The Fate of Tuna is on the Line in Paris

While fishermen have been quick to catch them, countries have been very slow to save one of the fastest fish in the sea. Now there's another chance to protect Atlantic bluefin tuna.

More than 40 governments, including the United States, will meet in Paris beginning Nov. 17 to consider quotas on catch of the few remaining bluefin. These tunas, which can swim in bursts up to 40 mph and weigh up to 1,500 pounds, are coveted in the Japanese sushi market. One bluefin recently fetched more than $170,000.

The governments, which belong to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, must act now to save the dwindling species. The past shortsightedness of ICCAT decision-makers is one reason bluefin populations have plummeted up to 85 percent since 1970.

Read the full post and watch a video about tuna spawning areas on the Discovery News Web site.