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Tuna, Albacore

(South Atlantic, Troll/Pole)

Rating:
Albacore tuna is found in most of the world's oceans. Many types of gear are used to catch tuna. Trolls and poles are the most ocean-friendly options. Some albacore tuna is certified as sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) .

Market Names:
Canned White Tuna, Longfin Tunny, Shiro Maguro, Tombo

Consumer Notes:
In the U.S. albacore is widely available as canned white tuna. It may also be available fresh, frozen or as sashimi. Albacore is known as shiro maguro when prepared for sushi.

Health Alert:
Environmental Defense Fund has issued a consumption advisory for longline-caught albacore tuna due to elevated levels of mercury. No consumption advisories are listed for troll- or pole-caught albacore as these methods catch younger tuna with lower mercury levels.

Summary:
Albacore tuna is a highly migratory fish found in many oceans around the world. While albacore in the Pacific Ocean is reasonably abundant and healthy, it's less abundant in the North Atlantic.

Albacore is caught with a variety of gear, including troll, pole-and-line and longline. There is little or no bycatch when albacore is caught with troll or pole gear. However, longlines, the most common method, results in large quantities of bycatch, including threatened or endangered species such as sea turtles, sharks and seabirds. Since there are no international laws to reduce bycatch, these longline fleets are contributing heavily to the long-term decline of some of these species.

When possible, look for troll- or pole-caught albacore. In particular, U.S. and Canadian North Pacific are a "Best Choice." Longline-caught albacore is ranked as "Avoid," except longline-caught from Hawaii, where strict bycatch regulations and healthy populations result in a "Good Alternative" ranking.

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