NATIVEUK.COM LESSONS
World Tuna Day
Established by the United Nations and observed on the 2nd of May, World Tuna Day raises awareness about the importance of sustainably managing tuna stocks. Tuna is one of the most commercially valuable fish on the planet, with over 7 million tonnes caught each year, yet several species are now critically endangered due to overfishing.
Speaking Discussion
- Is sustainable seafood a marketing myth or a biological possibility?
- If a robot could catch fish perfectly, would that make industrial fishing better or worse?
- Should we prioritise cheap protein for the poor over ocean biodiversity for the future?
- Why do we feel more sympathy for a dolphin than for a tuna?
- If the oceans die, does human civilisation have a 1% chance of surviving?
Activity 1: The Ocean Governor
The Task: You are the minister of fisheries. A massive fleet wants to catch 1,000 tons of tuna. Environmentalists say the species will collapse. You have 3 minutes to negotiate a compromise. Define a quota, a fine, and a protected zone.
Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate
Justify in 30 seconds: 1. 'Humans are the only virus the Earth cannot survive.' 2. 'Eating meat is a luxury we will have to ban within 50 years.' 3. 'Nature is a resource, and its only purpose is to serve human growth.'