Policy brief mitigating postharvest losses in the high seas: strategic interventions for sustainable tuna fisheries

Tuna dominates Philippine fisheries production and exports, with High Seas Pocket 1 serving as a vital fishing ground. Postharvest losses, estimated at 17.25% of landed catch, translate into millions in annual economic losses, driven largely by traditional onboard handling and preservation limitations. WCPFC CMM 2023–01 should be amended to authorize carrier vessels equipped with freezing systems, while a Quality Management Program should be institutionalized to standardize handling, cold chain integrity, and safety practices across the tuna supply chain. Complementary policy instruments like traceability systems, cold chain expansion, competency-based training programs, fiscal incentives, and multi-stakeholder collaboration will operationalize QMP. A holistic loss-mitigation policy enhances food safety, promotes equity across the value chain, secures market access, and supports the resilience and sustainability of the tuna industry.