Press release - February 3, 2010
Brussels/Paris, International — The European Union is one step away from formally supporting the listing of bluefin tuna as an endangered species, effectively banning its trade. France has today joined Italy in announcing its support for the measure, but has given in to the short-term interests of its industrial fishing fleet by calling for the postponement of the measure for the next two fishing seasons.
Speaking at a press conference in Paris, French environment minister Jean-Louis Borloo and fisheries minister Bruno Le Maire said that France would support the listing of bluefin tuna under appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). However, France also said it wants to wants to postpone the measure by 18 months and review it before it even comes into force.
Greenpeace EU oceans policy director Saskia Richartz said: "Europe is finally coming round to putting its weight behind the protection of bluefin tuna. It would now be ridiculous to follow France and stand by for the next two years without taking action while tuna moves closer to extinction."
France's announcement follows a statement by Italy, which holds the EU's third largest quota for bluefin tuna, in support of the proposed trade ban. France and Italy together hold a bluefin tuna quota of more than 4,320 tonnes in 2010, one-third of the total allowable catch of bluefin tuna and more than half the EU quota. The EU is expected to adopt a formal position on bluefin tuna before the CITES meeting in Qatar on 13-25 March.
Other contacts:
Saskia Richartz – Greenpeace EU oceans policy director: +32 (0)495 29 00 28, 
Mark Breddy – Greenpeace EU communications manager: +32 (0)496 156229, 