Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Japan takes lead in Atlantic bluefin tuna battle
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
More Yahoo! Services
Account Options
New User? Sign Up
Sign In
Help
Yahoo! Search
web search
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Weekend Edition
Australia
China
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Japan takes lead in Atlantic bluefin tuna battle
AFP - Saturday, November 20
Send
IM Story
Print
Japan takes lead in Atlantic bluefin tuna battle
PARIS (AFP) - – Japan took centre stage Friday at talks on the future of Atlantic bluefin tuna, issuing a call for negotiators to respect science and crack down on renegade fishing.
Facing declining stocks and over-exploitation of a fish prized in Japan as gourmet sashimi and sushi, Tokyo issued a sharp warning to bluefin-trawling nations on the Mediterranean rim.
Countries that fail to show they will honour catch limits "should not engage in fishing in 2011," chief delegate Masanori Miyahara told the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) in a closed-door session.
In an opening statement obtained by AFP, Miyahara was to propose a new rule whereby each party' "ability and plan" to monitor and police their catches of bluefin be first submitted to ICCAT's compliance committee.
The 48-member ICCAT, meeting in Paris until November 27, is charged with setting the rules and quotas for Atlantic fishing of bluefin.
It is also tasked with monitoring compliance, for which it has only a spotty record.
Until this year, the organisation has routinely ignored the catch limit recommendations of its own scientists. Even then, the more generous quotas set were often surpassed by a wide margin.
Industrial-scale fishing using huge trap nets during spawning season have helped drive down stocks by about 85 percent, marine biologists say.
Miyahara reminded delegates that Japan recently refused, for the first time, more than 3,000 tonnes in Atlantic bluefin shipments due to irregularities in documentation.
Tokyo would call for suspending fishing entirely if necessary, he told journalists before the plenary began.
"According to our reading, the science does not require that level of severe measure this year. But in future, if it is necessary, we are ready to take those measures," he said.
The bluefin debate pits dug-in economic interests against mounting concern that the gleaming, fatty fish is close to being wiped out as commercially viable species.
Japan consumes nearly 80 percent of all bluefin caught in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and thus wield enormous influence in the talks here.
"Japan has the key, and the means to convince fishing countries to accept the necessary conservation measures," said Sergi Tudela, a fisheries expert at WWF Spain.
"The decision on bluefin will be an agreement between Japan and the European Union."
The head of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Jane Lubchenco, also underscored Japan's influence.
"Japan has an absolutely critical role to play," she told AFP. "It has a serious responsibility, and I think they take these issues very seriously."
Still, conservationists remain guarded in assessing Japan's new surge of vigilance in safeguarding the species.
"On tuna and sharks, what Japan is saying and putting in writing is great, now they have to deliver," said Sue Lieberman, policy director for the Pew Environment Group. "Much more needs to be done."
They also point out that Japanese companies -- notably industrial giant Mitsubishi -- have huge stockpiles of frozen bluefin, providing at least a two-year cushion if supplies are ruptured.
On Thursday, during a closed-door meeting in which compliance of ICCAT members was reviewed, a Japanese delegate criticized the poor performance of some nations, according to someone present.
"Countries that want to sell tuna to Japan had better start to work properly," said the source, who asked not to be named.
The meeting in Paris will set catch Atlantic bluefin catch limits for 2011. The 2010 quota was 13,500 tonnes.
The EU and the United States favour a "reduction" for next year, but have not specified by how much.
Conservationists say only a temporary ban on bluefin fishing can ensure a long-term recovery of the species.
