On 7 December 2016, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/71/124, designating 2 May as World Tuna Day, first observed in 2017. The day recognizes tuna's dual role as a vital food source for people worldwide and a major economic driver for fishing and export industries, particularly in small island developing states that depend heavily on tuna fisheries. Several tuna species, especially larger ones like bluefin tuna, face mounting pressure from overfishing and unregulated harvesting, threatening the long-term health of ocean ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them. The day draws attention to the need for stronger fisheries management, action against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and international cooperation on sustainable catch limits. World Tuna Day is marked through awareness campaigns by UN agencies and ocean conservation groups, scientific briefings on the state of global tuna stocks, and public discussions encouraging responsible seafood consumption — all aimed at ensuring tuna populations remain healthy for future generations.