The glistening red of tuna sashimi and the savory sear of a perfectly cooked tuna steak are culinary delights for many. However, every bite of fish has a story to tell that spans across oceans and continents, highlighting the skills of fishers, the vibrant communities that thrive around them, and the delicate balance of nature that makes it all possible.
From the mighty bluefin, capable of crossing oceans, to the adaptable bigeye — each species of tuna plays its part in the marine ecosystem.
But, their future is uncertain. Overfishing and unsustainable practices threaten tuna stocks, putting at risk the species, the marine environment, and the people who depend on fishing for their livelihood.
In the remote fishing islands of Indonesia, tuna is caught by hand - a generations-old technique that calls for a high level of expertise. Fishers then take the tuna to bustling local markers where it bartered and sold.
These are our ocean heroes, working at the frontline of sustainable tuna fishing.
Produced by the International Pole and Line Foundation (IPNLF), the video 'A Day in the Life of a Fisher in Kawa, Indonesia' offers a glimpse into this world. The rooster's call marks a long day at sea, the thrill of the chase, the exhaustion and satisfaction of a good catch. With innovation, that catch becomes a brighter future.
But the ocean is vast, and challenges remain. Traditional and small-scale fishers often lack the resources to access higher-value markets. In Indonesia, inefficient supply chains and cold storage mean much of the value of tuna is lost before it can reach your plate.
Powered by the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge with support from Sida and Norad, organizations like Yayasan IPNLF Indonesia in partnership with Germany's development agency GIZ and local authorities in Indonesia are changing the story.
They are bring solar-powered ice technology to remote communities to improve fish quality and open doors to global markets.
This is no longer just about better tuna. It is about better lives for fishers and their families.
In the Maldives, women play a hidden yet crucial role in fish processing. eDhumashi, an online platform pioneered by IPNLF Maldives, is putting these women at the helm. Through this digital marketplace, women processing fish in Gemanafushi Island and beyond can now tell the story behind their fish catch, build their businesses, and control prices.
eDhumashi does not only sell fish, but it also creates economic independence.
Experience the preparations of Maldivian favourites such as Valhomas, the smoked tuna prepared over traditional dhumashi fire pits, and know more about the women fisherfolk's stories on eDhumashi's Instagram.
These are just two stories in a global movement. With support, they can become a blueprint for sustainable tuna fisheries around the world.
From Indonesia to the Maldives, and everywhere the ocean touches lives, these innovations ensure that tuna remains a delicious choice for us, and a livelihood for generations to come.
By choosing responsibly sourced tuna, whether from a fishmonger or online, we can protect both the fish and the way of life behind it.
Learn more about the innovations empowering sustainable fishing: https://oceaninnovationchallenge.org/oceaninnovators-cohort2
UNDP's Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC) is accelerating progress towards SDG14 by supporting innovative solutions for ocean conservation and a sustainable blue economy. With funding from Sweden (through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency - Sida) and Norway (through the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation - Norad), the OIC identifies, finances, and mentors entrepreneurs with replicable and scalable approaches to coastal and ocean restoration.
© 2026 UNDP Water and Ocean Programme
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