World Tuna Day

World Tuna Day is a worldwide celebration to preserve the principles of sustainable fisheries and raise public awareness about tuna. It is one of the most widespread fish species and plays an important role in maintaining ocean life. In addition, tuna is essential to the economy and as a human food. It is celebrated every year on May 2.

History

The history of World Tuna Day begins in 2016, when it was established by the UN General Assembly. Its creation was an important achievement of the joint efforts of fishermen, environmentalists and conservationists.

Tunas are amazing aquatic species that are constant travelers. During their migration they can cross several oceans. Due to their special body structure, they are able to raise their body temperature in order to cross cold water areas without any problems.

Tuna meat has a reddish hue and also has excellent nutritional properties. Fishing activities concerning this fish are carried out in almost 100 countries of the world. The development of fishing methods (e.g., when ships became massively equipped with engines, it became possible to cast nets over a large area) led to the overfishing of tuna. The situation has now stabilized, but must be kept under constant control to avoid a decline in the population of such an important fish as tuna – as World Tuna Day would like to remind us again!

Interesting facts

• Despite their considerable size (up to 4 meters in length and more than half a ton of weight), these fish can swim at speeds of up to 43 mph.
• The very first written record of tuna is found in the writings of the Greek scholar Aristotle.
• Tuna accounts for almost 10% of all seafood sold in the world.

How to celebrate

Learn more about the health benefits of tuna and read interesting facts about the fish. Cook tuna meat yourself that day or visit a caterer to enjoy expertly prepared fish from professional chefs.

Spread the word about the holiday on social media. Ask users if they like tuna meat. What are their favorite dishes made from the fish?

When is World Tuna Day in 2024?

World Tuna Day is observed on May 2 each year.

Observations