To gain an understanding on the issues and opportunities in the oceanic fisheries practiced by the fishing community of Thoothoor (Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu), a field trip was organised on April 10-11, 2016. The fisheries practiced by the Thoothoor fishermen was a key focus of the OPP-BOB. Along with the BOB-OPP team, Dr Milen Dyoulgerov Vollen, World Bank and Task Team Leader, OPP-BOB participated in the field visit. The A stakeholder consultation with the members of Association of Deep Sea Going Artisanal Fishermen (ADSGAF) revealed the experiences of the sector in the high seas within and outside Indian EEZ. This meeting was strengthened by interviewing fishermen in Muttom Fishing Harbour.

 In the meeting with Jude Foods India Pvt Ltd, on board best practices to improve the quality of tunas were discussed along with the representatives of ADSGAF.

 The meetings were followed by a field visit to Vizhinjam landing centre, one of the major centres landing tuna using small motorised boats. The landing and sale of tunas and billfishes was observed and a few fishermen were interviewed at the Centre.

 The visit provided a first-hand information to the OPP-BOB team on the course of action to be undertaken for the project.