THE very first Tuna Bites event a live cooking competition to find the best Tuna Fish dish in the Pacific as part of Pacific Tuna month will take place today at the Coral Sea Resort from 4pm.
Applications have now closed and contestants have been chosen. Chosen Contestants will need to cook their Tuna fish-based dish for a nominated time in real time in front of a live audience.
The following contestants are the chosen top 14 who will compete and cook their best Tuna Fish dish in two categories Traditional and Fusion.
The Traditional category contestants are Brandy Matanga, David Taisau, Nerolyn Silas, Harriet Suri, Charity Sego, Faye Suluna and Collish Leketo. The Fusion Category contestants are Tiare Beia, Brandon Huta, Esther Kabitana, Ricky Nelson, Anna Qularade Hote, Alfred Rifalu and Joel Pitakaka.
The Contestants will be competing for the following prizes: 100 litre Esky, Dinner for two- and one-night’s accommodation at the Coral Sea Resort, Bmobile merchandise pack and mobile phone, a two-burner stove and also a chance to have their recipe and photo featured in the very first Tuna Bites recipe book, which will be published and circulated around the Pacific.
The Judges will deliberate on: Relevance to Theme – Fusion or Traditional, Flavour, Texture, Aroma, Timing & Appearance.
The Tuna Bites Competition Judges are Nikao Naoki, representing the Japanese Embassy and major sponsor of Tuna Bites, Alex Wakio, Former Chef King Solomon Hotel & Mendana Hotel, Perry James Smith, Labour Standards Advisor, Forum Fisheries Agency.
Pacific Tuna Month aims to increase awareness about the value of tuna, the threats they face, and the benefits of sustainable management. Tuna is essential for food security, employment, and culture in the Pacific region.
The competition is supported by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, SPC (The Pacific Community), Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and the Japanese government through its Overseas Fishery Corporation Foundation (OFCF).
Corporate Sponsors Coral Sea Resort, Bmobile and Ausmart are acknowledged for their important support and contribution to the success of Tuna Bites.
The Tuna Bites event is free for all to attend and it will be livestreamed on the FFA Facebook page with thanks to Bmobile.
