What Does A Bluefin CITES Appendix II Do?

This week the United Nations' Food & Agricultural Organization stated that the data on Atlantic Bluefin tuna does qualify for a CITES (Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna and Flora) Appendix II listing. This is actually a significant event leading up to the next CITES meeting in Qatar in March 2010. Since there are three types of CITES listings, and based on the many questions I am getting from other members, here is a summary of what each listing means. These excerpts are taken directly from the CITES Appendices page;

Here is the Appendix II language. This is what bluefin will most likely fall under;
"Appendix II lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that may become so unless trade is closely controlled. It also includes so-called "look-alike species", i.e. species of which the specimens in trade look like those of species listed for conservation reasons (see Article II, paragraph 2 of the Convention). International trade in specimens of Appendix-II species may be authorized by the granting of an export permit or re-export certificate. No import permit is necessary for these species under CITES (although a permit is needed in some countries that have taken stricter measures than CITES requires). Permits or certificates should only be granted if the relevant authorities are satisfied that certain conditions are met, above all that trade will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild. (See Article IV of the Convention)"

Appendix I is for endangered species and the bluefin, while overfished is not endangered according to their numbers.
"Appendix I lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants (see Article II, paragraph 1 of the Convention). They are threatened with extinction and CITES prohibits international trade in specimens of these species except when the purpose of the import is not commercial (see Article III), for instance for scientific research. In these exceptional cases, trade may take place provided it is authorized by the granting of both an import permit and an export permit (or re-export certificate). Article VII of the Convention provides for a number of exemptions to this general prohibition."

Appendix III is a list of species included at the request of a Party that already regulates trade in the species and that needs the cooperation of other countries to prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation (see Article II, paragraph 3, of the Convention). International trade in specimens of species listed in this Appendix is allowed only on presentation of the appropriate permits or certificates. (See Article V of the Convention)