Monthly Insights on Catch Welfare

The initiative focuses on developing practical solutions to enhance the welfare of aquatic animals during capture.

In this article, we will examine Day 2 of the online conference, which was all about tuna.

WelTuna Project: Advancing Welfare and Quality in Norway’s Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishery

A groundbreaking initiative, WelTuna, is revolutionizing the capture and slaughter of Atlantic bluefin tuna in Norway’s rod and line fishery, with a strong focus on animal welfare and product quality. Led by the Institute of Marine Research, the Arctic University of Norway, and Wageningen Livestock Research, and funded by the Research Council of Norway and the European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare, the project aims to establish humane and sustainable fishing practices.

Norway has a long history with bluefin tuna, once boasting one of the world’s largest fisheries for the species in the 1950s and 1970s. However, the fishery declined in the 1980s, leading to its near disappearance. In recent years, bluefin tuna have returned to Norwegian waters, reigniting interest in scientific research and commercial opportunities.

Linking Tuna Welfare to Catch Quality

The project addresses key industry challenges, particularly the relationship between welfare-conscious fishing methods and product quality. Poor handling can result in stress-related muscle degradation, reducing the market value of the fish. Mike Breen, Senior Researcher at the Institute of Marine Research, emphasized:

“Limited knowledge about tuna welfare leads to poor quality and lower prices. Improving handling practices will enhance both fish welfare and product value.”

The WelTuna team is investigating humane stunning techniques, stress monitoring, and quality assessment practices to mitigate burnt tuna syndrome (yake)—a condition where muscle deterioration results in pale, soft flesh with an unpleasant taste and smell. Izumi Sone, researcher at Nofima, noted:

“High muscle temperatures and lactic acid buildup can degrade quality, making proper handling essential for preserving freshness.”

Economic Incentives for Better Practices

The economic potential of high-quality bluefin tuna is immense. In 2024, a 238 kg tuna sold for $789,600, or $3,317 per kilo, a stark contrast to Norwegian salmon priced at just $10 per kilo. This underscores the premium placed on meticulous handling and assessment.

Japanese experts are collaborating on standardized quality inspections, integrating mekiki, a traditional evaluation technique used by tuna professionals. The team has also developed guidelines inspired by the Norwegian pelagic industry, aiming to establish a scoring system for quality assessment.

Future of Norwegian Tuna

Norway’s access to high-quality bluefin tuna presents logistical and marketing challenges, particularly in transportation and maintaining freshness. Sone highlighted the need for strategic positioning in global seafood markets:

“We must decide if Norwegian tuna should be marketed as a premium product and explore sustainable strategies for distribution.”

As the WelTuna project progresses, its findings could transform not only Norwegian tuna fisheries but also influence global industry practices, balancing economic interests with sustainable and ethical fishing.

Best Practices in Tuna Pole-and-Line Fisheries

Craig Turley, Fisheries Director at the International Pole & Line Federation (IPLF), shared insights on improving sustainability and quality in small-scale tuna fisheries. IPLF promotes one-by-one fishing methods—pole and line, handline, rod and reel, and troll fisheries—to support responsible fishing practices worldwide.

“Our mission is to empower responsible fisheries that give back to the seas and the people who depend on them,” Turley stated.

Drawing from experience in South Africa, Indonesia, and the Maldives, he emphasized the economic benefits of quality improvements.

“Teaching fishermen best practices can dramatically increase their earnings and open doors to international markets,” he noted.

Fisher Safety and Innovation

Turley introduced IPLF’s seven-step best practice guide for catch quality and cold chain management.

“These techniques help fishermen produce higher-grade tuna, tripling their earnings,” Turley explained.

Handling large tuna safely is critical, especially in developing regions where losing a fish can be devastating.

“Fisher safety is paramount,” he emphasized.

Turley cited Japan’s pole-and-line fishery, where a conveyor belt guides fish into a slurry, as an innovative approach to enhance both welfare and quality.

FIA PNG Advances Tuna Welfare and Sustainability in Purse Seine Fisheries

At the Catch Welfare Platform Conference, Marcelo Hidalgo, Director of Sustainability at the Papua New Guinea Fishing Industry Association (FIA PNG), emphasized the link between tuna welfare and product quality. Since its founding in 1991, FIA PNG has remained a key player in sustainable tuna fishing, committed to responsible sourcing and industry best practices.

