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Tuna, Bigeye

Quality mark Cultivation
/Keurmerk Wild
Green
Second choice
Avoid
Welzijn
Informatie over vissoort
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General

Mackerel and related species

Mackerel and related species (Scombroidei) are a group within the Perciformes, one of the largest orders of fish. This group includes mackerel (Atlantic mackerel, horse mackerel, etc.), tuna, sailfish and swordfish, and barracudas. These fish are widely consumed by people all over the world and therefore form an important source of food and income. Mackerel are pelagic fish that live in large schools. They are fast and strong swimmers, and the silvery shimmer of their scales can confuse predators. The smallest species is the island mackerel, which reaches no more than about 20 cm. The largest is the bluefin tuna, which can grow to more than 5 metres.

Tuna, Bigeye

Bigeye tuna can be found in the (sub)tropical regions of all major oceans. It is a large species of tuna which can reach a maximum length of 250 centimetres. There are 4 stocks of bigeye tuna that can be found in the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Young bigeye tuna often swim in large groups, sometimes with other species of tuna. This species can reach an age of 12 years.

Tuna, Bigeye

Thunnus obesus
Origin

FAO 61,71,77,81

Farming- / Catch method

Handlines and pole-lines

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Fish stocks and fishing pressure
Ecosystem effects
Fishery management
Final assessment
Explanation assessment

The stock is not in an overfished state and not experiencing overfishing.

Handline and pole-and-line fishery has very little bycatch and discards. Negative ecosystem changes caused by the fishery are unlikely.

The overall management is considered marginally effective.

 

 

Tuna, Bigeye

Thunnus obesus
Origin

FAO 61,71,77,81,87

Farming- / Catch method

Pelagic longlines

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Source usage
Impact on the environment
Management
Final assessment
Explanation assessment

Big eye tuna are very vulnerable to overfishing. Currently, the stock of bigeye tuna does not seem not to be overfished.

Longlines are an unselective fishing gear, consisting of a long horizontal line of 50-100 km length. About 40-60% of the catch consists of unwanted bycatch like sea turtles, sharks, rays and seabirds.

The management of Bigeye tuna falls under the jurisdiction of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. The overall management is considered marginally effective.

Tuna, Bigeye

Thunnus obesus
Origin

FAO 61,71,77,81,87

Farming- / Catch method

Purse seines

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Source usage
Impact on the environment
Management
Final assessment
Explanation assessment

The stock is not in an overfished state and not experiencing overfishing. However, Bigeye tuna is sensitive to overfishing.

Around 40-60% of the catch consists of bycatch like sea turtles, sharks, rays and seabirds. This method of fishing is not selective.

The management of Bigeye tuna falls under the jurisdiction of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries commission. The overall management is considered marginally effective.

 

ASC label

Fish with the ASC label is farmed in a sustainable manner.

MSC label

Fish with the MSC label is caught sustainably.

Good fish

This fish is not being overfished or is being responsibly farmed, with minimal impact on the environment.

Second choice

This fish is a second choice. There are still some improvements to be made in this fishery or fish farm.

Avoid

Do not buy this fish. It's being overfished or the way it's farmed or caught has a negative impact on the environment.

Welfare

There is fish available of this species that is farmed or caught using high welfare standards.

GlobalG.A.P.

GlobalG.A.P. certified farms are doing a step in the right direction in terms of sustainability. A few species with this label are getting a better score on the VISwijzer.

Organic

Organic standards are the strictest when it comes to fish feed. They also require certain measures for animal well-being.

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