Member nations of an international wildlife-protection body on 18 March rejected a proposed ban on trading of Atlantic bluefin tuna, handing a surprise victory to Japan, the biggest importer of the overfished species prized as a sushi ingredient.
The proposal, supported by the US and a handful of other developed nations, was rejected by a 68-20 vote after Japanese government officials furiously lobbied to enlist help from bluefin exporters and developing nations in opposing the ban.
(Source: The Wall Street Journal Online)