World Tuna Day 2025

World Tuna Day 2025: Advocating for Tuna Conservation

Observed annually on May 2, World Tuna Day emphasizes the need for sustainable fishing practices to preserve tuna stocks and safeguard the livelihoods of millions worldwide. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2016, the day raises awareness of the threats facing tuna populations, including overfishing, and underscores conservation efforts.

Event Overview

World Tuna Day 2025 will focus on the sustainable management of tuna stocks, which are essential for food security and the global economy. With over 7 million metric tons of tuna and related species harvested yearly, this observance encourages actionable steps to address overfishing and promote sustainable practices within international legal frameworks like the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Activities and Events

The day features events and initiatives at various levels to promote conservation:

Workshops and Training: Sessions for fishing communities and policymakers to adopt sustainable methods and reduce bycatch.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Educational materials and local programs aimed at informing people about responsible consumption.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Events bringing together industry leaders, governments, and conservation groups to discuss solutions for sustainable fisheries.

Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

World Tuna Day supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

SDG 14: Life Below Water – Protecting marine ecosystems through sustainable resource management.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promoting sustainable production methods in the fishing industry.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Supporting food systems reliant on tuna and other marine resources.

Preserving Tuna Stocks for the Future

Tuna contributes significantly to the global economy, representing over 20% of marine capture fisheries and 8% of seafood trade worldwide. Efforts by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), including the Common Oceans Tuna Project, have shown progress in reducing overfished stocks. The project aims to manage tuna stocks sustainably by 2027.

Join the Effort

World Tuna Day 2025 encourages individuals, industries, and governments to take collective action for the long-term conservation of tuna. By supporting these initiatives and adopting sustainable practices, we can maintain tuna as a vital resource for generations to come.

For further details, explore reports and initiatives from organizations such as the FAO and UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

World Tuna Day Themes

Year	Theme	Description
2019	Sustainable Tuna Fishing	Focused on the importance of choosing responsibly sourced tuna to protect tuna populations and marine ecosystems. Emphasized reducing overfishing and bycatch through practices like pole-and-line fishing and FAD-free fishing methods.
2020	Pressures on Tuna Stocks	Highlighted the urgent need to address overfishing, illegal fishing, harmful subsidies, and climate change impacts on tuna stocks. Pacific Island Developing States played a key role in advocating for sustainable practices.
2021	Sustainable Tuna Fisheries	Emphasized the need for international cooperation and science-based solutions to protect tuna stocks and ensure their long-term health. Encouraged collaboration among stakeholders to manage fisheries responsibly.
2022	Our Tuna, Our Heritage	Focused on the cultural and economic significance of tuna and the importance of protecting tuna populations for future generations. Encouraged community involvement and sustainable fishing practices.
2023	Protecting the Future of Tuna	Centered on raising awareness about overfishing and promoting conservation strategies to ensure healthy tuna stocks. Encouraged consumers to choose responsibly sourced tuna and support sustainability efforts.
2024	Our Tuna, Our Legacy	Invited creative expressions to resonate with the theme, emphasizing the importance of conservation and the challenges facing tuna populations. Highlighted the role of tuna in global food security and economic importance.