World Tuna Day is observed on May 2 throughout the coastal zone of the planet.
This date was an achievement of fishing communities, scientists, and environmentalists who came together to protect tuna schools around the world and help create a sustainable fishing model.
Why is there a World Tuna Day? Well, because tuna is one of the most vigorous and important fish in the seas. It is certainly among the most fascinating when it comes to size, strength, agility, and speed. In addition, it is one of the most important animals for the human economy and nutrition.
Tuna species represent 20% of the value of all marine fisheries and more than 8% of all seafood traded globally.
Tunas are magnificent wild animals and have been known to mankind for thousands of years. One of the oldest records of the species was made by Aristotle in his work on the classification of animals. These fish can reach up to eight feet in length and weigh over 500 pounds, but don’t think we’re talking about a slow animal. This fish’s powerful body allows it to reach a speed of up to 43 miles per hour!
Size, strength, and speed are important characteristics of tuna as they are constantly migrating, crossing oceans, and going from one continent to another. That’s why they are in almost every ocean in the world. Tuna can live in several seas on the planet as it is an endothermic fish.
It can increase its body temperature when facing the icy waters on its migration routes. This evolutionary adaptation is what gives tuna meat its characteristic reddish-pink color and powerful nutritional properties. A large, tasty, and nutritious fish that can be found almost all over the world, it is no accident that tuna has become so important in the diet of millions of people.
It is one of the major animals exploited by the fishing industry. Currently, at least 96 countries exploit schools of tuna in the oceans. Throughout history, however, tuna fishing was limited for technical reasons. It was with the advent of engines that fishing boats managed to increase the area of fishing nets they cast over the seas. This has led to an exponential growth in the capture of these fish.
With the growth of the world population, tuna fishing has become more intense, increasing the risk of predatory overexploitation of these animals. Overfishing not only threatens tuna but also other marine animals. The indiscriminate use of fishing nets also kills turtles, dolphins, and swordfish. In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly established May 2 as World Tuna Day. The aim was to raise awareness of a sustainable tuna fishing model.
