The Indonesian handline fishery – Kisar Island

Where does your tuna come from?

The tuna was caught around Kisar Island by Handline fishermen who go fishing in the Banda Sea. The Kisar Island is a small island in the southern part of the Malukus. The island was named by the Dutch, Kisar meaning white sand in the local language. The interior of the island is hilly, the highest mountain going to up 980 ft.

Kisar island is located in the very south of South Maluku Province, close to Timor Leste

How was your tuna caught?

The Kisar handline Yellowfin tuna fishery consists of small single-handed boats that go out to sea for 1 day at a time. Fishermen travel out to sea in groups and locate tuna schools using natural cues such as dolphins or birds, as tuna naturally associate with these. Fishermen then use highly selective handline gear: one line, one hook, one tuna. An average daily catch usually consists of 1 to 3 fish.

Who caught your tuna?

Your tuna was caught by one of the thousands of handline fishermen. Fishermen live with their families in small coastal communities, usually located close to their fishing grounds.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Through its Fishing & Living program, Anova Food is supporting improvements in the Indonesian Handline tuna fishery in many different locations across Indonesia. In partnership with NGOs such as MDPI and the Indonesian government, Fishing & Living is engaged in the Indonesian Handline tuna Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) that aims for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification. Fishing & Living is also focused on improving the well being of the fishermen and their communities through community projects