Australian company Walker’s Tuna announced on May 2, World Tuna Day, that it had signed the Tuna Transparency Pledge, to combat IUU fishing in the tuna industry. The global initiative by the Nature Conservancy aims to achieve 100 percent on-the-water monitoring (via electronic monitoring/or human observers) on all industrial tuna fishing vessels by 2027. By joining the initiative, Walker’s Tuna said on its social media post: “We have had 100 percent independent electronic monitoring on our vessels since 2015—well ahead of the 2027 target. Because protecting our oceans starts with transparency.”

Walker’s Tuna operates five longliners, based in Mooloolaba, Queensland, that target albacore, yellowfin, and bigeye. Researchers from the University of Tasmania recently conducted a study, commissioned by the MSC, to examine the sustainability claims made by canned tuna brand packaging. Walker’s Tuna was one of the seven brands revealed as the most sustainable in Australia. In MarchThai Union and Walmart signed the Transparency Pledge.

In a freak accident, a truck driver was injured after a 40 kg frozen yellowfin fell on his head at a port in Samut Prakan in south central Thailand. The incident happened on Wednesday afternoon. The 41-year-old victim, whose name was not disclosed, drives a 10-wheeler truck that transports frozen tuna from the port to processing plants. The fish reportedly fell from the net on the driver while being transferred from the vessel to the truck, reported Thai news sites.

A paramedics team immediately rushed to the spot after being informed of the accident, and found blood streaming out from a 5-cm gash on the driver’s head. However, he was conscious and could answer questions. Several tunas were found lying next to him. Officials are reviewing the safety procedures involved in offloading cargo at the port.

Dongwon F&B announced on April 29 that it has launched a new product, ‘Dongwon Tuna Belly Deep Soy Sauce Flavor’. The product, as the name suggests, is made from tuna belly, but the company did not state which species has been used for it. Dongwon F&B said in a press statement: “The belly fat of tuna is much loved by consumers because it has a softer texture and richer flavor than other parts. Dongwon F&B has meticulously removed only the belly fat of tuna and canned it with 40 years of tuna processing know-how.”

The product is priced at KRW 3,280 (USD 2.31), and can be purchased online and in retail stores. A company spokesperson said, “We planned the new product to provide a unique gourmet experience to consumers seeking new flavors, and we plan to continue to release a variety of new products that will lead the canned tuna market.”