Travel
World Tuna Day celebrations to be held in Yap in July: Numerous fishing and cultural activities planned
Yap Visitors Bureau
June 28, 2024
Fisherfolk Getting Ready to Head Out Fishing During 2023 World Tuna Day Celebrations on Yap. (Photo courtesy of Yap Visitors Bureau)
(June 28th, 2024: Yap Visitors Bureau, Yap, FSM): Yap will be commemorating World Tuna Day by holding its celebrations from July 5-6, 2024. World Tuna Day has been observed internationally on May 2nd since 2017, following the adoption of Resolution A/RES/71/124 by the United Nations General Assembly on December 7, 2016. This date commemorates the achievement of fishing communities, scientists, and environmentalists who came together to protect tuna schools around the world and help create a sustainable fishing model.
For the Federated States of Micronesia, this year’s theme is “Our Tuna, Our Legacy,” underscoring the shared responsibility amongst the people on all four states in protecting this valuable resource. For Yap, the observation of World Tuna Day was delayed to July so that proper celebrations could be organized that would sufficiently recognize Yap’s rich fishing heritage and the vital role that tuna plays in both its economy and culture.
The highlight of the World Tuna Day celebrations on Yap will be a fishing derby open to fisherfolk of all skill levels on Friday July 5th. The weigh-in for the derby will take place on the IBoom compound in Colonia and prize money will be awarded in various categories. On the second day July 6th, there will be several engaging activities including boat and raft races, a tuna filleting and cooking competition, and several activities for school children.
ABOUT YAP: Yap is an island in the Federated States of Micronesia, in the Pacific Ocean that is ringed by spectacular coral reefs and famous for its scuba diving with giant manta rays, sharks and mandarin fish. Other key activities on the island include kayaking, hiking, deep-sea fishing and exploring the many World War II historical sites. Yap is also uniquely famous for its stone money (huge disks of stone, which are still used today in major transactions), strong traditional culture and way of life, and welcoming residents. A short flight away from Guam or Palau, this Pacific gem is one of the tourism industry’s best kept secrets. For more information: www.visityap.com.