Tuna: Albacore

White tuna (canned)

Shiro maguro, Tombo

Albacore tuna is one of the most migratory tunas. Albacore tuna troll caught in the Canadian and US Pacific is the most sustainable option.

The Canadian and US fisheries have minimal bycatch, no habitat impacts, and the management is effective. Bycatch is the main concern for the international pelagic longline albacore fisheries, which capture endangered species of seabirds and turtles while in pursuit of tuna. Broad ecosystem effects are also apparent in these longline fisheries.

Overall, albacore tuna is a species resistant to fishing pressure, but status of the stocks is a moderate conservation concern for all albacore fisheries worldwide.

Many life history characteristics of the albacore tuna make it resistant to fishing pressure. Albacore are relatively quick to mature with short lives. They breed prolifically year-round and spawn across vast areas of the tropical oceans.

Favourable biomass levels and fishing mortality rates, plus the present observations that both population and catches are increasing, indicate that the north Pacific stock is not overfished.

Pole-and-line or trolling methods lead to little bycatch.

Trolling for albacore tuna has no impact on habitat.

In the Pacific, there is a complete and robust stock assessment, and adequate scientific monitoring. Management has not been in place long enough to determine if management measures have maintained stock productivity, however. Management of the U.S. and Canada troll fisheries is considered highly effective as a result of the provisions of the U.S./Canada Albacore Treaty, such as effort limits and enforcement.

What kind of tuna is this?

How was it caught?

Where was it caught?

Albacore tuna from Canada, the US Pacific, and Hawaii caught by trolling or hook and line represent a SeaChoice “Best Choice”

Moderate mercury advisory + Adults and kids age 6-12 can safely eat more than 4 meals per month + Kids up to age 6 should eat no more than 3 meals per month

Yes. The U.S. Pacific troll/pole fishery for Albacore tuna was certified by Marine Stewardship Council on August 23rd 2007.

Canadian Highly Migratory Species Foundation (CHMSF) British Columbia North Pacific albacore tuna fishery was certified by the Marine Stewardship Council in March 2010.