Bitung, Indonesia

Welcome to Bitung!

Glein Stein

Pole and line
Partner since 2015
Bitung, Indonesia

skipjack tuna

- step 1 -Heading out on the Celebes Sea

In Bitung, tuna fishing is everything. We work with six boats, all using pole-and-line to catch the most delicious tuna. Glein – proudly featured on our packaging – is one of the fishermen on board. Every fishing trip kicks off with a burst of activity: the boats are loaded with ice, bamboo rods, and enough food to last the crew for a week. Then it’s off to the crystal-clear waters of the Celebes Sea, where Glein and his fellow fishermen search for small baitfish to catch the skipjack tuna.

- step 2 -Caught one by one

The fishers sit on either side of the boat, and soon the first tuna flies through the air. Thanks to the traditional pole-and-line method, bycatch is kept to a minimum, and the ecosystem remains undisturbed. Glein: "It’s the only truly sustainable way to catch tuna!"

- step 3 -Fresh on ice

On a good day, the boats in Bitung bring in up to 7,000 kilos of tuna — enough for a whopping 30,000 cans! The catch goes straight on ice to keep the fish fresh all the way back to the harbor.

- step 4 -Locally processed

Right next to the harbor is the processing plant, where most of the tuna is still prepared by hand using traditional methods. The people who work here are from Bitung and nearby villages. Entire families are involved in the tuna fishery — from catching the fish to processing it. Our tuna is produced locally, keeping the value where it belongs: within the fishing community itself.

Glein Stein comes from a true fishing family and learned how to fish at a young age.

Like many tuna fishermen in Bitung, Glein Stein comes from a true fishing family. He learned how to fish at a young age — and today, he proudly represents Sea Tales on our cans as an ambassador for his crew and community. Together, they head out to sea in search of adventure. Pole-and-line fishing gives Glein a rush every time.

Glein Stein comes from a true fishing family and learned how to fish at a young age.

Now, he's proudly pictured as a Sea Tales ambassador on our cans. Together with his crew, he goes out to sea in search of adventure. Pole-and-line fishing gives him an incredible rush every time. "That adrenaline after every catch—there’s truly nothing like it!"