Tuna industry told to brace for climate, labor challenges

Despite double-digit growth in production and exports last year, the Philippine tuna industry should brace for mounting pressures from climate change, labor concerns and global sustainability rules.

- By ALDEN MONZON

Speaking at the 25th National Tuna Congress yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the sector's strong performance in 2024 should not lead to complacency.

"Our tuna carries the Filipino brand of quality and integrity," Tiu Laurel said.

"But like the oceans we rely on, the industry now faces turbulent waters: climate change, global sustainability mandates, labor issues and the persistent threat of (illegal, unreported, unregulated) fishing," he added.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show tuna production climbed by 20.56 percent to 494,047 metric tons (MT) from 409,797 MT a year earlier.