From August 5-8, 2024, a specialized training program was held at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City, to enhance the skills of 45 tuna handliners. Tailored to the unique needs of the tuna handline fishery, the program focused on sustainability and improving operational practices in line with the Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP).
The training opened with an introduction to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and FIP which highlighted SOCSKSARGEN’s significant contribution to tuna production and the importance of eco-label certification in promoting sustainable fishing. Then the next topic covered essential fisheries laws, such as the Handline Fishing Law and regulations governing Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), aimed at ensuring responsible fishing practices.
Participants also learned species identification with a focus on yellowfin and bigeye tuna. This session equipped fishers with skills to accurately identify tuna and bycatch, crucial for sustainable management. A topic was also presented on Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) and Electronic Reporting Systems (ERS), underscoring their role in real-time vessel tracking, compliance, and accurate catch reporting.
Finally, BFAR provided practical training on proper tuna handling and preservation techniques, emphasizing methods to maintain freshness and meet market demands. The training concluded with practical sessions and awarding of certificates, aiming to improve the fishers’ knowledge and contribute to sustainable tuna handlining practices.
