saved, but I also know Japanese cannot live without tuna...
ReplyDeleteDennis// that's so true haha, but I guess it's the same with us Koreans
ReplyDeleteThey're getting fewer each year,, but I guess it's inevitable. I believe that it is time for Japanese people to look for some other food materials as an alternative.
Yeah, I agree that Japanese can't live without tuna. It's so ingrained in their culture! It's almost like trying to make Singaporeans survive without chilli.
ReplyDeleteHowever, having said so, I agree with Jeonghwan that alternatives need to be found. But perhaps a reduction in intake would be a good start.