Many tuna consumers don’t realize the differences between tuna species. However tuna connoisseurs prize the delectable bluefin tuna above all others. Unfortunately the high value placed on this species has led to overfishing and the bluefin is now an endangered species. Consumers should also avoid yellowfin tuna which are caught with harmful fishing methods resulting in a large bycatch.
The Bluefin Tuna is an Endangered Species
Restaurant patrons wouldn’t go out and eat a cuddly panda or a regal tiger, both of which are endangered. The same respect should be given the to the bluefin until fisheries are effectively managed and sustainable yields are enforced. The IUCN which produces the Red List of Threatened Species lists the bluefin tuna as Critically Endangered. In April 2009 the WWF predicted in the article “Mediterranean bluefin tuna stocks collapsing as fishing season opens” that bluefin would be functionally extinct by 2012 if fishing practices did not change.
How to Avoid Eating Bluefin Tuna
The Bluefin tuna goes by many names so be careful when buying steaks or dining out. The bluefin (Thunnus thynnus) is also known as the oriental tuna, tunny, giant bluefin and northern bluefin according to the Environmental Defense Fund’s ‘Seafood Selector’ which lists this species as Eco-Worst for its decimated population. This species is also often served in sushi and is then called hon maguro or toro. Be sure to ask vendors at the market or waiters at restaurants which fish is being served. Don’t purchase if the name bluefin comes up.
Other Tuna Species to Avoid
The bluefin is currently under the most pressure however other tuna species should also be avoided. The Environmental Defense Fund also cautions consumers to avoid eating yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) that is caught by longline fishing. Yellowfin caught from the U.S. Atlantic by troll or pole is considered Eco-Best. Trolling and poles result in almost no bycatch while longlining needlessly kills sea turtles, sea birds, and sharks. Unfortunately most of these fish are caught by longlining.
Many yellowfin populations have also suffered in various parts of the world. Yellowfin also goes by the name ahi and can also be found in toro and maguro. Be sure to ask about its origins before buying.
Tuna that can Still be Eaten
The Environmental Defense Fund lists U.S. Atlantic yellowfin caught by pole as Eco-Best along with Albacore from the US or Canada. Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) is also known as the longfinned tuna or germon. Its sushi name is shiro maguro. Many fisheries in the US and British Columbia use pole and line methods of catching; unfortunately fisheries elsewhere use longlining resulting in ghastly bycatch. Although most canned tuna does not come from an endangered species there are still serious ecological implications when considering bycatch.
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