Speaking earlier, Minister Gabriel said: Only a trade ban will save this particularly at-risk species from extinction. Bluefin tuna therefore needs to be listed on the CITES convention indeed, this is a long overdue step.
We support Monacos proposal for the listing of Atlantic bluefin tuna on CITES Appendix I. Up to now, attempts under the EUs Common Fisheries Policy for protection of bluefin tuna have been ineffective and without success, added Minister Gabriel
With todays announcement Germany is following commitments to the trade ban proposal already pledged in recent days by France, UK and the Netherlands, reports the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Banning international trade in the imperilled Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna is the only possible course of action this is our last chance to save this overexploited species, said Heike Vesper, Fisheries Officer at WWF Germany.
WWF now urges European Union member states to speak with one voice it is time to get behind Monaco and support this vital proposal and save this endangered species from consignment to the history books.
Germany Joins on Bluefin Ban Proposal
GERMANY - Germanys Minister for the Environment, Sigmar Gabriel, has announced his backing for an effective ban on all international trade of Atlantic bluefin tuna.
