Airlifting facility to boost hopes of tuna exporters

March 05, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 05:51 am IST - VISAKHAPATNAM:

A fisherman carrying tuna fish for sale in Visakhapatnam.- Photo: K.R. Deepak

A fisherman carrying tuna fish for sale in Visakhapatnam.- Photo: K.R. Deepak

Tuna exports to Japan, United States and European Union will get a major boost from the city with the airlifting facility expected to take off within two to three months.

Silk Airlines, which has service to Singapore, has agreed in-principle to offer the facility.

Malindo Air, which introduced a flight to Kuala Lumpur from the Visakhapatnam International Airport last month, said it will explore airlifting if there is a potential. MP K. Haribabu, who earlier served as Vice-Chairman of Marine Product Export Development Authority, said he had already requested Malindo to introduce the facility.

Tuna fetches good amount if it is flown fresh to international markets. There is no facility for processing it here. Tuna depending on its quality and size fetches around Rs.100 to Rs. 200 per kg from the agents who transport it to Kerala. It can fetch Rs. 500 per kg if it is airlifted.

“Though tuna landing has come down drastically after Cyclone Hudhud, we are expecting that at least from next season the industry will be benefited due to introduction of airlifting,” said S. Narsinga Rao, tuna exporter. While Atlantic Ocean accounts for 66 per cent of world’s total tuna wealth, Pacific Ocean is estimated to having 23 per cent and Indian Ocean 11 per cent.

The Exclusive Economic Zone has 2.78 lakh tonne of tuna, half of which is yellow fin tuna, most sought after in the overseas markets, according to a study.

“We are expecting international connectivity in two to three months, which will boost tuna exports from Visakhapatnam. There is potential to export 1,500 to 2,000 tonne yellow fin tuna from here,” Federation of Indian Fishery Industries president Y.G.K. Murty told The Hindu.

Known for its migratory nature, sleek and streamlined body, tuna is unique among all fish species for its respiratory and circulatory system. It maintains more body temperature than the surrounding waters for its survival and keeps floating always with a swimming speed of up to 75 kmph.

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