Clipper Oil: Latest Fishing News – PNG’s Fishing Industry Association Receives MSC Certification for Purse-Seine Tuna Fishery

Latest Fishing News

May 13-18, 2020

PNG's Fishing Industry Association Receives MSC Certification for Purse-Seine Tuna Fishery

The Papua New Guinea Fishing Industry Association’s purse-seine skipjack and yellowfin tuna fishery has received Marine Stewardship Council certification.

The fishery includes onshore processing plants in Papua New Guinea (PNG), supported by PNG-flagged vessels and locally-based foreign fishing vessels.

“This certification will open new markets for PNG-made products and expand on-shore processing and fishing of tuna, leading to new employment opportunities, foreign exchange earnings, and spin-off businesses,” Fishing Industry Association President Sylvester Pokajam said in a press release. “The PNG Fishing Industry Association now has in place a responsible sourcing policy which includes the marine litter and fishing gear (ghost) management practices, and labor onboard improvement (crew welfare, improving working conditions of crew onboard their fishing vessels).” Continue reading here (Source: SeafoodSource).

US President Urged To Relax Fishing Restrictions in the Pacific

The council that governs US fisheries in the western Pacific is asking president Donald Trump to relax rules around fishing in protected areas.

Mr Trump this week signed an executive order which promotes growth in the American seafood industry, and has sought feedback on what regulations should go.

In a letter, the Western Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Council describes the marine reserves around Hawaii and American Samoa as putting the US at a disadvantage against other Pacific countries. Continue reading here (Source: RNZ).

Update on NOAA Fisheries Observer Coverage

NOAA Fisheries has released the following updates on fisheries observer coverage requirements. The requirements are broken down by region below:

Alaska Region
West Coast Region
Pacific island Region
Southeast Region
Greater Atlantic Region

Continue reading here (Source: Saving Seafood).

Japanese Seafood Companies Keep Plants Open, Adopt Telework In Response to COVID-19 Crisis

Several major seafood companies in Japan have temporarily changed the ways they operate in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, turning to telework and other methods to keep employees safer.

Maruha Nichiro Co., Ltd.’s domestic and overseas food factories are operating normally, though its customer consultation office is not accepting phone calls. Inquiries are by e-mail only, and the company warns that it may take longer than usual to reply.

Some of the Tokyo-based company’s products are getting a boost from shifting consumer demand related to the novel coronavirus. A consumption style nicknamed "nesting," in which people refrain from unnecessary shopping trips, and eat at home, is increasing. Continue reading here (Source: SeafoodSource).

Toyosu Wholesalers Targeting Consumers Via Online Sales

Intermediate wholesalers at Tokyo’s Toyosu food market are focusing more on direct online sales to consumers at a time when seafood demand has plunged due to restaurant closures amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Online sales are gradually becoming more popular as high-end fish is often offered at huge discounts.

Otatsu Shoten, one of the wholesalers, started online sales in mid-April. It offers various types of specialty fish, including natural bluefin tuna and sekiaji, a horse mackerel brand from the prefecture of Oita, at prices usually reserved for restaurants. Continue reading here (Source: The Japan Times).

The Best Canned Tuna To Make Your Favorite Sandwich Even Better

When searching for the best canned tuna, there’s more to consider than just tuna sandwich-ready taste. Sustainability, mercury levels, and harvesting methods are all factors to take into account with canned tuna that you don’t have to worry about with other canned goods .

We broke down all you need to know about the chicken of the sea, including our favorite and the most reliable brands to buy, so the next time you’re in need of a niçoise or craving a cheesy tuna melt, you’ll know exactly what to do.

P.S. As it turns out, canned tuna can be great for you — it's an excellent (and convenient!) source of protein — just 3 ounces supplies a whopping 20 grams! Plus, it’s high in minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain function and for warding off heart disease and inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Continue reading here (Source: Good Housekeeping).