The Department of Agriculture – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) conducted the 18th PTUNASTAT Annual Catch Estimates Review Workshop on June 5–6, 2025. The event was led by NFRDI Officer-in-Charge Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia, with support from WPEA-ITM/SPF Project Leader Suzette Barcoma, and the WPEA technical staff.

The workshop brought together national agencies and international experts, including Dr. Tiffany Vidal of the Pacific Community (SPC), and Elaine Garvilles and Lars Olsen from the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

The main objective of the workshop was to consolidate and validate tuna catch data from various sources to finalize the 2024 Philippine Tuna Annual Catch Estimates. Data were drawn from the previous 16th WPEA-NSAP Tuna Philippine Catch Data Review Workshop, from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) offices in General Santos City, Davao, and Iloilo.

By reconciling multiple datasets and methodologies, the workshop arrived at a final estimate of 201,034 metric tons for the 2024 Philippine oceanic tuna catch—a more accurate and comprehensive figure reflecting the country’s tuna production.

Key recommendations from the PTUNASTAT-18 workshop included: encouraging the earlier submission of catch data; standardizing reporting formats to improve catch and effort data; inviting BARMM’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) to future workshops due to its significant tuna catch contributions; and maintaining a matrix of workshop recommendations for regular monitoring and follow-up by NFRDI.

PTUNASTAT, which stands for “Philippine Tuna Statistics,” is a data collection and review process conducted to improve the accuracy and reliability of annual tuna catch estimates. It involves reviewing and validating data from various sources, including logbooks, cannery data, and observer data, to determine the best estimates for Philippine tuna catches. 

Through continued collaboration with national and regional stakeholders, DA-NFRDI reaffirms its commitment to science-based and sustainable management of the Philippines’ tuna resources. ### (Suzette Barcoma)