The Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), in partnership with the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) through the WPEA-ITM/SPF project, conducted the “16th NSAP-WPEA Tuna Catch Data Review Workshop” on June 2–3, 2025, in Camiguin.

The workshop was led by NFRDI OIC Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia and facilitated by WPEA-ITM/SPF Project Leader Suzette Barcoma with support from Capture Fisheries Research and Development Division (CFRDD) Chief Elsa Furio and WPEA technical staff.

The workshop was graced by distinguished experts from the Pacific Community (SPC), Principal Fisheries Scientist Dr. Tiffany Vidal, and stock assessment experts and representatives from WCPFC, namely: Elaine Garvilles, assistant science manager, and Lars Olsen, WPEA-SPF project manager.

During the two-day activity, tuna catch data from regions 1 to 13 were presented, reviewed, and consolidated. The 2024 WPEA-NSAP Annual Catch Estimates reached approximately 188,047 metric tons, an 18 percent increase from 2023. The increase was driven by increased fishing efforts, expanded landing centers, gear shifts, and the use of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs).

Key recommendations focused on improving gear and boat inventories, enhancing port sampling—particularly in BARMM region—through increased funding and personnel, advancing digital data tools like the NSAP eDGES application and T2 system, and ensuring timely data submission.

DA-NFRDI, in coordination with BFAR-NSAP regional offices, PSA, SPC, and WCPFC, remains committed to strengthening data-driven, sustainable management of tuna fisheries in the Philippines and the Western and Central Pacific. ### (Suzette Barcoma)