But I know it can be confusing to know which canned tuna to choose.
So this post is my guide for how to choose sustainable canned tuna, along with some background information.
Summary: which canned tuna is best?
Best – pole and line caught skipjack tuna
- FAD = Fish Aggregating equipment = up to 7x unintended marine life casualties caught in nets = unacceptable!
Read the label of the can to determine thetype of tunaandhow the tuna was caught.
See sections below for further explanations.
Best – pole and line caught skipjack tuna
Best available
Species:skipjack tuna most responsible option.
EAT LESS
Yellowfin and albacore because these types of tuna are threatened.
(But see caveat in the blue box at the top of the post!)
Acceptable – FAD free caught skipjack tuna
DO NOT BUY
Species:Bluefin and bigeye tuna critically endangered.
Fishing methods:FADs with purse seine nets, gillnetting and longlining.
Dolphin friendlystampis not always an indicator of true sustainable practices.
There is an abundance of choice at grocery stores. Know how to choose sustainable canned tuna!
More on the misuse of this label below.
Why the fishing method matters
Because unethical fishing practices has a heavy cost on other marine life.
FADs are a gadget used to attract marine life (not just tuna).
It is a favourite of fine dining establishments for the colour, texture and flavour.
So thats what Im doing with this post.
But check that to read the label!
And dont instinctively reach for canned tuna with a dolphin friendly stamp on it which can be misleading.
This is because the use of this stamp is not regulated.
So catching tuna in a dolphin friendly manner is not relevant!
But knowing that some do means its a label we cant always rely on.
I have even shared recipes using them.
Just venture to choose fish sourced using sustainable practices ask your server!
Why all of a sudden a post on sustainable eating?
I learn something new every single day, and this includes learning more about sustainability of food.
As a general recipe website, the focus on what I do is around providing recipes.
All store-brand canned tuna I found in my local area all use FAD free fishing methods, which is great to see (Woolworths, Coles and Aldi, Australia).
I hope youve found this post useful!
Yellowfin tuna (Ahi tuna) is a type of tuna commonly used fortuna steaksand sushi, favoured for the mild clean flavour and lovely red colour.
Gold star sustainable tuna – Safcol No Net Tuna sold at Woolworths (Australia) for $2.90 for 185g/6oz
GoodFish tuna gets a gold star for sustainable tuna, but it comes with a price tag.
Tuna Poke bowls
Crispy rice cakes with spicy tuna
