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º£½ÇÉçÇø — Every year on 2 May, draws attention to one of the ocean’s most ecologically and economically vital fish species. Tuna fish are more than just a prized catch – they are apex predators that maintain marine ecosystem balance, support global food security and drive coastal economies. Yet overfishing, climate change and habitat degradation threaten their survival. As we observe this day, it is vital that we recognise the urgent need for sustainable management to ensure that tuna remain a thriving part of our oceans.

The state of tuna populations

Globally, tuna fisheries generate billions of dollars annually, making them a critical resource. However, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and bycatch (such as sharks and sea turtles) exacerbate population decline. There are 15 species of tuna, and their conservation status varies. Many face significant pressures; according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, several key species are at risk.

The southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) is endangered because of historical overfishing; bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) is vulnerable, with declining stocks in some regions; yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is vulnerable and facing intense fishing pressure; while skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is the most resilient and classified as “least concern”, but requires careful monitoring.

Threats to tuna in African waters

In South African and broader African waters, tuna face unique challenges. Overfishing by industrial fleets, including foreign vessels, exploit African tuna stocks, often exceeding sustainable limits. Bycatch and habitat loss through fishing methods like longline (using a main fishing line with many baited hooks) and purse-seine fishing (using a very large net to catch large schools of fish) inadvertently kill non-target species while pollution and coastal degradation harm spawning grounds. Climate change also poses a significant threat to tuna species, leading to warming oceans that alter tuna migration patterns, disrupting local fisheries and food webs.

According to a study completed in 2023, the Western Indian Ocean, a key tuna fishing zone, has seen yellowfin tuna stocks decline by 70% since 1950. Without intervention, this trend could devastate marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of artisanal fishers.

Conservation efforts and research advances

Fortunately, progress is being made with regional fisheries management organisations like the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, an intergovernmental organisation that coordinates the regulation and management of tuna in the Indian Ocean, enforcing catch limits, though compliance remains inconsistent. Establishing marine protected areas by expanding no-take zones helps safeguard critical tuna habitats. In 2022, the Conference of the Parties (COP15) agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity was to place 30% of the oceans in marine protected areas by 2030. Through technological innovations like satellite tracking, monitoring driven by artificial intelligence, and eco-friendly fishing gear, there may be a reduction in bycatch and an improvement in stock assessments.

South Africa has taken steps with stricter enforcement against IUU fishing, and participation in international tuna conservation agreements. However, stronger regional cooperation is needed to control overexploitation. African countries should advocate for equitable fishing quotas and transparency in industrial fishing deals. There should be a focus on supporting small-scale fisheries, and policies must balance conservation with socio-economic needs. Empowering consumers through initiatives like the WWF’s Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative to choose sustainable seafood will drive the demand for ethical fishing, reward responsible fishers, and ultimately contribute to turning the tide for tuna conservation.

World Tuna Day is not just an observation – it’s a wake-up call. If we fail to act, we risk collapsing fisheries that millions depend on. The solutions exist: more innovative policies, stricter enforcement and global solidarity. Let’s ensure that future generations inherit oceans where tuna and the life they sustain continue to thrive.