World Tuna Day

World Tuna Day History

World Tuna Day seeks to raise awareness about the overfishing of tuna and tuna-like species. Tuna and similar species are important fish both economically, and as a source of food. Their meat is rich in vitamins, and they serve as a vital resource for developed and developing countries. According to the United Nations (UN), about 7 million tons of tuna and tuna-like species are harvested every year. This day aims to inform and educate the public about the harm caused by overfishing. Overfishing can harm ocean ecosystems and biodiversity. Overfishing can threaten wildlife and consequently the entire economic systems.

World Tuna Day was established in 2016 by the UN General Assembly. It is observed annually on May 2nd.

Top 8 Facts for World Tuna Day in 2026

• The upcoming observance of World Tuna Day on May 2 highlights the remarkable recovery of global fish populations, with recent data from the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation indicating that approximately 97% of the commercial tuna catch now originates from stocks with healthy abundance levels.
• The 2026 theme for the event, as championed by the Marine Stewardship Council, is Tuna Done Right, which focuses on the rigorous standards required to protect marine habitats while ensuring long-term food security.
• Tuna are among the few species of fish that are endothermic, meaning they possess a countercurrent exchanger system that allows them to maintain a body temperature higher than the surrounding water, granting them the stamina to migrate across entire oceans.
• The record for the most expensive tuna ever sold was set at a New Year's auction in Japan, where a single giant bluefin tuna fetched a staggering $3.1 million, underscoring the immense economic value of this apex predator.
• While often seen as a modern commodity, tuna have been a subject of human fascination for millennia; the philosopher Aristotle provided one of the earliest recorded scientific descriptions of the species in his ancient work on the classification of animals.
• Recent media projects such as the docuseries Hope in the Water and the documentary series Tuna Tales have brought renewed attention to the "one-by-one" fishing communities that utilize traditional methods like pole-and-line to minimize environmental impact.
• As members of the Thunnini tribe, these fish are biological marvels capable of reaching speeds of up to 43 miles per hour, making them the "Ferraris of the ocean" due to their streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies.
• Beyond their role in global trade, tuna are a critical source of nutrition for over 3 billion people, providing essential omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamin B12 to populations that rely on the "blue economy" for survival.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Tuna Day

Top things to do in the US 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.
• Explore tuna recipes that you can make at home.
• Watch a 2023 World Tuna Day video to learn more about tuna fishing and the industry.

World Tuna Day references