At least 150,000 people who depend on the tuna industry in General Santos City, Philippines, could end up jobless as a result of a two-year ban on tuna fishing in Western and Central Pacific, a fishing magnate said. The ban, which was decided upon by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), started on 1 January and did not exempt purse seine fishing, which is used by most of the fishermen based in General Santos City, reports Syed Rashid Ali. Marfin Tan, president of the Socsksargen Fishing Federation and Allied Industries Inc. (SFFAII), said the ban would render idle at least 200 fishing boats.

Quiros, J. (2020, January 28). With tuna ban, 150,000 may lose jobs. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A14.