World Tuna Day

World Tuna Day is a significant observation to acknowledge the critical socio-economic role that tuna play globally, providing livelihoods for countless communities and feeding billions. Recognised by the United Nations, this day highlights the need to conserve and manage tuna stocks effectively as overfishing threatens their survival and the viability of the economies they support. For Australia, tunas are one of the key pillars of the aquaculture sector, thus understanding and supporting the objectives of World Tuna Day is particularly salient.

The United Nations instituted World Tuna Day in 2016, underscoring the importance of sustainable marine stewardship. As Australia is renowned for its extensive coastline and rich marine biodiversity, this nation undoubtedly holds a stake in the vitality of global tuna stocks. Notably, the southern bluefin tuna industry generates significant economic activity for the nation, particularly for the Port Lincoln community in South Australia. However, the fragility of the southern bluefin tuna population underlines the urgent need for sustainable practices, a chief concern echoed on World Tuna Day.

In Australia, World Tuna Day is observed through a variety of awareness campaigns, seminars, and educational events that underline the importance of sustainable fishing practices and conserving marine ecosystems. Fisheries, academia, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders collaborate to highlight the importance of preserving tuna populations. These initiatives provide valuable platforms for discussions on how the nation can enhance its contribution to global efforts in managing the world's tuna stocks. Australia recognises World Tuna Day on May 2, encouraging national participation in the dialogue on sustainable marine resource management.