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The French fishing community is waiting to hear whether they will be allowed to continue to fish for bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean.

The fish, which is popular in Japan, is currently classified as an endangered species, and environmentalist fear that if fishing is allowed to continue at current levels then the species could face extinction as soon as 2012.

But French fishermen, who have spent the last 15 years harvesting the fish from the Mediterranean say a ban would put further strain on fleets already suffering as a result of recent reductions in quotas.

Skippers from the French town of Sete – the centre of France’s tuna fishing industry – say they have made large investments in equipping their vessels to cope with large catches of the giant fish, but have seen profits plummet after the total allowable catch was lowered to  13,500 tonnes for the current year.

Neighbouring Monaco has muted the idea of using the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to prevent the export of the fish to its prime market in Japan, where it is a popular sushi ingredient, but the move has been opposed by French agriculture minister Bruno Le Maire who expressed concerns for the knock on effects on fishing communities.

He has instead suggested that monitoring of Tuna stocks should be increased to gain a greater understanding of the problem.

Fishermen protest against soaring fuel prices on Wednesday causes riot with the police. The rally that was held near the Napoleon’s Tomb in Paris is part of a series of public demonstration against high oil prices.

Fishermen tossed flares that are usually kept in their boats while police answered them with tear gas. Associated Press reported that two police officers were hit with flare canisters. The Police also revealed that four of their officers were injured but did not clear the extent of injuries.

The government tried to talk with the protesters after several hours to announce the speedy process of the $488 million aid.

On Thursday, a larger protest happened to persuade President Nicolas Sarkozy in withdrawing and revising reforms that he views as necessary to bring France back in its competitive edge.

Moreover, different groups will join the protests on various towns and cities against the proposed plan of the government for the workers to extend one more year in their jobs before receiving full retirement benefits.

Strikes were getting on the way of public transportation. France’s SNCF rail operations were affected but international services were not disrupted.

Also, bus drivers join in the rallies as they are expected to walk out from their jobs. Air France is also expecting some delays and interruptions but most likely will be operating on normal basis.

Agriculture and Fishing Minister Michael Barnier said that the government will give $173 million aid by the end of the year and $490 million in two years.