Strengthening Tuna Traceability Efforts in General Santos City

/ Project Updates / By

A high-level consultation focused on enhancing tuna traceability to align with international market and export requirements was organized by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-12), and Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA). The event gathered participants from various sectors to discuss traceability tools, catch validation, and industry challenges.

Mr. Kongpathai Saraphaivanich of SEAFDEC opened the session with a presentation on initiatives combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in Southeast Asia. He highlighted key programs such as SEAFDEC RAVR, eACDS, and MCS (Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance), emphasizing their importance in ensuring sustainable fisheries management.

Ms. Lovely Dela Cruz and Mr. Aga Khan Salong from BFAR-12 discussed the Catch Validation Flow Chart and Traceability Protocol implemented at the General Santos City Fishport Complex. The session addressed concerns such as:


✔ Differentiating vessel classifications (municipal, small-scale, medium-scale, and large-scale)


✔ Electronic data transmission and its role in improving traceability


✔ Unloading metrics comparing municipal and commercial vessel tonnage

Ms. Rosanna Bernadette B. Contreras provided an in-depth analysis of the Philippine fisheries industry, covering:


✔ Industry trends and performance over recent years

✔ Challenges in tuna processing, including the closure of four processing plants due to the pandemic and rising fuel costs

✔ Difficulties in obtaining Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, which has led to international buyers shifting to Indonesia and Vietnam

✔ Ongoing efforts under the FFSAPI-SARGEN Handline FIP to pursue MSC certification for sustainable handline tuna fisheries