Local Euro-MP Declares Victory in Campaign to Save-Our-Sushi

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 11th Sep 2009

Graham shows Joe Borg, European Commissioner for Fish and Maritime affairs, around Exmouth

South West Liberal Democrat Graham Watson has helped win the support of European bosses to protect blue fin tuna, a favourite with sushi lovers, from extinction.

Graham was joined by three liberal colleagues last week when he wrote to European Commission Chief Jose Manuel Barroso asking for support to make trade in the endangered species illegal.

Mr Watson's action proved successful with the Commission adopted a proposal stating that the EU should support placing the species on an international protected list.

Mr Watson was delighted and 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."

It is now up to national governments to support the initiative.

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