Pacific Leader Chairs BKK TUNA 2024

Organizer Infofish has announced the Chair and co-Chair for its upcoming 18th World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition in Bangkok, also called TUNA 2024. Rhea Moss-Christian, Executive Director of WCPFC, will lead the helm and Chanintr Chalisarapong, President of the Thai Tuna Industry Association, will be the co-Chair.

The theme for this edition is ‘Advancing Blue Transformation, Sustainable Development, and Innovation through the Global Tuna Industry.’

According to Moss-Christian, the event is intended to tackle issues beyond traditional industry boundaries by focusing on integrating consumer perspectives on tuna, ocean health, and sustainability. “This approach aims to align industry practices with consumer expectations and broader environmental stewardship principles”, she said. The Conference sessions will cover topics such as blue transformation, sustainability, innovation, global market trends, and the role of technology and science in the tuna sector. It will also highlight the efforts towards a safer, cleaner, and more responsible industry. She added that TUNA 2024 will also look into how the fishing and trade sectors can contribute to “food security, health, nutrition, better communities, and overall sustainability.” Other topics to be discussed are labor rights, combating IUU fishing, and advancing clean energy, and health of marine ecosystems.

TUNA 2024 will be held at Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok from May 20 to 22. The event is jointly organized by the Thailand Department of Fisheries, the Thai Tuna Industry, and three RFMOs (IATTC, IOTC, and WCPFC).

Infofish expects the participation of over 500 people from the global industry for the conference and more than 40 booths for companies and organizations to display and promote their products, equipment, machinery, and services. Moss-Christian will deliver the ‘Special Address’ on the opening day May 20.

Atuna has long been the official media supporter of this important biennial event.