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PICRC Research Assistant, Geory Mereb, participated in a training on small-scale longline tuna fisheries in Okinawa from July 28 to August 5. The training provided him with a deeper understanding of the tuna industry and grading system, its importance as a commercial industry, and its future prospects.
Together, the four tuna stocks of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean make up one of the largest and most valuable fisheries in the world. The fishery supplies approximately 60% of the global tuna catch and is an important resource for small-scale fisheries. Longlining is a common fishing method that is effective in catching pelagic fish. Once caught, tuna are individually graded and sorted according to their most appropriate market use. Tuna grading is an important process and is typically judged based on the tuna’s initial appearance, size, shape, color, texture, and fat content. This can indicate the quality and market value of the tuna, which is essential to ensuring fairness throughout the tuna industry.
Jori had the opportunity to receive technical training on tuna processing, grading and hygiene, and received valuable advice on past lessons learned in the industry. “This training helped me gain the knowledge and skills to become a certified fish grader in Palau; providing hygiene management and grading services to the private sector and local businesses,” Jori said.
Through this training, he also received advice on effective management of small-scale tuna fisheries and exchanged ideas on future collaboration in the industry. “As climate change and overfishing threaten tuna stocks worldwide, it is important to manage coastal fish habitats and fish stocks to ensure these resources continue to provide fish for food security,” said Geory.
This opportunity was supported by funding from the Japan Overseas Fisheries Cooperation Foundation and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment.
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