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.