The International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) recently released a new feature on its website that gives in-depth details about the “influence network” of its 23 participating companies in the four major tuna RFMOs. ISSF has mapped the activity locations of its participating companies, their MSC-certified fisheries, and FIPs, which are reviewed quarterly, to understand their distribution in the major tuna fishing oceans. The Foundation mentioned its members serve on advisory committees and national delegations to help improve transparency and management of the tuna supply chain. The novel feature takes the user, as they scroll down, to the above mentioned details in all the major convention areas: WCPFC, IATTC, ICCAT, and IOTC.

“In our assessment, we found that ISSF participating companies, MSC-certified tuna fisheries, and tuna FIPs are positioned to influence between 77-97 percent of the decision-making member countries that adopt measures and policies in the tuna RFMOs,” said the organization. Major tuna companies and brands such as Thai Union, Bolton Food, Bumble Bee Seafood, Tri Marine, Frinsa, Jealsa, and Isabel are among the ISSF’s members.

Philippines is expected to start a cold chain project in Bislig City, known for its tuna fishing activities. Authorities at the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Program (DA-PRDP) stated that the upcoming PHP 242 million (USD 4.2 million) project would be developed for small-scale fishers in the tuna-rich grounds of the Filipino province Surigao del Sur (where Bislig is located).

A spokesperson for the agency said the new facilities, where tuna can be stored, will offer fisherfolk opportunities to preserve the quality of their catch. “It will also help to diversify their product offerings, address critical gaps in input supply and fish processing in the region,” he told the Philippine News Agency. The tuna caught in this region usually goes for local consumption, and some are likely to be headed to small canneries.

Maldives’ Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the island nation will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia “to enhance the fisheries industry and explore opportunities for fish export, technology, and knowledge transfer.” Shiyam did not give further details of the content of the MoU for the largest producer of pole-and-line skipjack, or when it would be inked.

Shiyam’s post read that the new deal “will pave the way for the export of Maldivian tuna products to Saudi Arabia, an emerging market for sustainable seafood.” The Middle East country is one of the largest growing markets for canned tuna. Saudi Arabia expanded its business for private-label items in the first half of this year. The Maldivian government expects that the deal, besides an increase in exports, will also attract major investments in the fishing industry. This could help support the island nation’s economic growth and sustainability.