World Tuna Day

World Tuna Day History

World Tuna Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of tuna to the world's oceans, as well as to the people and communities that depend on it for food and livelihoods. This day also highlights the need for sustainable management practices to ensure the long-term health of tuna populations and the ocean ecosystem.

The history of World Tuna Day in Canada dates back to 2016, when the United Nations General Assembly declared May 2 as World Tuna Day. This decision was made to recognize the important role that tuna plays in global food security and as a source of income for many coastal communities. Canada has since joined other international community members in observing this day as a way of demonstrating support for sustainable tuna fishing, scientific research, and responsible management of tuna stocks.

Canada has a significant role to play in the global tuna market, with Atlantic bluefin tuna being a highly valuable species that is subject to both commercial and recreational fishing in Canadian waters. As such, it is important for Canada to participate in efforts to ensure sustainable tuna fishing practices, in order to conserve tuna populations for future generations. World Tuna Day in Canada serves as a reminder of this crucial need for responsible management and conservation efforts.

Facts about World Tuna Day

• The theme for World Tuna Day in 2025 was Yes We Can.
  In 2024 the theme was Our Tuna, Our Legacy.
  In 2023 the theme was Restoring Tuna Abundance to Benefit People and Nature.
• The tuna industry has an estimated global sale value of almost $10 billion according to the UN.
• One of the largest tunas ever caught was off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada in 1979. It weighed a whopping 1,496 pounds (678 kg).
• The most common type of tuna found in Canadian waters is the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. Other species such as the Bigeye Tuna, Albacore Tuna, and Yellowfin Tuna are less common, but they can still be found in Canadian waters.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Tuna Day

Top things to do in Canada 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.
• Check out one of the several fishing tournaments are organized on World Tuna Day in Canada, especially in coastal regions. These tournaments attract fishing enthusiasts from across the country and offer prizes for the largest tuna caught.
• Visit your local aquarium today to learn about the biology and ecology of tuna. Several aquariums across Canada organize exhibitions and displays on World Tuna Day that showcase the different species of tuna and the importance of conservation efforts.