Illegal harvesting of bluefin tuna threatens global supply

Mediterranean operators illegally harvesting Bluefin tuna are threatening the international supply of the valuable fish.

A recent study shows that trading of Atlantic Bluefin tuna surpassed the international quota by 141 percent. That does not include the amount of black-market Bluefin that is not included in national and international databases.

A single fish is worth upwards to $450 000. Countries that illegally capture the fish include Spain, France, Italy and Malta.

A meeting discussing the illegal trade of Bluefin is set this week between Canada, the U.S., the European Union and Japan.

The study recommended the implementation of an electronic-based system to keep track of the Bluefin traded on the market.

The Bluefin industry in Canada, based mostly in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, is worth $10 000 annually. Bluefin is listed as an endangered species in Canada.