by Muhamad Najwan bin TaibBSc. (Hons.) Marine Technology

UiTM

IntroductionLife without tuna is meaninglessAtlantic Bluefin Tuna has the highest qualitySashimi & sushi are common

Most demanded tunaSBTNBTSkipjackBigeyeYBT

Market situationIn Tokyo a 276 kg bluefin tuna was sold at $

55,700 dollars.25% of world tuna consumptions are sushi

loversSS < DD – even with latest R&DExclusive Restaurant

DemandWWF warned illegal fishing to meet Japan

demandThe increase demand of sushi - priceJapanese BT worth $350 millionEconomic situation affect the demand of high

grade tuna

Fresh Tuna (‘000 tonnes)

Type 2007 2008

Yellowfin 9.2 8

Bigeye 7.2 7.5

Bluefin 2.6 1.9

SBT 0.2 0.5

Albacore 0.1 0.1

Skipjack 0 0

Frozen tuna (‘000 tonnes)

Type 2007 2008

Yellowfin 31.4 27

Bigeye 41.7 45

Bluefin 11.2 16.9

SBT 0.1 0

Albacore 4.7 1.9

Skipjack 1.3 3.9

Good demand during Obon festival13-15 August have induced consumption of

sashimi tuna10-13 August – auction (small & medium

sized)Some supermarket have reduced big size

tuna – consumer response

Suspension of tuna fishing High fuel price – tuna fishing not profitableHoping for increased price for sharply

reduced supply

International actionBlamed for overfishing – extinction of BTInsatiable appetite of raw fishSolution - quota

Public concernMercury level.

- high concentration can cause severe brain damage- Minamata case- 0.03 ppm

Reduce consumption

ConclusionThe demand of tuna is still very high –

culture, economyThe price will still increasing – production

lowTo avoid shortage – farm, quotas

References http://www.wilsdomain.com/blog/random-

facts/bluefin-tuna-sells-for-record-55700-in-japan/

http://www.eurofish.dk/indexSub.php?id=3595

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2044.htmlhttp://www.gadling.com/2007/10/24/big-in-

japan-tuna-fish-will-soon-be-extinct/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22844936/