World Tuna Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about World Tuna Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. World Tuna Day is celebrated on May 2nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of World Tuna Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you might want to know about World Tuna Day.

📅 What day is World Tuna Day 2024?

In 2024, World Tuna Day is on Tuesday, May 2nd. It is the 1st Tuesday in May; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the fun details and facts about May 2, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

World Tuna Day, which is celebrated globally on May 2, is an important day that acknowledges the efforts of fishing communities, scientists, and environmentalists in protecting and sustaining tuna populations in coastal areas. Tuna holds great significance because it is a highly dynamic and crucial species in our oceans. Not only is it captivating due to its impressive size, strength, agility, and speed, but it also plays a vital role in the economic and nutritional aspects for humans. Tuna species contribute to 20% of the total value of marine fisheries and account for over 8% of all seafood exports worldwide.

📜 World Tuna Day History

Tuna are large, powerful fish that require size, strength, and speed in order to migrate and travel across oceans and continents. This is why they can be found in almost every ocean. Being endothermic, tuna can adapt to different ocean temperatures by raising their body temperature, which gives their meat its distinct reddish-pink color and high nutritional value. Tuna is a popular and healthy fish that is widely available, making it an important part of many people’s diets.

Tuna fishing is a significant industry, with at least 96 countries involved in harvesting tuna stocks. However, historical limitations on fishing technology have restricted tuna fishing. The introduction of motorized fishing vessels has expanded the areas where fishing nets can be cast, leading to a significant increase in tuna capture. As the global population has grown, tuna fishing has become more intense, posing a risk of overexploitation. Overfishing not only threatens tuna populations but also endangers other marine species, such as turtles, dolphins, and swordfish, which can be caught in fishing nets indiscriminately.

To raise awareness of sustainable tuna fishing practices, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 2 as “World Tuna Day” in 2016. The aim is to promote responsible fishing and conservation efforts surrounding tuna populations.

✅ World Tuna Day Facts

🔖 They are very valuable
The most expensive tuna ever purchased reached a staggering price of $3.1 million.

🔖 A little bit of everything

🔖 Tunas are big
The largest tuna ever caught weighed 1,496 pounds, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of a horse.

👍 Why Is World Tuna Day Important

The fishing industry is quite aggressive. World Tuna Day contributes to the fight against overfishing and unsustainable fishing techniques.

World Tuna Day was established to help save tuna and other marine species from extinction. Fishing nets endanger dolphins, turtles, and hundreds of other creatures that swim alongside tuna schools.

Tuna is a staple in the diets of millions of people throughout the world. Without proper management, this vital food source can deteriorate significantly, causing major supply issues and food insecurity.

🙂 How To Observe World Tuna Day

⚡ Try a diet with less animal consumption

⚡ Value environmentally-responsible brands
In addition to harming tuna, large-scale net fishing causes the deaths of numerous other animals. However, due to growing societal awareness, several companies have developed sustainable fishing techniques that prioritize the safety of dolphins, turtles, and other species. It is important to choose brands that have a strong commitment to environmental practices in order to support these efforts.

⚡ Defend artisanal fishing communities
Overfishing is caused by rising seafood demand. This need is increased by a society that places a high value on animal-derived foods. A more balanced diet that includes more plant-based foods is critical for environmental equilibrium.

📅 When is World Tuna Day?

See all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Animal and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about World Tuna Day. So be sure to check back soon.