The Indonesian Ministry of Fisheries recently clarified a US query dating back to 2023, regarding the presence of mercury in tuna caught near the Obi Islands, one of the largest islands in the country. The Quality Assurance Agency at the Ministry stated that an official confirmation showed no presence of mercury in tuna or other seafood products sourced from waters around the island.

In 2023, the US FDA inquired about mercury levels in tuna caught near the Obi Islands, but did not issue an official report confirming contamination or a ban. A spokesperson from the Indonesian Quality Assurance Agency, which is the competent authority for export certification, stated that tuna are migratory species, and “mercury in the fish could originate from waters far from their capture point. Based on existing tests on both fish samples and surrounding waters in various locations, no heavy metal levels have exceeded Indonesian or international standards,” reported Indonesia Business Post.

The increasing presence of Chinese patrol boats in the WCPO is pushing Australia to intensify aerial checks in the region. A maritime expert explained that the Chinese presence could create tensions in the region, and warned the nation’s fishing vessels have been accused of IUU fishing in the WPCO. According to Peter Connolly, a Pacific security expert at the University of New South Wales, “The two most common nationalities involved in illegal fishing here are from China and Taiwan. Introducing Chinese coast guard patrols could complicate efforts to enforce the rules fairly,” reported news sites.

Earlier this year, Australia announced that it would spend AUD 477 million (USD 309.13 million) on aerial patrols due to the rising presence of Chinese patrol boats. Australia plays an important role in security and surveillance in the WCPO, primarily to help Pacific Island nations protect their tuna resources and stop IUU fishing through various initiatives such as Operation Kurukuru, an annual patrolling venture carried out every year. The country has provided patrol boats to several Pacific countries and conducts regular naval and air patrols.

Mexican tuna company Grupomar recently got the first place in the ‘National Tuna Fishing Ranking 2025.’ The catches of its seiner, ‘F/V Gijón’, exceeded 9,400 M/T in 2025, the largest caught by a Mexican-flagged vessel this year. The company said that it also surpassed the record for yellowfin fishing in the EPO, set in 2003 by another vessel from the Grupomar fleet, the ‘María Luisa’, which took the second place this year with its 8,400 tons of tuna catches. The ‘F/V Gijón is 79 meter long and has a 1,600 m3 fish hold capacity and a 2,042 gross tonnage.

Government officials and members from Grupomar attended the ceremony held last week. The company stated that this achievement “consolidates Grupomar as the most efficient tuna fleet by carrying capacity and the most modern in Mexico, reflecting the professionalism, experience, and commitment of its crews.” Don Antonio Suárez Gutiérrez, founder of Grupomar, said, “This success is a reflection of the great work of the men of the sea.” The company received numerous laurels this year. Last month, Grupomar was honored for its sustainable practices and commitment to responsible fishing by receiving a green credit. Earlier this year, it was awarded second place in Mexico’s 2025 Sustainable Fishing and Aquaculture Award.