World Tuna Day 2023: World Tuna Day is celebrated on May 2 in all littoral regions of the planet. This date represents the accomplishment of fishing communities, scientists, and environmentalists who collaborated to safeguard tuna schools around the globe and develop a model for sustainable fishing. Why do we celebrate World Tuna Day? Because tuna is one of the most robust and significant marine species. In terms of size, strength, agility, and speed, it is unquestionably among the most enthralling. Furthermore, it is one of the most essential animals for human economics and nutrition. 20% of the value of all marine fisheries and over 8% of all seafood traded globally is comprised of tuna species.
HISTORY OF WORLD TUNA DAY
Tunas are majestic wild animals that have been recognised by humans for aeons. Aristotle made one of the earliest recordings of the species in his work on animal classification. These fish can grow up to eight feet long and weigh over 500 pounds, but do not mistake them for a sluggish creature. This fish is capable of reaching speeds of up to 43 miles per hour thanks to its robust physique!
Tuna are continually migrating, crossing oceans, and travelling from continent to continent, so their size, strength, and speed are crucial characteristics. As a result, they are present in virtually every ocean in the globe. As an endothermic animal, tuna can exist in a variety of oceans worldwide. It is able to enhance its body temperature when migrating through icy waters. This evolutionary adaptation is responsible for the reddish-pink hue and potent nutritional properties of tuna. It is not by chance that tuna, a large, tasty, and nutrient-dense fish that can be found virtually everywhere, has become such an essential part of the diet of millions of people.
It is one of the most exploited animals in the fishery industry. At present, at least 96 nations exploit tuna communities in the oceans. However, tuna fishing has been limited throughout history for technical reasons. With the invention of engines, fishing vessels were able to increase the size of the nets they cast over the ocean. This has caused an explosion in the capture of these species. As the global population has increased, so has the intensity of tuna fishing, increasing the danger of predatory overexploitation of these animals. Overfishing threatens not only tuna but also other marine species. Also killed by the indiscriminate use of fishing nets are turtles, dolphins, and swordfish. The United Nations General Assembly designated May 2 as World Tuna Day in 2016. The objective was to promote a sustainable tuna fishery model.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN WORLD TUNA DAY
Value environmentally-responsible brands
The use of enormous netting for fishing results in the deaths of numerous animals besides tuna. In recent years, a number of companies have devised sustainable fishing techniques that do not endanger dolphins, turtles, and other animals. Always choose brands with an environmental seal of approval.
Protect small-scale fishery communities
Traditional artisanal fishing communities are essential for marine life conservation. To conserve the quantity and quality of seafood, it is necessary to employ effective fishing management.
Try a diet with fewer animal products
The increase in seafood consumption has led to overfishing. This demand is exacerbated by a culture that places a premium on animal-based foods. A diet consisting of a greater proportion of plant-based foods is essential for environmental balance.
National Sandra Day 2023: Date, History, Activities and Facts
FIVE FACTS ABOUT TUNA THAT WILL STUN YOU
The heaviest tuna ever captured, an Atlantic bluefin tuna, weighed 1,496 pounds, or about the same as a horse.
They are of great value
The cost of the most costly tuna ever sold was $3,1,000,000.
A sampling of everything
The diverse diet of the omnivorous fish includes not only other fish, eels, and squid, but also plankton and marine vegetation.
There are 8 species of mackerel.
They are the Albacore tuna, the Southern bluefin tuna, the Bigeye tuna, the Pacific bluefin tuna, the Atlantic bluefin tuna, the Blackfin tuna, the Longtail tuna, and the Yellowfin tuna.
They are accompanied by dolphins
Some scientists believe that tuna schools associate with dolphins to defend themselves from sharks because dolphins are well-known shark fighters.
WHY WORLD TUNA DAY IS IMPORTANT
Illuminates unsustainable practises
The industrial fishing industry is highly aggressive. World Tuna Day aids in the fight against exploitation and unsustainable fishing practises.
Helps to safeguard marine life
The purpose of World Tuna Day is to prevent the extinction of tuna and other marine species. Dolphins, turtles, and scores of other animals that swim with schools of tuna are threatened by fishing nets.
Increases food safety consciousness
Tuna is the primary source of protein for millions of individuals around the world. Without maintenance, this vital food source can decline significantly, resulting in severe supply issues and food insecurity.
WORLD TUNA DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 2 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | May 2 | Thursday |
| 2025 | May 2 | Friday |
| 2026 | May 2 | Saturday |
| 2027 | May 2 | Sunday |
