Monaco Campaigns To Preserve The Bluefin Tuna

Monaco is the first country to take a stand for the bluefin tuna. The city-state recently joined the fight and is leading the world as an advocate for the endangered fish.

The Northern bluefin tuna, sometimes referred to as the Atlantic bluefin tuna, is one of several bluefin tuna species. It is the species that has drawn the most public attention since mid-decade. Recent attention has largely been generated by celebrities such as Elle MacPherson, Sting and Charlize Theron and others.

These celebrities have chosen to fight by putting pressure on another celebrity, Robert DeNiro. DeNiro is part owner of the acclaimed Japanese restaurant chain Nobu. The restaurant has long featured bluefin tuna on its famous menu at its eateries worldwide.

The Northern bluefin tuna is found throughout the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. It is also commercially cultivated in Pacific Ocean locations, but is only native to the Atlantic.

It is the high demand for bluefin tuna that has largely given rise to its cultivation off the Japanese coast. The fish is a popular sushi ingredient. Japan is one of the largest consumers of bluefin tuna.

Its trendiness has made it a prime target for commercial fisheries. Unfortunately, its popularity has led to extreme overfishing. Stocks are depleting at an alarming rate.

Other factors have compounded the problem. Not only is the bluefin tuna being overfished, individual fish are being removed before full maturity. The result is that fewer of the species are able to reach the breeding stage, so fewer are reproducing. The practice has led to a vicious circle.

Nobu is not the only restaurant serving the endangered fish. It's served in Japanese restaurants all over the world. Besides Japan, Monaco also has a long history of fish consumption. Bluefin tuna was a favorite seafood delicacy in Monaco until its ban came into effect.

The ban has been viewed by some in Monaco as a cultural disgrace. However, the majority of Monaco's citizens seem to be adjusting to the ban. Most agree that the preservation of this species trumps culture and taste. Many citizens hope other countries will follow Monaco's example.

Other governments are eyeing the Monaco ban with great interest, particularly in Europe. It remains to be seen what effect this boycott will have, both on Monaco's economy and the bluefin tuna stock.

Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount against the Nobu restaurant chain. The trendy chain has been singled out because of its immense popularity. It has also been targeted for its famous owner and well-known chef.

Celebrities hope to use their influence to persuade the restaurant chain to remove bluefin tuna from its menus. A widely-circulated petition has been signed by hundreds of celebrities and other influential notables. A group of celebrities even mounted an awareness ad campaign in which they posed nude.

DeNiro's restaurant chain, to date, continues to serve the disappearing fish. However, it has relented somewhat; its menus now note that the bluefin tuna is in danger of being wiped out. Advocates for the fish say that this is a step in the right direction. Still, they criticize it as little more than a half-hearted cop-out.

A recently-released movie, "The End of the Line," seeks to draw even more attention to endangered fish. It has been called "The Inconvenient Truth" of the fishing and seafood sales and distribution industry. It showcases a number of fish species in danger of disappearing due to consumer demand and overfishing.

It's likely that attention to the plight of this fish will continue to play out. Groups such as the World Wildlife Federation and Greenpeace are also fighting for the bluefin tuna. They, and others, are congratulating Monaco for its tough stand. Time will tell whether other companies, regions or countries will follow Monaco.

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