Philippine fisheries researchers have reached a major scientific milestone by successfully breeding mackerel tuna (locally called kawakawa or tulingan) in full captivity — a world first for this species, which has long been considered extremely difficult to reproduce under controlled conditions.
The breakthrough was achieved at the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center’s Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) facility in Tigbauan, Iloilo, where scientists observed the tuna naturally reproduce without hormone injections — overcoming decades of aquaculture challenges tied to the species’ sensitivity to confinement stress and migratory behavior.
Researchers reached this achievement after years of care, careful broodstock conditioning and controlled environmental management. Instead of relying on artificial spawning triggers, the team refined conditions that allowed the fish to complete their entire reproductive cycle in tanks, from egg laying to juvenile development.
Experts say this advancement could transform tuna aquaculture by moving the industry away from dependence on wild‑caught juveniles — a practice that puts pressure on natural stocks — and toward more sustainable production systems for kawakawa and potentially other tuna species in the future.
- Sustainable tuna supply: Captive breeding reduces reliance on wild fish and can help stabilize tuna production for food security and commercial use.
- Scientific milestone: It’s believed to be the first documented natural spawning of mackerel tuna under fully captive conditions anywhere in the world.
- Future aquaculture potential: The technique could pave the way for full life‑cycle tuna culture — from egg to adult — supporting industry growth and research in the Philippines and beyond.