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Bluefin tuna are making a remarkable comeback along the British coastline after nearly vanishing from UK waters. This resurgence is highlighted in a major new report from WWF that showcases several examples of wildlife recoveries, illustrating that conservation efforts can yield positive results. Nevertheless, the 2026 Living Planet Report also reveals a sobering global decline, noting that monitored wildlife populations have dropped by an average of 73% since 1970. Despite this, WWF describes the situation as a “freefall” from which there is still hope. Mike Barrett, WWF-UK’s chief scientific adviser, emphasized to the BBC that “It’s not too late.”
Historically, the UK supported large tuna fisheries, but intense overfishing of bluefin tuna and its prey led to their disappearance by the 1960s. The recent revival of the bluefin population is attributed to coordinated international efforts, including measures such as reduced catch quotas, implementing size restrictions, and protecting spawning areas. Consumer awareness, along with support from chefs and retailers, further endorsed these conservation strategies. Hannah Rudd, head of marine at the Angling Trust, described the population growth as close to an “explosion” and praised it as a “golden case study” demonstrating the effectiveness of fisheries management.
The WWF report also highlights other encouraging wildlife stories globally. Notably, the number of wild tigers has risen over 70% in recent years, from around 3,200 in 2010 to approximately 5,700 in 2025. The green sea turtle has also improved its conservation status, recently downgraded from “endangered” to “least concern” after five decades of global efforts. Similarly, elephant populations in parts of southern Africa are stabilizing or increasing, helped by legislation that benefits local communities through tourism revenue linked to wildlife conservation.
Despite these successes, the overall state of nature remains concerning. WWF, working with the Zoological Society of London, monitors nearly 36,000 populations across about 6,000 species, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Their data shows a significant average decline in populations since 1970, a figure that reflects changes in population sizes rather than absolute animal numbers. While some populations are stable or growing, many others are declining, overshadowing these recoveries. Dr. Katie Collins from the Natural History Museum in London pointed out that this index overlooks many vital species such as plants and insects. She warned, “If you lose garden snails, you lose the song thrush.”
WWF underscores that while conservation efforts are critical, addressing the root causes of biodiversity loss is essential to reversing these trends. Key pressures include habitat destruction due to agriculture and climate change driven by fossil fuel consumption. Alarmingly, financial investment favors activities that harm nature by a vast margin. In 2023, approximately $7.3 trillion was spent globally on harmful practices compared to $220 billion dedicated to conservation and restoration, representing a disparity of about 33 to 1. Barrett, who has contributed to seven Living Planet reports, noted that this edition is the first to focus on hope as a central message. He reflected, “The fact that the science is still telling us that we’ve got a way out is actually extraordinary,” adding that the opportunity remains open but requires immediate action
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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