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Tuna is and one of the most eaten fish in the world. It belongs to a subgroup of the mackerel family and consists of 8 species that vary in colour and size. Tuna is a nomadic species and is found throughout the world's oceans. It can be eaten fresh or canned. Tuna loin is commonly eaten raw or seared and lightly seasoned, while canned tuna is precooked for a long time and often served heavily dressed.
Quick facts about the mains species tuna:
Katsuwonus pelamisMaximum weight: 35 kg Distinguishing features: Not actually part of the Thunnus genus but is a related species. Superpower: It has the fastest reproduction rate and the largest stocks of all tuna. Use: Canned/tinned Landing price: €1.05/kg
Thunnus alalonga Maximum weight: 60 kg Distinguishing features: Long pectoral fins. Superpower: Has a high protein diet: eats only octopus and squid. Use: fresh and in cans Landing price: €2.37/kg
Thunnus albacares Maximum weight: 175 kg Distinguishing features: Bright yellow fins and finlets. Superpower: In the East Pacific, near the west coast of Central America, yellowfin tuna and dolphins hang out together. Schools of tuna swim around 100 to 150 metres beneath schools of dolphins. The reasons for this are not entirely understood.
Use: fresh, canned/tinned
Landing price: €2.12/kg
Atlantic Bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus; Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis; Southern bluefin tuna, Thunnus maccoyiiMaximum weight: 700 kg Distinguishing features: The giant among tuna. However, it grows very slowly and doesn’t reproduce until it has reached an advanced age. Superpower: It’s as large and fast as a small car.
Use: Sashimi Landing price: €10.44 to €14.74/kg
Thunnus obesus Maximum weight: 210 kg Distinguishing features: Big eyes. Superpower: Diurnal vertical migrant: over the course of a day, it can traverse depths ranging by up to 500 metres. The fat layer formed to protect it from cold keeps its flesh juicy.
Use: Sashimi, “white beef” Landing price: €3.90/kg
Tuna carrying the blue MSC label is certified sustainable. MSC labelled tuna comes from a fishery that has been independently assessed to the MSC Fisheries Standard. Companies using the label all along the supply chain have been assessed to ensure products can be traced back to an MSC certified fishery. Tuna is most commonly canned but loins can also be purchased fresh or frozen. Canned, fresh and frozen MSC labelled tuna products can be found throughout the world.
View brands who’ve committed to sell MSC certified seafood
Tuna is an extremely large fish. The biggest tuna catch to date was in Aulds Cove off Nova Scotia by Ken Fraser in 1979. It was an Atlantic bluefin, at the record weight and length of 679kg (1,497lb) and 3.7m (12ft). That’s almost as heavy as a truck!
Find tuna fisheries that have met the MSC standard for sustainable fishing
How a staple can be a gourmet dish
A guide to sustainable tuna fishing and sourcing
Common tuna questions answered
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