The Importance of Tuna: World Tuna Day May 2
Tara A. Spears
Tuna is a part of the mackerel fish family, and a very important part of the global fishing scenario. One way to support better population management is to improve our understanding of tunas’ importance to the global economy and marine ecosystems. Commercial tuna fisheries represent a significant part of the blue economy, with seven species—yellowfin, skipjack, bigeye, albacore, and Atlantic, Pacific, and southern bluefin—among the most valuable fishes on the planet. It’s not surprising that such a valuable commodity is given a day of recognition to call attention to the current status of tuna.
Tuna is enjoyed worldwide as fresh-cooked, frozen, canned and as sushi. Almost 60% of the total tuna comes from the West and Central Pacific Ocean. High demand for tuna has significantly depleted several populations, making sustainably managing tunas critically important. According to the United Nations, a large number of countries worldwide depend on tuna for both food nutrition and employment. At the same time, more than 80 countries have tuna fisheries that are constantly expanding.
In addition to being a sought-after commodity tuna also play a vital role as predators and prey in tropical and temperate waters while supporting the livelihoods of many artisanal fishers along the Eastern Pacific coast of Mexico. Several world record tuna have been caught out of Puerto Vallarta charters. On a smaller scale, sport fishing for tuna is also an important segment of the tuna business.
In recent years, environmental groups like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have warned that some types of tuna, such as the bluefin, are now endangered. Because of overfishing, bluefin stocks in the Pacific Ocean have declined by more than 96% in comparison to unfished levels, a 2013 stock assessment showed.
The Mexican government renewed its ban on tuna fishing in 2022 in an effort to increase tuna populations in its Pacific Ocean areas. According to the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA): One of the most sought after marine creatures is in danger. Pacific Bluefin Tuna populations have been decreasing for years primarily due to illegal and over-fishing activity by Japanese fleets. This ban on fishing for yellowfin, bigeye, bluefin, and skipjack tuna in the Mexican waters of the Pacific Ocean applies to 20 countries. Designed to enable the tuna populations to stabilize and increase, it is a good example of Mexican initiative to responsibly manage its resources and ocean environment.
To observe World Tuna Day, make sure to think about and discuss the many benefits of fatty tuna fish. You can also learn about the Pacific Bluefin tuna and why its habitat is being threatened. Learn about the recent negative impacts on tuna fisheries and tuna stocks due to the immense demands in the sashimi market as well as the need for canned tuna all around the world. Even if you don’t eat tuna fish, think about its importance to the ocean ecosystem.
Mexico offers some of the best sport fishing in the world for largemouth bass, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, yellowtail, and billfish. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish in Mexico can make a huge difference in your tackle fishing success. If you’re serious about your angling game, you know that there’s nothing quite like fishing for Tuna. The best time to fish in Mexico coastal waters for yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi is spring and fall. According to a local charter boat captain, “Yellowfin tuna begin to feed actively in Mexico in June. But, the best season to fish for yellowfin tuna is the early fall and the early winter. Yellowfin tuna bites well between dusk and dawn.” Deep sea Tuna fishing methods include trolling deep with squid, mullet, or other small baits. Artificial lures and live bait work well, too.
World Tuna Day is designed to focus attention on the state of this important food commodity. This day is an effort to stress the importance of a stable and healthy tuna population. Although tuna fisheries are critical for the 260 million jobs that depend on them, ensuring that tuna species are sustainable is also important for the health of the ocean. Regional fisheries management organizations, whose members include more than half of the world’s governments, collectively oversee activities in more than 95% of the ocean. It is imperative that everyone supports tuna conservation practices.
