The WCPFC recently agreed to increase Korea’s Pacific bluefin quota for 2025, the decision made at the Commission’s 21st Regular Session that concluded earlier this week. Kang Do-Hyung, Korean Minister of Oceans and Fisheries announced that vessels flagged to the country can catch 1,219 tons of this fish, a 63 percent increase from the 748 tons that is currently allotted. The catch limit for small bluefin, under 30 kg, will remain at 718 tons as before, whereas, the capture tonnage for large fish, over 30 kg, has been increased from 30 tons to 501 tons.

This decision is expected to boost the income of Korean bluefin fishermen. The Korean Fisheries Ministry statement read: “If the catch limit of our country’s bluefin is converted into the amount of tuna sashimi, 600,000 people can consume it at one time. It is expected to increase the fishermen’s income by about KRW 50 billion (USD 35.21 million) or more.” The Ministry also claimed that the expanded catch tonnages could enhance tuna export volumes and positively impact the national economy. Japan had also secured increased Pacific bluefin catches for the next year. WCPFC scientific report released earlier this year revealed that this tuna stock is recovering and its population has improved.  However, it remains “overfished.”

Echebastar-owned Alakrana brand has launched two new frozen tuna products – nuggets and mini burgers – for kids in Spain. In an attempt to make parents realize that their children should eat more tuna, the packaging features a kids drawing style and displays bright yellow and blue with the words ‘Alakrana Kids’. The nuggets and mini burgers come in 240 g boxes with eight and four units each, respectively. The prices of these products have not yet been revealed. The brand said in a press statement that the new products are made “with pure tuna as a base, without preservatives or colorants”. On Wednesday, a 20-second video was released on YouTube introducing the new line.

“We have designed formats that will not only delight them but also ensure that they receive the benefits of a natural and healthy protein, ideal for their growth and well-being,” added the brand. The fish used for the products are caught in the Indian Ocean where Echebastar fleets operate. The fishing company sells its yellowfin items under its Alakrana brand and private label mostly in Spain. It includes smoked tuna, preserved yellowfin, and skipjack in jars.

Filipino pet products company Mo and Bear which sells its cat food under the brand Purr Delight recently announced its products are now available in select supermarkets. Previously, it could be purchased only from the Mo and Bear site. The company that is a newcomer in the market claims that its cat food is made from “real tuna” which means it is not manufactured from by-products but contain high-grade tuna fit for humans. Mo and Bear uses tuna flakes in its cans.

Purr Delight cans are available in two variations: tuna in jelly (155 g) and tuna with moringa (155 g) priced at PHP 66 (USD 1.13) and PHP 68 (USD 1.16), respectively. While Mo and Bear states that its products are premium quality, they are sold at affordable prices. Their competitors in the market, such as Bioline, sell their wet food tuna in cans (85 g) at PHP 45 (USD 0.77) and Whiskas (400 g) at PHP 110 (USD 1.88). A senior executive from Mo and Bear said his company is making it “more convenient for cat owners to access high-quality, nutritious wet food for their beloved pets.” Century Tuna Flakes in Brine 180g for humans sells in Philippines only for PHP 55, making the cats eat more expensive “human grade” tuna than their bosses.