Specialised training is underway to ensure the production of canned tuna locally and regionally meets the required standard for human consumption.
Participants are cannery and national fish inspectors from Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands and have gathered in Levuka for the training.
The Thermal Processing and Regulatory Audit training is organised by the European Union-supported Development of Tuna Fisheries in the Pacific Project (DevFish2) which is implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC).
The two-week intensive training involves the up-skilling of participants to ensure the process of canning fish at high temperature is observed and maintained.
This is so that the end product meets prescribed quality standards.
In collaboration with the Pacific Fishing Company Limited (PAFCO), the workshop participants also get the opportunity to undertake practical training sessions at the tuna processing plant’s factory floor.
PAFCO general manager, Brett Carter, said the need for such technical training was critical.
He said this was as the canned products are exported into overseas markets like the EU and US as export requires such technical thermal processing of cans to meet required standards
Mr Carter said: “Thermal processing in canned fish is classified as a high risk operation.
“Personnel have to be technically qualified and aware to deliver the canning process standards, ensuring canned fish is safe for public consumption.”

Timely for growth
SPC’s DevFish Officer, Jonathan Manieva, said the training was both timely and critical as the tuna processing industry in the Pacific region experiences growth.
Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) 2015 Economic Indicators Report highlighted the estimated tuna processing market share of FFA member countries doubled from 100,000 tonnes prior to 2013 to around 210,000 tonnes in 2014.
“As the industry grows, the need for human resource capacities in key specialised areas of the production line also grows,” he said.
“This technical and specialised training will enhance the skill sets of our nationals so they can fill roles that would otherwise be occupied by specialists from overseas.
“This is enabling employment of nationals at mid-management levels in the industry.
“The safe production of canned tuna fish is also a critical component of nutritional contribution of fish to food security for our people.
“And enhancing employment opportunities of our nationals in the sector contributes to individual and household income.”

Importance for Levuka
Lomaiviti Provincial Administrator, Ekimi Rokoduru, stressed the importance of the training for Fiji’s tuna processing industry and the local economy.
“Such SPC regional training adds value to the PAFCO’s operation in Levuka in terms of supporting the skills of the locals employed in the factory,” Mr Rokoduru said.