Because of varying degrees of regulation regarding tuna fishing and canning, it can sometimes be very hard to know how the tuna being sold in the shops was caught. Currently there is no label or stamp on tuna tin labels that can assure sustainable fishing. Some terms - such as 'dolphin friendly' - mean very little as there are no laws, guidelines or minimum criteria that they have to meet. While dolphin friendly tuna certainly helps dolphin numbers, it can still impact other types of sealife.
Certain countries have very strict tuna fishing regulations - in 2006 the EU and a number of countries in northern Africa agreed to severely cut down on tuna fishing before a complete ban on bluefin tuna fishing was agreed upon in 2007 because of dwindling numbers - while others turn a blind eye completely.
Skipjack and yellowfin tuna are generally caught using purse seine nets which, unfortunately, also catch a lot of unwanted sea creatures that can lead to a lot of waste. As well as a host of small fish, unintentional catches include:
- small tunas
- dolphins
- sharks
- turtles
- mahi mahi
- triggerfish
- billfish
- wahoo
While sea turtles are sometimes re-released in decent condition, the other unwanted catches are generally wasted.
Hook and line or troll catches are generally recommended for better targeting of tuna fish.
Recommended reading:
Advanced Secrets of Tuna Fishing
Sustainable Seafood
Sustainable Seafood Recommendations
