Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos, Scientist V at the Department of Agriculture–National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), collaborated with fisheries experts in a seminar held on October 14–15, 2025, in Qingdao, China, to evaluate the status of the “Little Tuna” (Euthynnus affinis) in the South China Sea.

Locally known as kawakawa, the “Little Tuna” is an economically important species classified by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a “highly migratory species,” requiring coordinated regional management. It is also the focus of the second Common Fisheries Resource Analysis (CFRA 2), a participatory assessment tool for evaluating shared fishery resources to promote sustainable and equitable management.

Representing the Philippines, Dr. Santos presented the length-based spawning potential ratio (LBSPR) estimates of kawakawa in regions 1 and 3, providing insights into its reproductive capacity and implications for sustainable fisheries management. His presentation contributes to the scientific foundation guiding evidence-based and community-driven management of shared fish stocks, an integral component of CFRA 2.

The seminar gathered scientists and policymakers from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines under the South China Sea Fisheries Science Working Group (FSWG).

“Regional cooperation is essential for the sustainable management of the South China Sea’s shared fish stocks, and it must be grounded in sound science,” Dr. Santos emphasized.

“The FSWG strengthens this effort by uniting regional expertise and evidence to secure the long-term benefits of the sea’s fisheries resources,” he added.

Findings from CFRA 2 revealed a “north–south divide,” indicating key differences in fish stocks, fishing practices, and management approaches. According to Dr. Santos, adults still appear in catches in the southern South China Sea despite moderate to heavy fishing pressure, while in the north, adults and sub-adults are rare or absent, signaling possible stock collapse. He noted that reducing juvenile catch is critical to restoring sustainability.

The scientific and policy findings of CFRA 2 have been published in companion technical and policy papers to reach both research and policymaking audiences. Each of the five participating countries will also hold local launch events to share the CFRA 2 results with national experts and decision-makers.

The CFRA initiative began in 2022 with the launch of CFRA 1 in Manila and Beijing. CFRA 1 focused on skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), also listed under UNCLOS as a highly migratory stock. Analysis showed that while skipjack remain present across the South China Sea, fishing pressure on juveniles poses an ongoing risk.

The upcoming CFRA 3 will examine squid, another transboundary species requiring regional cooperation. Participants discussed harvest strategies for the three CFRA species to be implemented once CFRA 3 has been concluded.

The seminar was organized by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), a Switzerland-based private diplomacy organization that supports mediation and conflict prevention efforts worldwide. ### (Rita dela Cruz)