He estimates that the government needs at least P1.2 billion (US$27.7 million) to address this measure.
“Anything that will help the local tuna industry become more sustainable,” said Tan, who three years ago sold his two fleets of super seiners because of increased production costs.
A single medium-sized tuna fishing fleet consisting of mother boat, service and other auxiliary vessels including a set of 30 to 60 fish aggregating devices could cost up to P30 million (US$700,000).
Tan and Heitz are also in favour of a moratorium on tuna fishing during spawning season or reducing vessel fishing days.
Heitz said the Philippine government can look into the state of sardine (tamban) production in the country. Last year, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources began implementing a moratorium on commercial sardine fishing after a noticeable and dramatic decline of catch. He said, it could also work in the tuna industry by strictly enforcing regulations on net mess sizes and sizes of allowable tuna catches. (Tomorrow: Looking Outside or Capital Flight?) [Edwin G. Espejo writes for the asiancorrespondent.com)
