A resolution to establish May 2 as World Tuna Day is scheduled for a vote at the United Nations General Assembly later this week.
World Tuna Day is an initiative of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA), which has celebrated the day in the PNA region since 2012 following PNA government fisheries ministers endorsing the annual event.
The PNA said World Tuna Day is a reminder of people's role as custodians of the rich natural resource that is food for tens of millions of people around the world.
PNA Chair Sonia Schutz said the Parties to the Nauru Agreement are managing the world's largest sustainable tuna fishery, so it is gratifying to see the outpouring of support for the resolution.
tuna on the deck of a Pacific fishing vessel Photo: Giff Johnson
Ms Schutz said adoption of the resolution will demonstrate global appreciation of the need for wise conservation and management of our tuna resources.
PNA Commercial Manager Maurice Brownjohn said 72 nations have endorsed the measure, which gives it a good chance of success.
Papua New Guinea Fisheries Minister Mao Zeming and Mr Brownjohn are scheduled to represent PNA at the vote.
The UN vote is scheduled for December 7 in New York.