Current Event By: Leo Adams

 A conservation group has found three fish species that they say are at risk of extinction. The fish are threatened because of overfishing to meet the world’s growing demand for food. In a new report released today, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) added Pacific bluefin tuna to its list of more than 22,000 species threatened with extinction. The tuna was joined by the American eel and Chinese puffer fish.

 The Bluefin tuna is considered a delicacy—or a special food— in many parts of the world. It is used in traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi and sashimi.

 The Takifugu (Chinese Pufferfish) is often called Fugu (Chinese river pig).  The fish is highly toxic, but despite this—or perhaps because of it—it is considered a delicacy in Japan. The fish contains lethal amounts of the poison tetrodotoxin in the internal organs, especially the liver and the ovaries, but also in the skin and the testes. Therefore, only specially licensed chefs can prepare and sell fugu to the public, and the consumption of the liver and ovaries is forbidden. But because small amounts of the poison give a special desired sensation on the tongue, these parts are considered the most delicious by some gourmets. Every year a number of people die because they underestimate the amount of poison in the consumed fish parts.

 Substantial decline in numbers and fishery landings of American eels over their range in eastern Canada and the US was noted, raising concerns over the status of this. The number of juvenile eels in the Lake Ontario area decreased from 935,000 in 1985 to about 8000 in 1993 and was approaching zero levels in Rapid declines were also recorded in Virginia, as well as in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island in Canada.

 Who, is making these fish extinct: Fishermen  What are going extinct: Bluefin tuna, Chinese pufferfish, American Eel  When: Yesterday  Where: China, America and the Mediterranean Sea  Why: overfishing to meet the world’s growing demand for food

 Jukinju said When I was in elementary in the 80's I remember being told that acid rain would kill the maple trees and that my children would not be able to have maple syrup. Guess what. We still have syrup. Let's start making responsible decisions but lets use common sense instead of fear mongering.

 Let’s just let the world’s species be free instead of making poor decisions to end the living of other species. Be kind to the world and the world will be kind to you.