(IntraFish) India can fulfill its potential as a tuna exporter if it improves how post-harvest practices, says fishery expert.
Tuna caught by trawlers in India's Bay of Bengal has immense potential for export, said UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) fisheries expert Fransisco Blaha Thursday, reports Xinhua News.
Speaking at a fishery workshop organized by India's Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Blaha said
India has a potential of 213,000 metric tons of tuna in the exclusive economic zone, but only a fraction is exploited now, and its value is greatly diminished due to poor post-harvest practices.
"Onboard handling of tuna fish is of essence and in particular the first hour after landing is very crucial," he said.
He said Indian fishermen were able to catch tuna venturing into the sea even in catamarans, but immediately after catching the fish, it should be properly gilled and gutted to keep the histamine levels within the stipulated limits.
It should then be preserved properly. Otherwise, the fish, which is in great demand in Japan, the United States and the EU, will lose much of its export value, he said.