Japanese officials have announced a plan to reduce North Pacific tuna fishing by a
whopping 50%:
Japan plans to slash by half the amount of juvenile bluefin tuna taken from the Northern Pacific starting in 2015 compared to the 2002-2004 average, a Fisheries Agency source said Saturday.
The sharp cut may lead to a rise in sashimi prices at supermarkets and restaurants, but the agency places a high priority on protecting bluefin tuna amid concern about declining stocks.
The move is also aimed at encouraging other nations to adopt massive cuts.
Love bluefin tuna, but looking for alternatives? Tips from
Seafood Watch:
Tuna are the Olympians of the sea—fast, efficient swimmers able to reach speeds of 50 miles an hour and cross ocean basins. These magnificent animals are also tasty and bluefin tuna belly is prized by sushi eaters around the world for its rich flavor and texture. Sadly, our appetite for this delicacy has led to high prices, overfishing and the near collapse of bluefin populations worldwide.
What You Can Do:
Avoid ordering bluefin tuna.
Try albacore tuna (shiro maguro) instead; it tastes similar and is a "Best Choice" when troll caught in the Pacific by US or Canadian fishermen.
Let your chef know that you prefer sustainable seafood.
Seafood Watch also has a handy pocket guide and smartphone app that you can use on the go to make sustainable choices. It's available here.