TUNA 2026 to Feature Keynote Address by FAO and High-Level Leaders' Dialogue on the Future of Global Tuna Trade
August 2026
Dr Manuel Barange
Assistant Director-General and Director
of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division
Food and Agriculture Organization
of the United Nations (FAO)
Italy
Mr Marcio Castro de Souza
Senior Fishery Officer (International Trade)
Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (FAO)
Italy
Bangkok, Thailand – August 2026
Global fisheries and tuna industry leaders will gather in Bangkok this September for the 19th INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition (TUNA 2026), which will feature a distinguished FAO Conference Keynote Address and a High-Level Leaders' Dialogue focused on the future of global tuna trade.
The conference, which will be held from 14–16 September 2026 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, will bring together ministers, senior government officials, industry leaders, Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs), international organisations, researchers, investors, seafood processors, retailers, technology providers and development partners from across the global tuna value chain.
Organised under the theme, "Strengthening Value Chain Synergies, Blue Economy and Sustainability across the Global Tuna Industry," TUNA 2026 will provide an important international platform for addressing the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the tuna industry.
One of the conference's key highlights will be the Conference Keynote Address, which will be delivered by Professor Manuel Barange, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Director of its Fisheries and Aquaculture Division.
Professor Barange is internationally recognized for his contributions to fisheries science, climate research and sustainable aquatic food systems. He is an Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, and a Visiting Professor at the Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences and Shanghai Ocean University.
A globally respected fisheries and aquaculture expert, Professor Barange's work focuses on the impacts of climate change and other human-induced pressures on marine ecosystems and the critical role of aquatic foods in addressing global food security, hunger and poverty. He has authored more than 130 scientific publications, contributed to several reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and serves as the lead editor of FAO's flagship biennial publication, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA).
His keynote address is expected to provide valuable insights into the future of fisheries and aquaculture, climate adaptation, sustainable ocean governance and the growing role of aquatic foods in building resilient and sustainable food systems.
Another major feature of TUNA 2026 will be the Special Leaders' Dialogue, entitled "Leadership, Sustainability and the Future of Global Tuna Trade." As the conference's flagship strategic session, the dialogue will bring together ministers, senior government representatives, RFMOs, international organizations and global tuna industry leaders for a high-level exchange on the future of the sector.
The session will be moderated by Mr Marcio Castro de Souza, Senior Fishery Officer for International Trade at FAO, where he leads the Markets and Trade Team and serves as Secretary of the FAO Sub-Committee on Fish Trade under the Committee on Fisheries (COFI).
Mr Castro de Souza brings more than two decades of experience in fisheries trade policy, international negotiations and market governance, including senior advisory roles within the Brazilian Government and extensive engagement with international trade institutions, including the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The Leaders' Dialogue will examine key issues shaping international tuna trade, including sustainable fisheries governance, market access, resilient tuna value chains, responsible investment, blue economy opportunities, digital traceability, artificial intelligence and technological innovation.
As global seafood markets continue to evolve, increasing expectations surrounding sustainability, traceability and responsible sourcing are reshaping how tuna is produced, traded and marketed. TUNA 2026 will provide an important opportunity for governments, industry and international organizations to strengthen partnerships, exchange perspectives and identify practical solutions that support a more resilient, competitive and sustainable global tuna industry.
The three-day conference programme will feature technical sessions covering global market trends, trade policy, investment and finance, sustainability, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, certification systems, seafood traceability and emerging opportunities across the tuna value chain.
INFOFISH looks forward to welcoming delegates and industry stakeholders from around the world to Bangkok for this important international event.
For more information and registration, please visit: 19th INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition (TUNA 2026)
About TUNA 2026
The INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition is one of the leading international forums dedicated to the global tuna industry. The event brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and seafood professionals to promote dialogue, strengthen partnerships and support the sustainable development of the global tuna sector.
INFOFISH Announces Chair and Co-Chair for TUNA 2026!
June 2026
INFOFISH is pleased to announce Ms. Susan Jackson, President of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), as Chairperson, and Dr. Adisorn Promthep, Advisor to the Thai Tuna Industry Association (TTIA), as Co-Chair for the 19th INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition (TUNA 2026), taking place from 14-16 September 2026 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok.
Bringing together two highly respected leaders from the international tuna sector, their representation as Chair and Co-Chair reinforce TUNA 2026's position as the premier global platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation across the tuna value chain.
INFOFISH Unveils Theme and Programme Highlight for TUNA 2026
Jan 2026
INFOFISH is proud to announce the theme and programme highlights for the 19th INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition (TUNA 2026), taking place from 14–16 September 2026 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok. Under the theme “Strengthening Value Chain Synergies, Blue Economies and Sustainability across the Global Tuna Industry,” the conference will convene global industry leaders and decision-makers to drive strategic dialogue, strengthen collaboration, and shape forward-looking solutions for a rapidly evolving sector.
Building on the momentum of TUNA 2024, which emphasised sustainability and regulatory alignment, TUNA 2026 expands the conversation by integrating responsible practices with commercial competitiveness, value chain efficiency, and blue economy growth opportunities.
The conference will highlight pathways to strengthen coordination across the entire value chain from harvesting and processing to logistics, trade, and consumer markets ensuring that sustainability aligns with robust business performance.
Now in its 19th edition, TUNA 2026 remains the premier global platform for executives from fishing companies, processors, traders, brand owners, and retailers, alongside policymakers, Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), technology providers, and financial institutions.
Building on the momentum of TUNA 2024, which emphasised sustainability and regulatory alignment, TUNA 2026 expands the conversation by integrating responsible practices with commercial competitiveness, value chain efficiency, and blue economy growth opportunities.
The conference will highlight pathways to strengthen coordination across the entire value chain from harvesting and processing to logistics, trade, and consumer markets ensuring that sustainability aligns with robust business performance.
Now in its 19th edition, TUNA 2026 remains the premier global platform for executives from fishing companies, processors, traders, brand owners, and retailers, alongside policymakers, Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs), technology providers, and financial institutions.
Notice of Rescheduling: INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition (TUNA 2026)
Jan 2026
Dear Stakeholders and Partners,
INFOFISH wishes to inform all stakeholders, partners, sponsors, exhibitors, and participants that the INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition (TUNA 2026) has been rescheduled. The event, originally planned for 7–9 September 2026, will now be held on 14–16 September 2026, due to necessary scheduling considerations.
Please note that the venue remains unchanged. TUNA 2026 will continue to take place at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, in accordance with the planned conference and exhibition programme.
Programme highlights and registration information are available via the official TUNA 2026 website: www.tuna.infofish.org
INFOFISH appreciates your understanding and continued support, and looks forward to welcoming delegates to TUNA 2026. We remain fully committed to delivering a professionally organised, high-impact event for the global tuna industry.
Yours sincerely,
TUNA 2026 Organising Committee
INFOFISH wishes to inform all stakeholders, partners, sponsors, exhibitors, and participants that the INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition (TUNA 2026) has been rescheduled. The event, originally planned for 7–9 September 2026, will now be held on 14–16 September 2026, due to necessary scheduling considerations.
Please note that the venue remains unchanged. TUNA 2026 will continue to take place at the Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, in accordance with the planned conference and exhibition programme.
Programme highlights and registration information are available via the official TUNA 2026 website: www.tuna.infofish.org
INFOFISH appreciates your understanding and continued support, and looks forward to welcoming delegates to TUNA 2026. We remain fully committed to delivering a professionally organised, high-impact event for the global tuna industry.
Yours sincerely,
TUNA 2026 Organising Committee