With overfishing having caused at least an 85% reduction in bluefin tuna populations in the Mediterranean, the European Union Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki banned commercial fishing of the endangered species five days early, after allocated fishing quotas were exhausted.

Organizations such as Greenpeace International and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society stationed their vessels in the Mediterranean to help save the species from further demise through illegal fishing.
Onboard the Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace International Oceans Campaigner Oliver Knowles stated, “Bluefin tuna is on the brink of extinction, and fishing should never have taken place this year.

Scientists have shown that the only appropriate fishing quota for bluefin tuna is zero." With the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) also warning of the species’ extinction by 2012 if fisheries are not closed.

Captain Paul Watson – Founder and President of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Vegan (M): Three-fourths of the tuna is taken illegally, and so our vessel, the Steve Irwin, is in the Mediterranean and we’re targeting those illegal operations.

VOICE: The bluefin tuna is a migratory fish which, like all marine wildlife, helps balance the oceans and ultimately our planet.

Paul Watson (M): Fish and other living things in the ocean are more important being a part of that diversity than they are being on our dinner plate, and if we destroy the fishes, we destroy the sea.
And if we destroy the sea, we destroy the life support system for ourselves.

VOICE: Our earnest appreciation Captain Watson, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Greenpeace International for your courageous dedication to protecting the vulnerable bluefin tuna. Let us join in respecting the lives of our marine co-inhabitants for the thriving of all beings on Earth.
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