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UK bluefin tuna comeback shows nature can recover, says WWF
Overview
A new WWF report highlights the return of bluefin tuna in significant numbers off the British coast, demonstrating that effective fisheries management and conservation can work. Alongside other global species recoveries, such as wild tigers and green sea turtles, the report offers a message of hope, though it notes that monitored global wildlife populations have still fallen by an average of 73% since 1970.
Key points
- Bluefin tuna have returned in huge numbers to UK waters after nearly disappearing by the 1960s due to overfishing.
- The tuna's recovery is credited to international efforts including catch quotas, size limits, and spawning ground protections.
- The WWF's Living Planet Report 2026 highlights global wildlife recoveries, including a more than 70% increase in wild tigers since 2010.
- Green sea turtles were downgraded from endangered to least concern last year after 50 years of conservation work.
- Despite individual species successes, monitored global wildlife populations have fallen by an average of 73% since 1970.
- The report emphasises that while a window of opportunity remains, massive financial support still flows into activities that harm nature rather than protect it.