The new moves came just three weeks before an International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) meeting in Morocco to consider new management rules for the fishery.

They also follow an internal ICCAT review labeling the fisheries management an international disgrace and calling for its temporary closure.

There was similar call from the majority of government delegates to the World Conservation Congress earlier this month, as well as the adoption of a strong negotiating mandate for the European Commission, a key ICCAT member, which could include support for a closure by the EU Fisheries Council a week ago.

These signs from Italy and Spain are just the latest in a litany of calls for the closure of the imperilled Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishery, said Dr Sergi Tudela, Head of Fisheries at WWF Mediterranean.

Both a suspension of fishing and the creation of sanctuaries in main spawning areas will be key to the sustainable management of bluefin tuna in these troubled waters.

A WWF report last month revealed rampant violations of the tuna fishery rules by the Italian fleet.

WWF welcomed the unanimous approval by Spains Parliament of the proposal for bluefin tuna sanctuaries south of the Balearics, in the Central Mediterranean, and in the Levant Sea, the worlds three most important spawning grounds for bluefin tuna.

Spain, which has the largest Mediterranean bluefin tuna fishing quota, voted for the World Conservation Congress motion to close the fishery until an adequate management regime and other measures such as the establishment of sanctuaries can be put in place.

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Adam Szreter,
Media Relations Officer
WWF International
1196 Gland, Switzerland

Tel: +41 22 3649111 Direct: +41 22 3649554
Fax: +41 22 3645358 E-mail: aszreter-consultant@wwfint.org

Imam Musthofa
National Fisheries Coordinator
WWF-Indonesia
T: +62 (0) 21 576 1070 e.611
F: +62 (0) 21 576 1080
E: imusthofa(at)wwf.or.id