Bluefin tuna: A delicacy in peril
Surging consumption of bluefin tuna is threatening the species. The extravagant purchase of the fish at Japan's Toyosu market isn't something to celebrate, environmentalists say.
Overfishing
Japan is the world's largest consumer of bluefin tuna. Surging consumption in the country and overseas has led to overfishing of the species, with experts warning it faces possible extinction.
Unwarranted celebration
"The celebration surrounding the annual Pacific bluefin auction hides how deeply in trouble this species really is," said Jamie Gibbon, associate manager for global tuna conservation at The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Famed market
Tsukiji, once the world's largest fish market, closed in October 2018 after 83 years and relocated to the new Toyosu market (pictured).Here, wholesalers at the Tokyo market check the quality of the fish before auction.
Dissecting show
Kiyoshi Kimura, president of the Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain, conducted a dissecting show after he bought the massive bluefin tuna on Saturday.
Bringing in the haul
Workers moved the 278-kilogram (610-pound) bluefish tuna by handcart after it fetched a record 333.6 million yen ($3.1 million/€2.7 million) at the New Year's market.
Served up
Sushi made from the expensive bluefin tuna was served at a restaurant run by the buyer, Kiyoshi Kimura.