Thai tuna sector to increase value-added production

Thailand’s tuna sector is set to produce more value-added products and get more out of the stable raw material supply, Chanintr Chalisarapong, president of the Thai Tuna Industry Association (TTIA), told IntraFish.

The strategy for Thai tuna will be based on creating more value but sustainably and ethically, said Chalisarapong.

With a global catch of around 5 million metric tons, the TTIA is urging better conservation measures, “if not the tuna industry cannot survive,” said Chalisarapong.

“We need to promote things like pole and line, FAD free, and certifications schemes like MSC and FOS – we need to promote sustainable fishing and be willing to pay a premium price for it,” he said.

Ethical