May 2nd is World Tuna Day #WorldTunaDay. Even though I don’t care for Seafood I will eat Tuna Fish or Salmon Patties and Fish Sticks at times. Tuna Fish is a staple in my home. Is it in yours? I have Tuna on the Grocery List so I can make Chicken Salad and Tuna Salad this week for my lunch because its healthy and something I can eat on my Diet.
Coe and join me today as we #celebrate World Tuna Day which is observed on May 2 throughout the coastal zone of the planet. This date was an achievement of fishing communities, scientists, and environmentalists who came together to protect Tuna schools around the world and help create a sustainable Fishing model.
The question today is why is there a World Tuna Day? Because Tuna is one of the most vigorous and important Fish in the Seas. Tuna is certainly among the most fascinating when it comes to size, strength, agility, and speed.
In addition, Tuna is one of the most important Animals for the human economy and nutrition. Tuna species represent 20% of the value of all Marine Fisheries and more than 8% of all Seafood traded globally.
Tunas are magnificent Wild Animals and have been known to mankind for thousands of years. One of the oldest records of the species was made by Aristotle in his work on the classification of Animals. These Fish can reach up to eight feet in length and weigh over 500 pounds, but don’t think we’re talking about a slow Animal. This Fish’s powerful body allows it to reach a speed of up to 43 miles per hour!
Size, strength, and speed are important characteristics of Tuna as they are constantly migrating, crossing Oceans, and going from one continent to another. That’s why Tuna is in almost every Ocean in the world. Tuna can live in several Seas on the planet as it is an Endothermic Fish.
Tuna can increase its body temperature when facing the Icy Waters on its migration routes. This evolutionary adaptation is what gives Tuna Meat its characteristic reddish-pink color and powerful nutritional properties. A large, tasty, and nutritious Fish that can be found almost all over the world, it is no accident that Tuna has become so important in the diet of millions of people.
Tuna is one of the major Animals exploited by the Fishing industry. Currently, at least 96 Countries exploit schools of Tuna in the Oceans. Throughout history, however, Tuna Fishing was limited for technical reasons.
It was with the advent of engines that fishing boats managed to increase the area of Fishing nets they cast over the Seas. This has led to an exponential growth in the capture of these Fish. With the growth of the world population, Tuna Fishing has become more intense, increasing the risk of predatory overexploitation of these Animals.
Overfishing not only threatens Tuna but also other Marine Animals. The indiscriminate use of Fishing nets also kills Turtles, Dolphins, and Swordfish. In 2016, the United Nations General Assembly established May 2 as World Tuna Day. The aim was to raise awareness of a sustainable Tuna Fishing model.
How to Observe World Tuna Day
- Fishing with giant nets kills countless Animals besides Tuna. With increasing social pressure in recent years, some brands have developed sustainable Fishing methods that do not threaten Dolphins, Turtles, and other Animals. Always choose brands with a seal of good environmental practices.
- Traditional artisanal Fishing communities are very important for the maintenance of Marine life. Good Fishing management is essential to preserve the quantity and quality of Seafood.
- Overfishing is a result of a growing demand for Seafood. This demand is accelerated by a culture based on the high consumption of food of Animal origin. A more balanced diet with more plant sources is essential for environmental balance.
Tunas are big but did you know 1,496 pounds was the weight of the largest Tuna ever caught/ Which was an Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, about as heavy as a Horse! Can you imagine that?
The most expensive Tuna ever sold cost $3.1 million.
The omnivorous Fish’s varied diet includes other Fish, Eels, and Squid, but also, Plankton and Marine Vegetables.
Did you know there are eight types of Tuna including Albacore Tuna, Southern Bluefin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna, Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, Longtail Tuna, and Yellowfish Tuna. Looks like we need to experiment and they some of these varieties of Tuna. As long as we can make Tuna Salad out of them.
Dolphins are famous Shark fighters which is why some Scientists believe schools of Tuna associate with Dolphins, to protect themselves from Sharks.
Why World Tuna Day is Important
- Industrial fishing is extremely aggressive and World Tuna Day helps combat overfishing and unsustainable Fishing methods.
- World Tuna Day was created to prevent the extinction of Tuna and other Marine Animals. Fishing nets threaten Dolphins, Turtles, and dozens of other Animals that swim together with schools of Tuna.
- Tuna is the basis of the diet of millions of people in the world. Without maintenance practices, this important food source can drop dramatically, leading to serious supply problems and food insecurity.
Recipe for Tuna Salad:
Tuna
Eggs
Pickles
Onions if you like them
Mustard was something my dad would add but I don’t.
Mayonnaise
Some people add Nuts or Grapes
Directions
Boil 3 to 4 Eggs to cut up and add to the Tuna
Open the cans of Tuna and drain. I use Starkist Tuna in Water but you can use any brand in Water or Oil.
Cup up as many Pickles as you like and you can use any type of Pickles I use Best Maid Hamburger Slices because its what my parents would use.
Mayonnaise to taste. I use either Hellyman’s or Mircle Whip depending what is on sale but I’ve also used Store Brands of May.
Mix together and serve as a Sandwich on Salad or a piece of Lettuce the Sky’s the limit when it comes to Tuna Salad.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
