(Wednesday, August 26, 2009) Western Atlantic bluefin tuna are in deep peril. This amazing fish - swimming as fast as a racehorse runs and weighing up to 1,500 pounds - is in danger of becoming extinct within 10 years. The mature population of this fish has declined by 80% since 1970. Despite this decline, the federal government is proposing to increase the catch in the Gulf of Mexico, the only known spawning area for bluefin tuna in the western Atlantic Ocean.

Fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico targeting swordfish and yellowfin tuna deploy up to 40 miles of long-lines in the water with hundreds of baited hooks attached. During the 10 hours these long-lines are in the water, other species that are supposed to be protected in the Gulf of Mexico including bluefin tuna, marlins, sharks, and sea turtles are caught and killed. Instead of eliminating this wasteful fishing gear, the federal government is now proposing to allow commercial long-line fishermen to kill and sell more bluefin tuna, despite the fact that the bluefin population is at its lowest levels on record.

Please take a moment to let the National Marine Fisheries Service know that they must stop the use of long-lines in the Gulf of Mexico to catch swordfish and yellowfin tuna. Other, less wasteful fishing gear is available to catch swordfish and yellowfin tuna that will not jeopardize the future existence of bluefin tuna. Thanks for your continued support.

Click Here to Help Protect Bluefin Tuna