Fisheries body raises quota on endangered Atlantic and Mediterranean Bluefin tuna

MILAN – A multi-nation fisheries body has increased the quotas on Bluefin tuna fished in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea amid early signs of population recovery, raising concern among conservationists.

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas on Monday raised next year's quota on Bluefin tuna off the United States, Canada and Mexico by 14 percent to 2,000 metric tons. It raised the quota on the Mediterranean Bluefin tuna population by 20 percent to 15,821 metric tons.

Amanda Nickson of the Pew Environment Group said the decision puts at risk the population recovery made over the last several years.

The World Wildlife Foundation called on fishers and consumers "to take greater responsibility" to ensure Bluefin tuna recovery.