Workshop cum Training on Advances in Tuna Longlining

A Workshop cum Training on ‘Advances in Tuna Longlining’was organized by the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin on 1^st October, 2013 at Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram recognizing the importance of the emerging oceanic tuna fisheries in the Indian economy and in order to provide a platform for meaningful discussions on the subject. A total of 50 participants attended the Programme. Representatives from fishermen community Thuthoor and Thiruvananthapuram, officials from Association of Deep Sea Going Artisanal Fishermen (ADSGAF) and officials from the South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies (SIIFS), officials from the Kerala State Fisheries Department, Scientists and technical staff from Vizhinjam Research Centre of CMFRI, and Researchers attended the programme. Dr. Leela Edwin,Head, Fishing Technology Division, CIFT, Cochin welcomedthe gathering and said that CIFT has envisaged a series of on-board training programmes along with CIFNET, Cochin for capacity building on advanced tuna long lining.Dr. P. Pravin, Principal Scientist, CIFT Cochin and Convener of the Workshop gave an introduction to the Workshop and stressed in the importance of the training.Dr. A.P. Lipton, Scientist in Charge, Vizhinjam Research Centre of CMFRIwas the Chief Guest of the function and he appreciated CIFT for organizing the Workshop cum training.He also highlighted on the importance to tuna and the latest trends in longlining. The formal vote of thanks was proposed by Shri M.V. Baiju, Senior Scientist, CIFTandCo-Convenor of the Programme.

In the Technical session that followed,  Dr.PrathibhaRohit, Scientist in Charge, Mangalore Research Centre of CMFRI who is also the Chairman of the Working Group of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) delivered a talk on Tuna Resources of India. She said that there were good resources of different species of Tuna in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone. She made a video presentation on fishing for tunas on-board FRP catamaran by the fishermen of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Dr.Pravin spoke on Modern Longline Fishing Gear. He said that the old system of long lining has ceased and now Nylon monofilaments are used for both the main line and branch line.  Shri M.V. Baiju delivered a lecture on various Hydraulic Deck Machinery for Longlining. He also spoke about the different schemes for converting of trawlers to longliners. Capt. J.P. Mendon, expertin Tuna longlinefishing with his vast fishing experience in both the Government and private sector gave a talk on Tips for Increasing Efficiency in Longlining.

After the invited talks, discussion was held with the participants on different aspects of longlining. The fishermen and officials from Association of Deep Sea Going Artisanal Fishermen, South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies, Kerala State Fisheries Department actively participated in the discussion.

 Dr. A.P. Lipton delivering the Chief Guest’s address                Dr. Prathibha Rohit delivering her talk

   Capt. Jaya Prakash Mendon interacting with the audience