Bluefin tuna have returned to British waters in large numbers after becoming nearly extinct in the region, according to the Living Planet Report 2026 released by WWF. The fish had largely disappeared from UK coastal areas by the 1960s due to overfishing of both the tuna and their prey species. The recovery resulted from international cooperation that included reduced fishing quotas, size restrictions, and protections for spawning grounds, supported by campaigns from consumers, chefs, and retailers.
The bluefin tuna recovery is highlighted as one of several successful conservation cases documented in the WWF report. Other examples include wild tiger populations increasing from approximately 3,200 in 2010 to about 5,700 in 2025, and the green sea turtle becoming the first marine turtle species to be downlisted from endangered to least concern status following 50 years of conservation work across approximately 80 countries. Elephant populations in parts of southern Africa have stabilized or grown, partly through policies that distribute tourism revenue to local communities.
Despite these successes, the overall picture for global wildlife remains concerning. The WWF report, compiled with data from the Zoological Society of London tracking nearly 36,000 populations of almost 6,000 species, indicates that monitored wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73% since 1970. While approximately half of monitored populations are stable or growing, losses elsewhere outweigh these gains. Experts note the index focuses only on vertebrates, excluding plants, insects, and other species critical to ecosystems.
WWF identified farming and fossil fuel combustion as the primary threats to wildlife, with habitat destruction and climate change driving decline. The organization estimates that roughly $7.3 trillion flowed into activities harmful to nature in 2023, compared to $220 billion spent on protection and restoration. Despite the stark figures, WWF officials emphasized that reversing wildlife decline remains possible with immediate action focused on addressing root causes rather than conservation measures alone.
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