Bluefin tuna need our protection
I am writing to voice my opinion on the sale of bluefin tuna in City'super. Bluefin tuna is a critically endangered species. Recently, City'super stopped selling it after being pressured by a Facebook group. The group threatened to boycott the store if it continued to sell bluefin tuna.
In this modern age, many of us have a high standard of living. People are searching for more and more palatable food to satisfy their appetites. Fewer people are concerned about the lives of endangered animals.
Bluefin tuna is a precious fish. People do not have the right to fish them - they have to protect them. Besides, bluefin tuna plays an important role in the marine food chain. We have a duty to maintain stable conditions for marine life. It is pleasing to see that more people are trying to propose regulations to protect rare species.
I support the protest of the Facebook group and I appreciate their action. It is our social responsibility to protect all species in jeopardy. It is time to wake up to the imperative need for action. Stop eating or hunting them.
Rachael Fong, Methodist College
From the Editor
Thank you for your letter, Rachel. It is great that the Facebook group was able to pressure City'super into taking bluefin tuna off their shelves. But they are easy to target because they are a big, corporate group. Far more difficult to change are the many smaller restaurants who simply refuse to stop.
It is the same sad story as shark fin. Unfortunately the end decision will rest with the consumer. When it is no longer profitable for these animals to be sold, the selling will stop.
As the tried-and-tested saying goes, when the buying stops, the killing can, too.
Susan, Editor
