Blue fin tuna fish is one of the unique species which has pink to red flesh because of high myoglobin content in the muscle. Because of its muscular activity tuna fish can raise its body temperature above that of water enabling it to survive in cooler waters and a wide range of oceans. The high protein content and almost 300 mg of Omega-3 fats per serving in this oily fish make it a valuable every day food of exceptional quality. Canned Tuna and corned tuna are widely used as they preserve this highly perishable fish which can get spoiled within a matter of few hours. Of the 4 million tons of Tuna of all types fished every year, Bluefin constitutes about 10%. World is to day concerned about the likely extinction of this species in the near future due to over fishing and there is a consensus that action needs to be taken now, before it is too late.
"Delegates from 175 nations will soon meet in Doha to determine whether to restrict trade in bluefin tuna. It would take a vote of two-thirds of the members to impose a ban, and much depends on whether other major fishing nations sign on. The European Union, whose members account for much of the tuna harvest in those waters, has yet to take a formal position. Under the international rules governing endangered species, individual nations can opt out of any agreement. Japan has already said it would ignore a ban and leave its markets open to continued imports — even if the tuna are granted endangered species status. That means that for a ban to succeed, the big exporting countries will have to ensure that their fleets abide by the rules and don't sell to Japan, which consumes four-fifths of Atlantic bluefin, and other countries that keep their markets open".
The proposal to ban fishing of Bluefin Tuna needs universal approval, especially from those countries who are in the forefront in Tuna trade. The countries importing Tuna has the wherewithal to make the ban effective by refusing to import them into their countries. How ever self interest may prevent some countries to ignore the ban and continue with consumption of Tuna. How far a decision to ban, even if taken with majority decision, can be enforced remains to be seen.