Eastern Samar eyes local tuna production expansion

BORONGAN CITY — The Eastern Samar provincial government and federal fisheries authorities are moving to boost regional tuna production by at least 120 metric tons annually through a multi-million peso vessel turnover aimed at expanding fishing into offshore Pacific waters.

The Provincial Fisheries Office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government units of Borongan, Sulat and Llorente, alongside three fisherfolk associations, to scale up ocean fishing operations.

Under the agency’s Tuna Development Program, the BFAR Eastern Visayas regional office turned over three 62-foot tuna handline fishing vessels valued at a total of P34.2 million.

The beneficiary organizations include the San Roque Farmers Association of Barangay San Roque, Llorente; the Ando Island Fisherfolk Association of Borongan City; and the Sea Man Darangat Association of Barangay Maytigbao, Sulat.

With a combined membership of 117 fisherfolk, the groups underwent formal orientation on vessel management and safety procedures to ensure proper operation.

BFAR Eastern Visayas conducted social preparation activities to train members in shared management responsibilities, strengthen collective accountability, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the livelihood program.

Officials said operating the three vessels, valued at P11.4 million each, is expected to add 120 metric tons of tuna annually to regional fisheries output.

The Pacific seaboard of Eastern Samar serves as a prime migratory path and high-yield fishing area for pelagic species such as tuna. However, most local municipal fisherfolk rely on traditional hook-and-line or troll lines operated from smaller outrigger canoes (bancas).

Despite using basic fishing gear, tuna and related pelagic species consistently rank among the top commercial catches in Eastern Samar.

Philippine Statistics Authority data indicates that during the first quarter of 2026, provincial production of yellowfin tuna — locally known as tambakol or bariles — reached 920.64 metric tons.

In the second quarter of 2026, Eastern Samar fisherfolk harvested 385.4 metric tons of skipjack, 301.72 metric tons of yellowfin tuna, and 288.06 metric tons of bigeye tuna.

BFAR confirmed that beneficiary associations are preparing for initial test fishing operations in Pacific waters, where fish-aggregating devices (payaos) have been installed.

Technical personnel from the regional office and the Eastern Samar Provincial Fisheries Office will accompany fishers during initial trips to offer guidance, evaluate vessel performance, and ensure adherence to proper tuna handline methods.

Through this project, BFAR aims to assist local associations in expanding operations beyond municipal waters, improving direct access to rich tuna grounds, and boosting fisherfolk incomes while advancing the regional tuna industry.