Euro MP protects fish

A EURO MP for East Devon has helped protect an endangered fish, popular with sushi lovers, from extinction.

A EURO MP for East Devon has helped protect an endangered fish, popular with sushi lovers, from extinction.

Liberal Democrat Graham Watson has campaigned to win the support of European commissioners and fellow MEPs to protect blue fin tuna.

Graham was joined by three Liberal colleagues last week and successfully lobbied European Commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso to ban trade in the species.

As a result the EU has now put blue fin tuna on an international protected list.

Mr Watson said; "The European Commission have taken positive action to propose protection for a species that is in perilous danger. I am delighted that the President has decided to support our call to make trade in blue fin tuna illegal.

"Member states, including the British government, now need to follow Europe's lead and support positive measures.