World Tuna Day

World Tuna Day History

World Tuna aims to raise awareness about the vital role of tuna and all tuna-like species in the maintenance of marine ecosystems. It is also an opportunity to highlight the importance of sustainable fishing practices to ensure the long-term conservation of these valuable species. This observance recognizes the economic, nutritional, and cultural significance of tuna, reinforcing the need for effective global management to prevent overfishing and depleting tuna stocks worldwide.

Declared by the United Nations General Assembly, World Tuna Day came into existence in 2017. The day holds particular relevance for South Africa due to the country's dependence on tuna fishing and trading as an essential part of its economy. South Africa, being a prominent member of International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), has an active role in advocating for sustainable fishing practices. Tuna is crucial for South Africa, as it contributes to food security and sustains South African livelihoods in many coastal communities.

In South Africa, World Tuna Day is typically marked with activities that shed light on the importance of sustainability and responsible fishing. These activities often involve the participation of government bodies, environmental organisations, fishery communities, and other relevant stakeholders. Campaigns, workshops, and educational events are used to promote the responsible management of tuna resources and sustainable fishing practices. World Tuna Day is observed annually on the 2nd of May, dedicated to safeguarding this crucial marine resource for future generations.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 World Tuna Day in South Africa

• As the global community prepares for World Tuna Day on May 2nd, South Africans are increasingly searching for ways to balance their love for seafood with environmental responsibility. Here are the most important and interesting facts about the upcoming observance for a local audience:
  
  The primary theme for the 2026 observance is Sustaining Tuna, Sustaining Nations, which emphasizes the critical link between healthy marine stocks and the economic resilience of coastal communities.
• A major milestone for local consumers is the 2026 update to the WWF-SASSI list, which has officially moved yellowfin tuna caught via pole and line in the Indian Ocean to the "green" category, signaling it as a sustainable "best choice" for the first time in years.
• South Africa’s albacore tuna fishery, often referred to locally as longfin, recently achieved a world-first by becoming the first fishery to gain Marine Stewardship Council certification through a dedicated transition program.
• For health-conscious shoppers, a common point of interest is that "light" canned tuna, typically made from skipjack, generally contains significantly lower mercury levels than "white" canned tuna or fresh bigeye steaks.
• The ABALOBI initiative is gaining traction in the Western Cape by using digital QR-code technology to allow diners to trace their yellowfin tuna back to the specific small-scale fisher who caught it.
• Documentary films such as GUTTED, produced by Greenpeace Africa, have sparked widespread discussion about how industrial fishing policies impact traditional communities in places like Kalk Bay.
• The Nelson Mandela University recently launched a documentary series titled Ecotones, which explores the deep spiritual and economic ties between South African coastal residents and the migratory tuna that visit our shores.
• Culinary enthusiasts often revisit classic local resources like the Huisgenoot Wenresepte series to find budget-friendly ways to prepare tuna, such as the iconic South African tuna pasta bake.
• South Africa is recognized globally for its "one-by-one" fishing tradition, a method where fishers catch a single tuna at a time to virtually eliminate bycatch of dolphins and turtles.
• The comprehensive guide Two Oceans: A guide to the marine life of southern Africa remains the definitive reference for locals wanting to identify the various tuna species, from the resilient skipjack to the endangered southern bluefin.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Tuna Day

Top things to do in South Africa 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.
• Visit the Cape Peninsula, where you can see the iconic False Bay, home to several tuna species, including Yellowfin Tuna.
• Take a boat tour in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park to see tuna swimming around in their natural habitat.