By Kenneth Marcos 
At the bustling ports and coastal offices across the Philippines, fisheries workers are sharpening their skills to better monitor one of the nation’s most valuable resources: tuna.
In September and October 2025, the Department of Agriculture’s National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) held year-end retooling workshops under the West Pacific East Asia-Improved Tuna Monitoring Project / Sustainable Pacific Fisheries (WPEA-ITMP/SPF). Nearly 100 technical data enumerators and analysts from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao participated in the sessions.
The workshops focused on strengthening stock assessment skills and improving digital data collection. Participants received hands-on training using the electronic Data Gathering and Entry System (eDGES), which streamlines the reporting of tuna catch, fishing effort, and other key statistics. They also learned updated methodologies for the National Stock Assessment Program, enabling more accurate monitoring of fish populations and fishing activity.
According to DA-NFRDI, accurate and timely fisheries data is critical for sustainable tuna management. Overfishing, climate changes, and shifting ocean conditions make it vital for local agencies to track stocks and advise policy decisions effectively. By equipping staff with modern tools and updated protocols, the agency aims to strengthen the country’s tuna monitoring and conservation efforts.
Regional fisheries officers noted that the workshops also improved coordination between local government units, enumerators, and central agencies. This ensures that data from small fishing communities can be quickly integrated into national stock assessments, supporting science-based policies for both commercial and artisanal fisheries.
The WPEA-ITMP/SPF project forms part of the Philippines’ broader commitment to responsible and sustainable fisheries management in the West Pacific and East Asia region, aligning with international agreements on tuna conservation.
By investing in training and technology, DA-NFRDI hopes to empower local staff to better safeguard tuna resources, protect fisher livelihoods, and maintain the Philippines’ position as a leading tuna producer in the region.
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