Indian tuna gets ready to grace Japanese plates

KOCHI: Indian tuna may soon find its way in large numbers to Japanese plates considering the renewed interest shown by Indian vessels in catching the highly priced deep sea fish.

Tuna is a delicacy in Japan where it is relished as sashimi (raw fish). The country could be the largest consumer of the fish, which fetches over $10 a kg (more than that of a black tiger prawn) if properly handled.

The tuna exports have almost doubled last year to 14,668 tonnes valued at Rs 60.9 crore from a level of 8,133 tonnes worth Rs 31.4 crore.

It is all set to increase further this year given the fact that it is one of the targeted activities of Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).

The revival of interest in tuna fishing is attributed to the subsidy scheme introduced by MPEDA recently. Sources say that applicants for subsidy are on the rise from the southern region like Kochi, Tuticorin, Chennai and Vishakhapatnam, where tuna is fished the most.

The subsidy ranges from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh or 50% (whichever is less) of the combined cost of conversion of existing fishing vessel into tuna long liner and acquisition of monofilament long line system.

Unlike other fish, tuna is caught using monofilament long lines attached with hooks. It is laid over 60 km in deep sea from the vessels several times a month as the success rate of hooking tuna is low in a single haul.

Tuna is packed in special ice and airlifted to Japan for sales in Tokyo auctions. The more fresh the tuna is, the better is the price it gets.

The Indian waters abound in yellowfin and skipjack tunas. The former fetches a higher price. India faces intense competition from other South-East Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam in tuna exports.