South Pacific Yellow Fin And Big Eye Tuna
( Thunnus albacares and Thunnus obesus)
Process of Fishing and Exporting Yellow Fin and Big Eye Tuna from the South Pacific
The process of fishing and exporting Yellow Fin and Big Eye Tuna from the South Pacific involves meticulous handling and adherence to regulatory and quality standards at every stage, from catch to export. By ensuring proper handling, storage, and transportation, stakeholders in the tuna industry can deliver premium-quality products to international markets while promoting sustainable fishing practices and economic development in the region.
Current Market Price: be noted that this is the market price from the price per MTS – FOB – FY
Yellow Fin Tuna:
10-19kg US$2500/MTS FY FOB – Philippines
20+kg US$2700/MTS FOB – Philippines
Big Eyed Tuna :
2.5-10kg US$1950/MTS FOB – Philippines
10-19kg US$2500/MTS FY FOB – Philippines
20+kg US$2700/MTS FOB – Philippines
Big Eyed Tuna :
2.5-10kg US$1950/MTS FOB – Philippines
1. Fishing Operation:
- Fishing vessels equipped for tuna fishing depart from ports in the South Pacific region.
- These vessels are outfitted with advanced fishing equipment such as longlines, purse seines, or pole-and-line gear, depending on the fishing method employed.
- Crew members, trained in sustainable fishing practices, deploy the fishing gear and actively fish for tuna in designated fishing zones.
2. Catch Handling and Storage:
- Upon catching tuna, the fish are immediately processed onboard to maintain freshness and quality.
- The catch is sorted and graded based on size and quality criteria.
- Fish are then packed in ice to preserve freshness during transportation.
3. Dockside Handling and Inspection:
- Once the fishing vessel returns to port, the catch is offloaded onto the dock for further processing and inspection.
- Fisheries authorities conduct inspections to ensure compliance with fishing regulations and sustainability standards.
- Quality control measures are implemented to guarantee the freshness and safety of the tuna for export.
4. Transfer to Freezer Ship Containers:
- Specialized freezer ship containers, capable of maintaining ultra-low temperatures, are stationed at the dock.
- The freshly caught and processed tuna are loaded directly from the fishing vessel into these freezer ship containers.
- Care is taken to ensure proper stacking and organization within the containers to maximize storage capacity and minimize damage to the fish.
5. Preparing for Export:
- Export documentation and permits are prepared, including:
- Bill of Lading: Details the shipment of goods and serves as a receipt for the cargo.
- Certificate of Origin: Certifies the origin of the tuna catch.
- Health and Sanitary Certificates: Ensures compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
- Customs clearance procedures are initiated to facilitate the smooth export of the tuna.
6. Loading onto Export Vessel:
- Once all necessary documentation is in order, the freezer ship containers containing the tuna are loaded onto designated export vessels.
- These export vessels, often large container ships with refrigerated cargo holds, are equipped to transport perishable goods over long distances.
- Careful handling procedures are followed to ensure the integrity of the cargo during loading and transit.
7. Transit and Delivery:
- The export vessels set sail from the South Pacific region, bound for international markets.
- During transit, temperature-controlled conditions are maintained to preserve the freshness and quality of the big-eyed tuna.
- Upon arrival at destination ports, the freezer ship containers are offloaded and transported to distribution centers or directly to retailers for sale to consumers.
8. Market Distribution:
- The exported tuna reaches various markets worldwide, where it is sold to retailers, restaurants, and consumers.
- The high-quality and freshness of the tuna, along with its sustainable sourcing from the South Pacific, make it a sought-after commodity in the global seafood trade.
