World Tuna Day | History, Celebration

 World Tuna Day

World Tuna Day(Getty)

May 2nd marks the annual celebration of World Tuna Day, which aims to increase awareness about the significance of preserving and managing tuna populations, as well as promoting sustainable and responsible fishing practices of this vital marine resource. Tuna is a crucial source of sustenance, employment, and revenue for numerous coastal communities worldwide, and its conservation and management are critical to preserve marine ecosystems' health and ensure the fishing industry's long-term sustainability.

piece of pickled tuna, on porcelain plate, on wood(Getty)

This occasion features diverse global events and activities that focus on raising awareness about tuna conservation, such as educational programs, advocacy campaigns, and sustainable fishing initiatives. It also provides an opportunity for governments, organizations, and individuals to pledge to sustainable fishing methods and the protection of tuna populations.

Ultimately, World Tuna Day highlights the imperative need for concerted efforts to safeguard our oceans and their precious resources.

History of World Tuna Day

Tuna fishing in Cape Passero, ca 1815, painting by Paolo De Albertis(Getty)

Every year on May 2nd, the world observes World Tuna Day with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of conserving tuna and their natural habitats. The idea of celebrating this day was proposed by the Tuna Commission during its 2016 meeting in Bali, Indonesia, and was unanimously approved. The commission, also known as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), is responsible for managing tuna and other highly migratory fish stocks in the western and central Pacific Ocean, comprising 26 member countries and territories, including Australia, China, Japan, and the United States.

Tuna is a crucial commercial fish species globally, with an annual global catch of over six million tons, and a significant source of food and income for millions of people worldwide. However, overfishing, illegal fishing, and unsustainable fishing practices have caused a decline in tuna populations in many parts of the world, posing a threat to their sustainability.

World Tuna Day seeks to promote sustainable fishing practices and raise awareness about the need to conserve tuna and their habitats. It is also an occasion to celebrate the cultural and economic significance of tuna for many communities globally. The day has been celebrated in various ways, including seminars, workshops, and public events. The theme for World Tuna Day 2021 was "Tuna for Life: Fostering Sustainable Livelihoods and Resilience for the Next Generations," which underscored the role of tuna fisheries in supporting sustainable livelihoods and promoting food security.

In summary, World Tuna Day serves as a reminder of the essential role that tuna plays in our world and the urgency to protect and conserve these significant species for future generations.

Why is World Tuna Day celebrated?

Every year on May 2nd, the world celebrates World Tuna Day to increase awareness about the importance of preserving tuna and their natural habitats. The objective of the day is to promote sustainable fishing practices and educate individuals worldwide about the need to protect and conserve tuna populations.

Tuna is a crucial commercial fish species globally, providing a significant source of food and income for millions of people. However, unsustainable fishing methods, overfishing, and illegal fishing have led to a decline in tuna populations worldwide, posing a threat to their sustainability.

Tuna salad(Getty)

The Tuna Commission, also known as the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), proposed the idea of World Tuna Day during its 2016 meeting in Bali, Indonesia. The commission comprises 26 member countries and territories and is responsible for managing tuna and other highly migratory fish stocks in the western and central Pacific Ocean.

World Tuna Day recognizes the cultural and economic importance of tuna to many communities worldwide and emphasizes the significance of preserving these valuable fish species. The day is commemorated through a variety of activities such as seminars, workshops, and public events, with a different theme every year to address the challenges facing tuna fisheries and the communities that rely on them.

What country is known for tuna?

Tuna is a highly migratory fish species that can be found in many parts of the world. However, certain countries are more renowned for their tuna fishing and export activities.

Spain, Asturias, Fisherman holding freshly caught tuna(Getty)

Japan, for instance, is one of the most well-known countries for its tuna. The country has a rich cultural connection to the fish, and its cuisine features a variety of tuna dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and canned tuna. Japan is also the world's largest importer of tuna, with a strong demand for high-quality tuna for both domestic and international markets.

In addition to Japan, other countries have significant tuna industries and are major players in the global tuna trade. These countries include Spain, the United States, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Why is it called tuna?

The word "tuna" is believed to have originated from the Latin word "thunnus," which originally referred to a type of large sea fish. In English, the term has been adopted to describe a particular group of fish from the Thunnini tribe, including bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, and albacore tuna.

There is a possibility that the name "thunnus" was derived from the Greek word "thynnos," which was used to describe a specific fish species caught in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The ancient Greeks and Romans are known to have consumed tuna, and it is possible that the Latin term "thunnus" was borrowed from the Greek term "thynnos."

In summary, the name "tuna" has been used to refer to these fish species for many centuries, and it is likely that the term has its roots in the Latin and Greek languages.

Who is the biggest producer of tuna?

Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia(Getty)

Indonesia is currently the largest producer of tuna in terms of catch volume, followed by Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Spain, and South Korea. However, it should be acknowledged that many of these countries are also significant consumers and exporters of tuna, and the global tuna industry is intricately interconnected. Furthermore, tuna populations frequently migrate over international borders, making it challenging to accurately attribute catch volumes to individual countries.