Recommend
Send
IM Story
Print
Related Articles
NATO agrees on Europe-wide missile defence system AFP - 20 minutes ago
China, Angola sign agreements as vice-president Xi visits AFP - 30 minutes ago
Blast fears stall New Zealand mine rescue AFP - 1 hour 33 minutes ago
Indonesia to probe fresh maid torture case in Saudi Arabia AFP - 2 hours 37 minutes ago
Suu Kyi urges US to be careful in Myanmar dialogue AFP - Saturday, November 20
News Search
Top Stories
9/11 rescuers agree 625 million dollars damages: insurer
WHO seeks regulation of flavored tobacco
Brazilians flaunt Kate's engagement ring, for 3 dlrs
Suspected Germany-bound bomb was 'security test'
Disgraced Oceania FIFA official to appeal 'harsh' ban
More Top Stories »
ADVERTISEMENT
Most Popular
Most Viewed
Most Recommended
Warner Bros scrambles to pull online Harry Potter clip
Astronomers find first planet from another galaxy
'Asian unicorn' and scaly anteater make endangered list
'Devastated' Eva Longoria files for divorce
Prince William's wedding to fit austere times in Britain
More Most Viewed »
Alcohol more harmful than heroin, crack cocaine: study
Toddler survives seven-floor fall in France
EU fines 11 airlines 800 million euros for air cargo cartel
Pilgrims stone 'devil' as Muslims celebrate Eid
'Naked' airport scanners may be 'dangerous'
More Most Recommended »
Elsewhere on Yahoo!
Financial news on Yahoo! Finance
Stars and latest movies
Best travel destinations
More on Yahoo! News
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Weekend Edition
Subscribe to our news feeds
Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS
» More news feeds | What are news feeds?
Also on Yahoo!
Answers
Groups
Mail
Messenger
Mobile
Travel
Finance
Movies
Sports
Games
» All Yahoo! Services
Site Highlights
Singapore
Full Coverage
Most Popular
Entertainment
Photos
Yahoo! News Network
Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Service |
Privacy Policy |
Community |
Intellectual Property Rights Policy |
Help
Other News on Saturday, 20 November 2010 Israel planes hit Gaza targets after rocket fire
Brazilians flaunt Kate's engagement ring, for 3 dlrs
WikiLeaks chief appeals Swedish arrest warrant
Israel and U.S. struggling to conclude settlement pact
Google agrees to delete Street View data in Britain
Israel and U.S. struggle to conclude settlement pact
|
Suspected Germany-bound bomb was 'security test'
NATO: 2 leaders of al-Qaida linked network seized
Azerbaijan frees second opposition blogger: lawyer
Lawmakers block Mexico's crucial drug war reforms
|
Suspected Germany bomb was 'security test'
NATO service member dies in Afghanistan
Telefonica to launch low cost mobile operator: report
Angry Taiwan hackers attack taekwondo website
Nigeria seizes $9.9 million heroin shipment from Iran
|
Nokia acknowledges limited N8 power problem
Madagascar army rejects use of force against rebels
|
RIM says confident of resolving India concerns
Dell rises on expectations of solid sales to government
Putin, Wen, other leaders in bid to save the tiger
|
Startup lets doctors enter prescriptions on iPad
China, Angola sign agreements as vice-president Xi visits
Nokia acknowledges limited N8 power problem
Indonesia to probe fresh maid torture case in Saudi Arabia
US-TECH Summary
Suu Kyi urges US to be careful in Myanmar dialogue
U.S. may soon announce security deal with pilots
Japan takes lead in Atlantic bluefin tuna battle
Twelve dead in Indian air force helicopter crash
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
"Glee" cast to tour Britain, Ireland next year
Broom-wielding quidditch players sweep New York
Pentagon aware of China Internet rerouting
|
Century after death, Tolstoy sidelined in modern Russia
Exhibit threads Chinese, Roman empires with silk
Groupon considers sale to Google: reports
|
Franco tomb inaccessible on 35th anniversary of his death
Ghosts of the past: photo fair looks to ex-Soviet east
Fencing for the blind builds confidence in Uruguay
Oracle-SAP testimony wraps without HP CEO showing
|
EU orders Italy to pay back Elton John subsidy
Vedanta lines up six billion dollars for Cairn India deal
Anne Hathaway talks of "Love and Other Drugs"
India's top microlender seeks to allay fears over solvency
Japan and Mongolia to jointly exploit rare earths
MSNBC suspends another host for political gifts
