Report on the on-site training for the handling of tuna on-board handline Bancas

Abstract

General Santos city is known as tuna capital of the Philippine. The total daily catch of tuna landed in the city is more than any other fishing port in the country. This is due to General Santos city located near the tuna-rich fishing grounds including the Moro Gulf, Sulu Sea, Mindanao Sea and adjacent Celebes sea. Local fisherman mostly uses only handline to catch adult tuna at 80-200 m deep nearby FADs on board small Bancas boat. Many Yellowfin and Bigeye tunas are caught and landed at the port of General Santos, however the landed tuna quality is one of the main problems. It is reported that more than 70% of tuna landed in General Santos are low quality and are able to serve as sashimi grade. This is because of tuna handling and preservation technique on board fishing vessel are insufficient.