Press release - January 27, 2010
Brussels, International — The European Parliament and Italy have joined a growing number of voices calling for stricter protection of the endangered Mediterranean bluefin tuna ahead of a crucial international meeting in March which could see the fish officially listed as an endangered species.
In a vote today, the Parliament's environment committee urged the European Commission and EU member states to support an appendix 1 listing under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). This measure would drastically limit catches of bluefin tuna. The EU is expected to adopt a formal position before the CITES meeting on 13-25 March.
Media reports say that Italy has shifted its position and would now back the suspension in the international trade in bluefin tuna. Italy was previously part of a block of six Mediterranean countries blocking the listing of bluefin tuna as an endangered species.
Greenpeace EU oceans policy director Saskia Richartz said: "The European Commission and other Mediterranean states can no longer turn a deaf ear to the growing calls to save bluefin tuna. Italy's reversal means that there is no credible opposition in the EU to the suspension of international trade in bluefin tuna."
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, 