World Tuna Day

World Tuna Day History

World Tuna Day seeks to acknowledge the critical socio-economic role that tuna play globally, providing livelihoods for countless communities and feeding billions. Recognised by the United Nations, this day highlights the need to conserve and manage tuna stocks effectively as overfishing threatens their survival and the viability of the economies they support. For Australia, tunas are one of the key pillars of the aquaculture sector, thus understanding and supporting the objectives of World Tuna Day is particularly salient.

The United Nations instituted World Tuna Day in 2016, underscoring the importance of sustainable marine stewardship. As Australia is renowned for its extensive coastline and rich marine biodiversity, this nation undoubtedly holds a stake in the vitality of global tuna stocks. Notably, the southern bluefin tuna industry generates significant economic activity for the nation, particularly for the Port Lincoln community in South Australia. However, the fragility of the southern bluefin tuna population underlines the urgent need for sustainable practices, a chief concern echoed on World Tuna Day.

In Australia, World Tuna Day is observed through a variety of awareness campaigns, seminars, and educational events that underline the importance of sustainable fishing practices and conserving marine ecosystems. Fisheries, academia, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders collaborate to highlight the importance of preserving tuna populations. These initiatives provide valuable platforms for discussions on how the nation can enhance its contribution to global efforts in managing the world's tuna stocks. World Tuna Day is celebrated on May 2, encouraging national participation in the dialogue on sustainable marine resource management.

Facts about World Tuna Day

• The theme for World Tuna Day in 2025 was Yes We Can.
  In 2024 the theme was Our Tuna, Our Legacy.
  In 2023 the theme was Restoring Tuna Abundance to Benefit People and Nature.
• The tuna industry has an estimated global sale value of almost $10 billion according to the UN.
• Australia's tuna industry contributes more than $160 million annually to the country's economy, with major export markets in Japan, the United States, and Europe.
• The southern bluefin tuna is the largest and most commercially important species in Australia. It can reach lengths of over 2 meters and weigh more than 200 kilograms.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Tuna Day

Top things to do in Australia for World Tuna Day

• Learn more about the different kinds of tuna species. Greenpeace lists several species of tuna and provides healthy recommendations for consumption.
• Check out your local culinary school for tuna cooking workshops on World Tuna Day. These workshops teach participants how to prepare various tuna dishes, including sushi, sashimi, and grilled tuna steaks.
• Attend the Port Lincoln Tuna Classic, a popular fishing tournament that takes place in Port Lincoln, South Australia. The tournament attracts anglers from across the country and also promotes sustainable fishing practices.