Behind Every Cut of Tuna: Protecting Marine Ecosystems and Coastal Livelihoods Through Traceability
July 22, 2026
“Behind every cut of tuna served on our dining tables lies a journey that often goes unseen. There are fishers who set sail before sunrise, careful handling practices that determine the quality of the fish, and healthy oceans that make this journey possible for generations to come.”
— Janti Djuari, CEO & Founder of AP2HI
World Oceans Day serves as an important reminder that ocean sustainability extends far beyond marine conservation. For Indonesia’s tuna industry, it is equally about safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands of coastal fishers, strengthening national food security, and maintaining global confidence in Indonesian tuna products.
Healthy oceans produce healthy fish stocks. Conversely, when marine ecosystems are placed under pressure through irresponsible fishing practices, pollution, or climate change, the consequences ripple throughout the entire supply chain, affecting everyone from fishers to consumers.
Educating Consumers Through the Tuna Cutting Show
Driven by this shared commitment, the Indonesian Pole & Line and Handline Fisheries Association (AP2HI), in collaboration with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Indonesia and Ranch Market Living World Alam Sutera, organized the Tuna Cutting Show & Education on May 2, 2026.
The event was designed to help consumers better understand Indonesian tuna, not merely as a premium source of protein, but as the result of responsible one-by-one fishing methods and sustainable fisheries management.
Visitors were introduced to PINISEA, AP2HI’s member MSC-certified premium tuna brand, which has been available across Ranch Market stores since 2024.
Featured products, including tuna steaks and tuna saikoro, originate from fisheries that meet internationally recognized environmental management standards and are supported by transparent, verifiable traceability systems.
Debunking the Myth: Tuna Allergies and Fish Quality
Through interactive educational sessions and live tuna cutting demonstrations, AP2HI highlighted that seafood quality goes beyond appearance. It begins with proper handling practices from the moment the fish is caught until it reaches consumers’ plates.
According to Janti Djuari, CEO & Founder of AP2HI, public understanding of tuna consumption, particularly regarding health concerns, still requires greater awareness.
“Many people believe they are allergic to tuna. In reality, the reaction is often caused by elevated histamine levels resulting from poor fish handling and declining quality,” explained Janti. “This is precisely why knowing the origin of the seafood we consume through traceability is so important.”
For today’s consumers, traceability serves as an assurance of food safety. For the seafood industry, it is also an essential component of ESG compliance, enabling access to international markets while demonstrating that seafood has been harvested legally and responsibly.
Consumers Play a Vital Role in Protecting Our Oceans
Usmawati Anggita, Commercial Communications Officer at MSC Indonesia, emphasized that consumers have the power to shape the future of global fisheries through their purchasing decisions.
“Every seafood product has a story behind it. By choosing seafood carrying the MSC ecolabel, consumers are supporting fisheries that have met rigorous sustainability standards, minimizing bycatch impacts on marine ecosystems, and ensuring fisheries are managed responsibly for future generations,” said Usmawati.
Sustainability does not begin and end at sea. It continues with every purchasing decision made in the supermarket aisle. Each choice sends a powerful signal about the kind of oceans and fisheries we want to support.
Protecting our oceans is not solely the responsibility of governments or fishers. It is a shared commitment. By choosing tuna that is fully traceable and sustainably sourced, consumers help preserve marine ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of Indonesia’s fishing communities.
The next time you enjoy tuna, make sure it comes from fisheries that protect the ocean for generations to come.
Learn more about how AP2HI is advancing transparency and sustainability in Indonesia’s tuna fisheries here!