“Our priority is quality, and improving welfare has positive consequences for both the environment and the industry. However, there is still a lot of room for improvement,” Hidalgo stated.

Commitment to Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability

FIA PNG operates a vertically integrated supply chain, ensuring transparency and accountability in its fishing practices. The company achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification in May 2020, demonstrating its dedication to sustainable fisheries.

“Our responsible sourcing policy is central to our strategy,” Hidalgo explained.

A key component of FIA PNG’s approach is its reliance on free-school tuna, with 90–97% of their catch sourced without using fish aggregating devices (FADs).

“We do not deploy FADs but fish on those drifting from other regions,” he noted.

The association is also committed to minimizing the impact on non-target species, such as sharks and dolphins, through scientific research and mitigation strategies.

Enhancing Tuna Welfare Through Research and Regulations

FIA PNG is actively exploring stress indicators in tuna to improve welfare practices while maintaining quality.

“The tuna industry has always been driven by quality and food safety,” Hidalgo stated. “Fast freezing and cooling are essential to prevent histamine reactions, which can pose health risks to consumers.”

Hidalgo emphasized the need for collaborative research to refine best practices for humane handling and slaughter techniques.

“We are open to joint research on animal welfare. While we are not scientists, we are committed to responsible production.”

Advocating for Stronger Welfare Regulations

A major challenge remains the lack of formal animal welfare requirements in wild-capture fisheries policies.

“We need to lobby authorities to integrate animal welfare into fisheries regulations,” Hidalgo urged.

In closing, Hidalgo reaffirmed FIA PNG’s commitment to continuous improvement, calling on industry stakeholders to support innovation and collaboration in tuna sustainability and welfare.

Vietnam’s Tuna Industry Advances Sustainability Through Fishermen Collaboration

Vietnam’s tuna industry is making strides toward sustainability and eco-friendly fishing practices, thanks to a collaborative approach between fishermen, industry stakeholders, and regulators. Hoang Nguyen, Sustainability Coordinator at Vinatuna, highlighted the key initiatives driving these improvements at the 2nd Catch Welfare Platform Conference.

Protecting Endangered Species Through Innovation

One of the core challenges addressed is the reduction of bycatch involving endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) species. Since 2015, Vinatuna’s Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) has implemented measures to mitigate bycatch and promote responsible fishing.

A key initiative has been the introduction of circle hooks, designed to catch fish in the corner of the mouth rather than being swallowed, significantly reducing injuries to species like sea turtles.

“Circle hooks protect marine life while improving tuna catch rates,” Hoang explained. “By demonstrating their economic benefits, we gained fishermen’s trust and participation.”

Empowering Fishermen as Sustainability Leaders

Fishermen play a pivotal role in these advancements. Vinatuna identified leaders within the fishing community who were willing to adopt new technologies and share their successes.

“We worked directly with fishermen to showcase the benefits of sustainable practices,” Hoang noted. “Profitability remains a key concern, so proving that these measures enhance efficiency was crucial.”

To strengthen data collection, the Crew Observer Photographic Protocol Application (COPPA) was introduced. This mobile tool allows fishing crews to document target and ETP species interactions, complementing official observer data.

“COPPA has been invaluable in tracking fishery interactions with protected species,” Hoang added.

Regulatory Progress and Industry Commitment

The Vietnam Tuna Association (Vinatuna) has actively collaborated with government agencies and private sector partners to strengthen regulatory compliance and sustainable fishing policies.

“We’ve successfully advocated for a national tuna management strategy, and today, 75% of Vietnam’s tuna handline fisheries use circle hooks,” Hoang reported.

International buyers and local processors have also played a key role in advancing sustainable practices, ensuring economic incentives align with environmental responsibility.

A Call to Action for Industry Collaboration

The conference reinforced the importance of collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Beyond ethical concerns, improving welfare standards benefits both the environment and the economy.

Full-length videos of the 2nd Catch Welfare Platform Conference are available on YouTube at: Catch Welfare Platform.

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