|
Actor Wesley Snipes headed to prison for tax evasion
|
Justin Bieber announces first U.K. arena tour
|
Glee cast to tour Britain, Ireland next year
|
Israel planes hit Gaza targets after rocket fire
Berlusconi aide was 'liaison' with mafia: court ruling
Bicycle bomb kills at least 3 in east Afghanistan
Facebook founder fodder for animated film
Emotions spill over in New Zealand coal mine drama
|
Germany's Greens kick off party conference in high spirits
US tanker decision delayed to 2011: Air Force
U.S. bars Palestinian statehood moves in U.N. agencies
NATO seeks missile defense agreement with Russia
|
US Congress bans creation, sale, of 'crush videos'
President denies problem with Ukraine press freedom
U.S. Secret Service Cracks Case Of Federal Reserve Bank Hacking
US-TECH Summary
Cash-strapped Brits want royals to foot wedding bill
One in five Americans suffer mental illness: survey
Republican Leader Seeks Changes with Criticisms of Obama
Israel planes hit Gaza targets after rocket fire
|
Pentagon says "aware" of China Internet rerouting
NBCs Community Gets Animated For Christmas Episode
9/11 rescuers agree huge compensation deal
No proof to link Sarkozy to Karachi bomb probe: source
|
WHO seeks regulation of flavored tobacco
Raising Memories Of Past Horrors, Pentagon Sends Tanks To Afghanistan
Amazon lets gift-givers send Kindle books by email
Controversial Kansas Church Expands Its Protest Efforts
Bicycle bomb kills 3, wounds 25 in east Afghanistan
|
Resurgence of Bed Bugs Leads To Congressional Forum
Democrats To Vote On Middle Class Tax Cuts
Vatican tells bishops to crack down on abuse
|
Miller Asks Court To Keep Alaska From Certifying Election Results
Black Eyed Peas, Enrique Iglesias To Perform On "American Music Awards" Sunday
Harry Potter Only Behind Twilight Films For Biggest Pre-sales Ever
India PM vows punishment in $40 bln telecom scam
Poisonous gas fears stall New Zealand mine rescue
N.Korea rejects UN human rights resolution as conspiracy
Emotions spill over in New Zealand coal mine drama
Actor Wesley Snipes headed to prison for tax evasion
England's 10-wicket win ahead of Ashes opener
Parents of Aussie suicide twins in bedside appeal
Japan says two Chinese ships seen near disputed islands
China eye Asiad badminton gold; India- Pakistan face-off in f.hockey
US seeks 'expansion' of drone operations in Pakistan
History man McCaw comes full circle against Ireland
Actor Wesley Snipes headed to prison for tax evasion
Four groups to examine AIG's Taiwan life unit: report
No communication yet with 29 trapped NZ miners
China takes new step to rein in lending, inflation
Rapper DMX is back in an Arizona jail
MSNBC suspends another host for political gifts
Dolce and Gabbana accused of one-billion-euro fraud: report
Indonesia volcano death toll rises to 283
Justin Bieber announces first U.K. arena tour
Rapper DMX is back in an Arizona jail
|
Fox moves American Idol to Wednesday
|
Rolling Stones team up with Call of Duty
|
Most Afghans in southern states 'clueless' about 9/11:
Ireland readies budget plan as massive bailout looms
Bicycle bombs kill at least 3 in east Afghanistan
Stuxnet may be part of Iran atom woes: ex-IAEA aide
|
Egypt bus crash kills 8 tourists
|
India PM rejects court corruption probe criticism
|
Jihadists planning German parliament attack: report
|
Condemned Christian woman seeks mercy in Pakistan
|
Iraqis credit government deal for peaceful holiday
|
NATO vows to hand over war to stronger Afghanistan
Corrected
Obama lifts Sudan sanctions to allow computers for vote
Indonesia resumes flights as volcano slows
Hong Kong says no sign bird flu spreading in humans
Wife: Accused Smart kidnapper 'a great deceiver'
Most 9/11 responders settle suits over WTC dust
Mercedes-Benz forays into luxury compact segment with A-Class
Opportunity huge for newcomers
Thai Tiger launch delayed by 2 months
The painstaking search for Spain's Franco-era missing
Stuxnet may be part of Iran atom woes: ex-IAEA aide
|
"Luxury, please" fair draw crowds in Vienna
Fox moves "American Idol" to Wednesday
Rolling Stones team up with "Call of Duty"
Carla Bruni: now a comic book heroine
Chinese films contend at Taiwanese awards event
Stuxnet may be part of Iran atom woes: ex-IAEA aide
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights