INTERNATIONAL DAY

World Tuna Day

World Tuna Day is a global nod to something worth celebrating no matter which map you grew up with.

MAY2

Sunday, May 2Every year on May 2

days to go

Roots: Established by the United Nations in 2016
Vibe: Promoting ocean health and sustainability
Also on May 2: Fitness Day · Homebrew Day · Life Insurance Day
Hashtag: #WorldTunaDay

Add to my calendar Send a card Email a friend

Apple or Outlook calendar

Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate World Tuna Day.

Read or watch something made outside the U.S. today.
Cook a dish from a country you've been curious about.
Donate to an international organization doing good work.
Learn one word in a language you don't speak.
Send a message to a friend who lives elsewhere.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Eat, watch, or listen to something from another country tonight.
Kids
Pick a country to learn about this week — flag, food, language, one famous person.
Couples
Plan a trip — real or imagined — to someplace you've never been.
Office
Celebrate a team member's heritage — food, holiday, tradition.
School
Tie the day into a geography, language, or world history unit.
Community
Support an international nonprofit with a local presence.
Just me
Read long-form journalism from outside the U.S. today.

Fast facts

Tuna is a $42 billion in estimated end-use value global industry

The story

World Tuna Day, celebrated on May 2 each year, serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by tuna populations around the globe. With tuna being a staple in many diets, particularly in coastal nations, its sustainability is crucial. The United Nations established this day in 2016 to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing practices and to encourage the protection of marine ecosystems. As a key player in the global seafood market, the health of tuna stocks impacts economies, food security, and marine biodiversity.

Read the full story

Tuna species, including popular varieties like bluefin and yellowfin, are facing significant threats from overfishing and climate change. According to the World Wildlife Fund, more than 70% of tuna populations are currently overfished, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable management practices. Organizations and governments worldwide are working to implement regulations and promote responsible fishing to ensure the future of these vital fish. As consumers, we also play a role in supporting sustainable fishing efforts through our choices at the market.

Celebrating World Tuna Day involves not only recognizing the delicious dishes that tuna brings to our tables but also understanding the broader implications of tuna fishing on marine ecosystems. Events and activities on this day encourage individuals and communities to engage with local fish markets, explore sustainable seafood options, and learn more about the ocean's delicate balance. Educational initiatives often focus on the impact of plastic pollution and overfishing, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts.

As we observe World Tuna Day, let us reflect on our connection to the oceans and the fish that inhabit them. By advocating for sustainable fishing practices and supporting conservation initiatives, we can ensure that future generations will also enjoy the bounty of the sea. Join us in celebrating this day – whether through cooking a tuna dish, participating in clean-up efforts, or simply educating ourselves and others about the importance of ocean health.