Today marks the first inaugural World Tuna Day, so it is the perfect time to start planning your next delicious tuna salad, seared tuna steak, or succulent tuna sashimi made with tuna caught from a Commonwealth managed tuna fishery.
Mouth-watering seared tuna fillets
While celebrated since 2012, last year, the United Nations General Assembly voted unanimously to make 2 May a day of world-wide celebration of these global species.
CEO, Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), Dr James Findlay, said that species like southern bluefin, albacore, bigeye and yellowfin tunas were all caught commercially in Australia under strict rules and regulations.
“With AFMA’s strict rules and regulations, and basing decisions on the best available science, tuna lovers can be assured that if they are buying or eating Australian caught tuna that it is from a sustainable, well-managed fishery,” Dr Findlay said.
“Strong regulations combined with an equally strong commitment from industry to ensure their future has seen healthy catch limits across both the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF) and the Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery (SBTF) recent years, which is great news for tuna lovers.
“Not to mention that tuna is a great source of lean protein, omega-3 and good fats.
“In addition, across Australia, our tuna industry supports many local economies and provides jobs in major landing ports like Port Lincoln, Mooloolaba, Ulladulla and Coffs Harbour.”
This year, World Tuna Day coincides with the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) meeting, providing a great opportunity for Australia to discuss important fisheries management topics with our nearest regional neighbours. As we all know, fish don’t have passports, so international management of these global species is crucial.
Find out more about AFMA managed fisheries at afma.gov.au.