Environmental groups condemn the new quota for Mediterranean bluefin tuna, saying it is a "mockery of science".

Countries involved in the Mediterranean bluefin tuna trade have voted to maintain catches nearly 50% above what scientists say are "safe" levels.

Environment groups labelled the move, by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (Iccat), as a "mockery of science".



They put most blame on the EU which, they said, used trade issues to bully smaller nations into giving support.

Earlier this year Spain and Japan had called for a suspension of the fishery.

Iccat's scientists had said next year's total allowable catch (Tac) should not exceed 15,000 tonnes; but on the final day of its annual meeting, Iccat members set a figure of 22,000 tonnes.

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