A proposed ban on the international trade of Atlantic bluefin tuna failed to pass during a United Nations wildlife meeting Thursday.
Greenpeace called the decision a "disaster" for the species, which has seen a 75% decline in population with rising demand for sushi. Environmentalists blamed Japan for underming the vote, which took place during the U.N. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in Doha, Qatar. Japan imports 80% of the tuna catch.
Japan also played a role in blocking another US-endorsed proposal to boost protection for sharks that are seeing dramatic reductions in populations due to growing demand for shark-fin soup in Asia.
A proposed ban on the trade of polar bear skins was also defeated.
Read full Associated Press coverage at the link below.
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