The Politics of Extinction

In light of dwindling Bluefin Tuna populations it would seem to be an obvious issue to raise at the upcoming Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which meets in March. Unfortunately it appears as though the European Union has preemptively removed the issue from the convention's agenda owing to pressure by fisherman of France, Malta, Italy, and Greece, some of whom have promised to block port access if their demands are not met. Sound like a bizarre heist film? In a way it is. Stepping in as the "heroes" are the members of conservationist group Sea Shepherd, who plan begin intercepting tuna poachers after the end of whaling season.
For more information read the article appearing on the Sea Shepherd website.

-Eli Hopkins