Bluefin tuna

The first Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery was MSC-certified in 2020. This species has been and continues to be overfished almost everywhere due to its high market value; it is one of the most expensive commercial fish species in the world. The management of bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean is overseen by ICCAT. A lack of robust information and at-sea observations are major challenges for this fishery. In addition, the international nature of the tuna trade, the harvesting and farming of juvenile tuna and illegal fishing all contribute significantly to the slow recovery of this species.

Although the stock appears to be slowly recovering, Good Fish, together with WWF, believes that the recovery is not yet sufficient to warrant MSC certification. We therefore do not yet recommend this fishery as a sustainable choice.

The status of bluefin tuna stocks in the Mediterranean and Black Seas is moderate.

Handline fishing is unlikely to cause significant harm to non-target species. There is insufficient data on bycatch or discards in the handline tuna fishery in the Mediterranean. Mortality resulting from discards is likely to account for less than 5% of the total catch. Landings and bait are likely to contain less than 6% unmanaged or overfished species.

Uncovered fyke nets are unlikely to cause significant harm to populations of ETP species. No fish are discarded in this fishery, and landings contain only around 5% non-target, unmanaged species. The fishery has no impact on the food chain or the functioning of the ecosystem. The impact on habitat is considered minimal. Trap fishing for tuna is a low-carbon fishery and there is little risk of gear loss.

For purse seine fishing, no bycatch data are available, but there is evidence that it can have negative impacts on ETP species in the area and disrupt the local food web. Mortality resulting from discards is likely to account for less than 10% of the total catch. Purse seine fishing does not damage benthic habitats and has low carbon emissions, but there is a moderate risk of gear loss and associated pollution. Purse seines generally have a stronger negative impact on local ecology than handlines and fyke nets in this area and receive a final assessment of yellow.

Management of bluefin tuna falls under the responsibility of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The measures established for ETP species are merely statements of intent, as few measures are taken to minimise negative impacts on the ecosystem or habitat. Some measures have been established to help reduce the scale of IUU fishing in the long term. The effectiveness of these measures is not fully clear. Some measures have been established to improve compliance with fisheries regulations. Information and data on the fishery and decision-making process are partially available. Stakeholders have limited input into management decisions.

Plans are in place to ensure that total biomass remains within MSY, although this figure has not yet been established.

It is currently uncertain how the stock of bluefin tuna in these areas is doing. However, fishing pressure is thought to be too high and this species is considered overfished.

Tuna fishing with pelagic longlines is highly likely to have a significant impact on the ecosystem due to bycatch of endangered and protected species.

The management of bluefin tuna is overseen by ICCAT. A lack of robust information and at-sea observations are major challenges for the management of this fishery. In addition, current management measures are still insufficient to minimise bycatch and combat illegal fishing. Management of this species is ineffective.

It is currently uncertain how the stock of bluefin tuna in these areas is doing. However, fishing pressure is thought to be too high and the species is considered to be overfished.

Handlines and pole-lines are unlikely to have significant effects on the ecosystem and other species. This fishing method also does not come into contact with the seabed.

This fishery contributes to a general threat to a global or widespread population of ETP species or highly vulnerable species. Total mortality in this fishery represents a potential, unrecorded threat to several seabird species. Mortality resulting from discards accounts for less than 5% of the total catch. Landings contain less than 1% unmanaged or overfished species.

Management of bluefin tuna is overseen by ICCAT. A lack of robust information and at-sea observations are major challenges for the management of this fishery. In addition, current management measures are still insufficient to minimise bycatch and combat illegal fishing. Management of this species is ineffective.