Tuna tips and information
> Ayam Brand celebrates World Tuna Day by spreading awareness
THE unassuming tuna fish has its place in many of our dishes; from sandwiches, to salads, curries, sushi and even pizzas.
HEALTHY GOODNESS
In addition to its great taste, tuna provides a good source of “healthy fats” via omega-3 DHA and EPA – both omega-3 essential fatty acids that our body cannot produce. There are many benefits in consuming omega-3, which include prevention of coronary heart disease, promoting healthy nerve activity, improving vitamin absorption, maintaining a healthy immune system, promoting cell development, improving vision and developing the brain among children.
RESPONSIBLE FISHING
Due to is many benefits, as well as being a primary source of revenue to many governments and food source for island populations, there is high demand for this fish. This in turn puts it at risk of being over-fished.
With that, the United Nations’ 2016 General Assembly has proclaimed May 2 as “World Tuna Day”. In that, the UN hopes to raise global awareness on the critical issues affecting tuna and ensure sustainability of this valuable fish species.
INFORMATION AND ADVICE
The first World Tuna Day was celebrated this year. As part of the celebrations, Ayam Brand, the leading provider of sustainably fished, canned tuna, raised awareness and shared knowledge with the public on sustainable tuna fishing methods.
Among the tips shared were: Know your tuna Purchase tuna species that are not endangered and from biomass that is healthy, such as skipjack tuna. Skipjack is found in abundance in global seas due to its short lifespan, rapid growth and reproduction rates. Ayam Brand canned tuna products use mainly skipjack tuna.
Tuna in the right location Knowing where your tuna comes from is important in helping sustain consumption. Yellowfin tuna is overfished in the Indian Ocean but is abundant in the Pacific Ocean. Both yellowfin and skipjack tuna used by Ayam Brand come from the Pacific Ocean. Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMO) have confirmed that tuna here is not over-fished.
Catch it right Pole-and-line and handline are traditional fishing methods that are socially and environmentally friendly as it ensures the fish are caught one at a time and requires many skilled fishermen. The right fishing methods prevent overfishing of tuna, keeps fishermen employed and protects other aquatic creatures.
At the World Tuna Day event here, Ayam Brand marketing manager Nicholas Nyeow said: “Too often we take our food for granted. World Tuna Day helps us appreciate that while tuna is tasty and healthy, it needs to be fished sustainably to ensure that future generations can enjoy it, and that the communities that depend on it as their main source of livelihood are protected. Ayam Brand is proud to support World Tuna Day by sharing tips on making more sustainable tuna choices.”
For more information, visit the Ayam Brand website.