According to a news report from TheMaltaIndependentOnline, the finding is included in a draft document prepared by the European Commission ahead of the next meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, to be held in Doha in March, and forms the basis of the EUs common position on the matter.
At the meeting, the EUs 27 votes would represent a quarter of those needed for the ban on international trade to see the light of day.
The document finds there is no doubt about the link between international trade and over-exploitation of the species and that the criteria for the listing of the blue fin tuna as an endangered species appear to have been met.
The concept of introducing a moratorium on the fishing of the species has been gaining ground over the last two months, with EU countries France, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands having publicly supported putting an end to or suspending the fishing of blue fin tuna at least until stocks begin to be replenished after years of what are deemed to have been abusive over-fishing practises.
Support for Bluefin Tuna Trade Ban Grows
EU - The European Commissions environment arm has found there is enough scientific and technical evidence for blue fin tuna to be listed as an endangered species a warning sign that a moratorium on the species international trade is in the offing.
