Insight for Sunday 21 December 2008

Sixty per cent of the world's tuna comes from the Pacific.

The fishery is worth over $2 billion to outside nations who fish in the region and $400 million to the nations of the Pacific.

But as demand increases, there is growing concern that the relentless pressure on tuna stocks is putting them in substantial danger.

Philippa Tolley travels to Busan in South Korea, where those involved in the industry are gathering to discuss the way ahead.

The agenda includes one proposal to reduce the catch of some tuna species by 30 per cent.

But can a rescue plan be agreed upon?

Picture:Frozen tuna being transhipped. (Courtesy of Greenpeace)