Revealed: the bid to corner world's bluefin tuna market

The Independent by Martin Hickman | Jun. 3, 2009 (Special Report)
Mitsubishi freezing fish to sell later as stock numbers plummet toward extinction

A corporation within the £170bn Mitsubishi empire is importing thousands of tonnes of the fish from Europe into Tokyo's premium fish markets, despite stocks plummeting towards extinction in the Mediterranean.

Bluefin tuna frozen at -60C now could be sold in several years' time for astronomical sums if Atlantic bluefin becomes commercially extinct as forecast, a result of the near free-for-all enjoyed by the tuna fleet. Full Story »

Posted by Dwight Rousu

See All Reviews »

View | |

To:


Separate email addresses with commas.
25 recipients max.

Note:

Review

Silhouette_sml
4.0
 by Gary Clark - Jun. 6, 2009

The article describes an alarmingly crass profit-motivated assault on the dwindling blue-fin tuna stocks. It is a conceivable plot, given the Japanese cultural penchant for delicacies that threaten both shark and whale populations. Unfortunately, the evidence that Mitsubishi intends to decimate the species is asserted by a former fisherman turned filmmaker, but no corroboration is presented. The company contends it is following normal procedures, but both WWF and Greenpeace are agitated about the internationally sanctioned overfishing, which is also exacerbated by illegal catches.

We may see more of this grabbing "the last of" endangered species, just as tropical hardwood forests are being slashed for custom flooring, and rare specimens are smuggled to collectors.

“..the Japanese restaurant Nobu continues to serve it – while advising diners to choose a dish that is less environmentally damaging.”

Talk about greenwashing!

(13 answers)

Gary's Rating

Overall
4.0

Good
from 13 answers
Quality
4.0
Facts
4.0
Fairness
4.0
Sourcing
4.0
Style
4.0
Context
4.0
Depth
4.0
Enterprise
4.0
Relevance
4.0
Popularity
4.0
Recommendation
4.0
Credibility
4.0
More How our ratings work »