The world should ban the export of Atlantic bluefin tuna, a U.N. panel declared Friday, backing a proposal that is fiercely opposed by Japan, which prizes the fish as a key ingredient in sushi.
Atlantic bluefin populations have declined more than 80 percent since the 19th century, so establishing special protections is justified by science, said CITES, the U.N. group that oversees the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
"We are recommending that the parties accept the proposal," CITES scientific chief David Morgan told reporters in Geneva.
The tiny European principality of Monaco is asking the 175 nations that are members of CITES to agree on a global ban on Atlantic bluefin exports at a meeting in Qatar's capital of Doha from March 13-25. The plan is one of 42 conservation proposals CITES members will consider, along with similar trade bans on products from polar bears, some sharks and other species.