Types of tuna
Avoid:
Blue fin tuna (critically endangered)
Bigeye tuna (endangered)
Eat less of
Yellow fin tuna (endangered)
Albacore (endangered)
Best option to consume
Skipjack
Fishing methods
Avoid buying tuna caught via the following methods.
Fish aggregating devices (FADS) with purse seine nets: this method of fishing kills large amounts of non-targeted fish, including threatened species. FADS also have a reputation for washing up on beaches or getting tangled in coral, causing more unnecessary damage.
Gillnetting or longlining: This is a fishing method generally utilised on an industrial level, it also catches large amounts of non-targeted fish when not closely managed, these non-targeted fish can include turtles, dolphins and sharks. Whilst Australian longlining practices are better managed than overseas it is still problematic.
Better methods of fishing
Pole and line caught fish: This method of fishing results in the lowest amount of overfishing and bycatching (accidental capture of non-targeted species of fish). Furthermore, this method of fishing creates jobs for local fishing communities
FAD- free purse seine: This method utilises a large floating net that is drawn tight like a drawstring purse to capture fish
Labelling information:
Dolphin friendly: is a misleading term and should not be used to dictate sustainability, this is because a majority of tuna is caught from the Pacific Ocean where dolphins do not actually congregate near tuna, bycatching of dolphins is a much larger issue in central American and the eastern pacific. This is an example of product greenwashing.
MSC certified: tuna with this labelling is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council, this means it has adhered to the MSC fisheries standards which considers sustainability, environmental impact, and management.
The 3 best brands.
- Fish 4 ever
(Unfortunately, not available in Woolworths or Coles but can be sourced from some IGA’s and health food shops). This brand uses 100% pole and line caught tuna, mostly skipjack, supports local coastal fisheries and their products have good traceability They do not greenwash their labels and their marketing is honest and comprehensive.
- John West
John west uses only FAD free tuna and is 100 % MSC certified. The brand also had good traceability a good sorcing policy and has active sustainability projects. Has a good human rights policy and sources mostly skipjack tuna from the western and central Pacific Ocean.
- Safcol
Uses mostly pole and line caught skipjack tuna and is FAD-free, this highlights responsible sourcing. They promote sustainable fishing methods and are commited to the conservation of overfished tuna species.
** this ranking is based of Greenpeace’s 2017 canned tuna guide, it is obviously subject to change, for a comprehensive overview refer to changeyourtuna.org.au
References
https://www.greenpeace.org.au/what-we-do/protecting-oceans/canned-tuna-guide/
http://www.thefoodcoach.com.au/articles/?ArticleID=1137
https://naturopathicearth.com/2017/03/28/guide-fish-mercury/