Request for Guidance on USG Bluefin Tuna Policy in CITES

UNCLAS PARIS 000115 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR OES ASSISTANT SECRETARY JONES FROM AMBASSADOR RIVKIN COMMERCE FOR NOAA - Dr. Rebecca Lent E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SENV KSCA CITES AORC UNEP SUBJECT: Request for Guidance on USG Bluefin Tuna Policy in CITES Ref: 09 STATE 125262 ¶1. (SBU) Since January 2009 when the USG listed France as a country that tolerates Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, French public attention to the depletion of Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks has grown. More importantly, Prince Albert of Monaco has asked me about the USG policy toward his proposal to list bluefin tuna under CITES Appendix I. Embassy Paris understands that at the end of this week, the GOF may make a decision on supporting either Appendix I or Appendix II status for bluefin tuna, and the French press will certainly seek our position as well. I fully expect that this issue will be discussed during my forthcoming lunch with forty French Senators. ¶2. (SBU) The Department, and OES in particular, appear to be on the verge of success in rousing the French to action. I applaud your sustained effort. To gather the full benefit, I would greatly appreciate receiving forward-leaning guidance as soon as possible on our bluefin tuna policy that I can use with Prince Albert, with the Government of France, and with the French public. RIVKIN