Each year on 2 May, World Tuna Day shines a spotlight on one of the world’s most iconic fish. Tuna is a vital source of protein for millions of people, a cornerstone of coastal economies, and a key species in the marine food web. But with growing demand, overfishing and poor labelling practices have put tuna stocks—and the health of our oceans—under pressure.
The good news? Progress is being made, and you can be part of the solution.
Tuna counts
Tuna is more than just a supermarket staple. Globally, 2.8 million tonnes of tuna are caught each year from fisheries certified to the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) rigorous standard for sustainability. That’s over half of the global wild tuna catch. In Australia and New Zealand, that translates to a growing number of responsibly sourced tuna products on supermarket shelves.
In fact, the amount of MSC labelled tuna sold has jumped by 24% in the past year alone, showing that when sustainable options are available, shoppers are willing to choose them.
Change is happening
More than 180 fisheries around the world are now engaged in MSC certification, together responsible for harvesting 57% of the global tuna catch. In Australia and New Zealand, major retailers including Coles, Woolworths and ALDI have made strong commitments to sustainable tuna sourcing, with Coles recently shifting all own-brand canned tuna to MSC certified sources.
But the future of tuna isn’t just in the hands of retailers, fishers and governments—it’s in yours too.
What you can do this World Tuna Day
Check the label
Look for the MSC blue fish tick label on cans of tuna and other seafood products. It’s your assurance that the product comes from a fishery independently certified for sustainability.Support sustainable brands
Choose retailers and brands that are transparent about their sourcing and have made commitments to certified sustainable seafood.Talk tuna
Help spread the word. Share what you’ve learned, encourage others to choose sustainable tuna, and use your voice to support a future with healthy oceans.
A reason to feel hopeful
This year’s theme, ‘Yes we can’, is a call to action—and a reminder that collective choices add up to meaningful change. With more fisheries improving their practices, more brands backing their claims with evidence, and more shoppers choosing sustainability, the tide is turning.
Tuna has been a symbol of overfishing in the past, but it can now become a symbol of hope. This World Tuna Day, let’s celebrate the progress and keep pushing for a future where healthy oceans and thriving tuna populations go hand in hand.
