The Obama administration expressed support today, March 5, for a proposed ban on the international trade of Atlantic bluefin tuna.
Monaco has proposed listing the tuna as an "appendix 1" species under the United Nations' Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), a designation that would prohibit its trade across international boundaries. The convention will take up the proposal at a meeting in Doha, Qatar, beginning March 15.
The United States issued preliminary support for the proposal in October but said it would reconsider if the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) adopted sufficiently strong fishing quotas and enforcement measures.
Today, March 5, Tom Strickland, assistant Interior secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, said the United States has determined ICCAT fell short.