“Tuna” is an umbrella term that encompasses 61 species scientists often categorize as “tuna and tuna-like fish.” Of these 61, only 14 are considered true tuna. And of the 15 sold commercially or caught for sport, usually just three varieties — albacore, skipjack and yellowfin — are sent to the cannery.
More specifically, there are three species that are most often found in cans: skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis), yellowfin, also known as ahi (Thunnus albacares), and bigeye (Thunnus obesus).
SAFCOL TUNA
The South Australian Fishermans Co-Operative Limited (S.A.F.C.O.L.) was founded in 1945 by a group of South Australian Fishermen to sell their catch; the first of its kind in Australia.
The differences in weight and in price
Of the many types of tuna that can be caught in the wild, only bluefin has been successfully farmed, with experimental efforts for yellowfin tuna underway, per Atuna.
Skipjack are the smallest of the major tuna species, while yellowfin are larger. So, the fact the canned tuna in Australian cupboards is likely to contain smaller species is already a bonus when it comes to reducing mercury risk.
If you're concerned about limiting the amount of mercury you consume, and if you've eaten no other fish during the week, Consumer Reports says up to 12 ounces a week of Bumble Bee Chunk Light, Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light, Safe Catch Wild Elite, and StarKist Chunk Light tunas are the safer choices among the products ...
Sekol Farmed Tuna is a partnership between South Australian Companies Fina K Pty Ltd and Lucky S Fishing Pty Ltd. They were incorporated in the 1970's and have owned and operated individual quotas since 1985. They merged in 1997 and at present are producing about 500 tonnes of ranched gill and gutted tuna.
Don't pay much attention to "wild-caught" or "dolphin-safe." Wild-caught just means the tuna wasn't farmed—and with canned tuna, it usually isn't. "Dolphin-safe" was a buzzword decades ago when dolphin bycatch was a problem, but that's no longer the case.
Our commitment to sustainability is paramount to our business: 100% of our tuna is pole and line caught. Pole and line is the most sustainable catching method presently available and means catching fish by hand, one at a time.
Skipjack Tuna - Katsuwonus pelamis, wild caught in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, using FAD-Free purse seine methods that reduce bycatch.
Best in breed
Think twice about yellowfin, which is generally less sustainable than skipjack. If the tin doesn't list the type of tuna, don't buy it. Brands with decent credentials include Fish 4 Eva, John West, Safcol and Sirena. Aldi and Coles own-brand cans are OK, too, but check each for breed and catch method.
John West The Best
Obviously, it all starts with a commitment to source our seafood from some of the best suppliers and the most pristine fisheries – both in Australia and the rest of the world.
This is because most fish is processed in the can from raw, whereas tuna is cooked prior to canning. This significantly reduces the levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Most canned and pouched tuna comes from skipjack and albacore tuna. Approximately 70% of the canned and pouched tuna Americans enjoy is skipjack (or some small amount of yellowfin).
Research suggests light and skipjack tuna are lower in mercury than larger species such as bigeye and albacore.
“Its fat texture is watery and even the leaner cut of tuna feels fatty.” Wild tuna, on the other hand, feeds in the wild on sea creatures like squid and sardines, he says, hence it has a distinct “fish blood” flavour that Kimura associates with “rich wine flavour” that is “not fishy” with “refined fat”.
While both are safe to eat, the nutritional value of a wild-caught fish is superior to that of a farm-raised variety. Wild tuna eat a wider range of foods, which can create a higher nutritional density by the time it gets to our plates. Plus, wild options just taste better.
1. Is canned tuna fish good for you? Yes, canned tuna is a healthful food rich in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals such as B-Complex vitamins, Vitamins A and D as well as iron, selenium and phosphorus. Tuna also contains healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA.
In recent years bluefin tuna has been severely overfished. Southern Bluefin, the only type caught and sold in Australia, are already classified as critically endangered because their populations are at only roughly 5% of historic levels.
In general, it is safe for all population groups, including pregnant women, to consume 2-3 serves of any type of tuna per week (canned or fresh). Canned tuna generally has lower levels of mercury than other tuna because the tuna used for canning are smaller species that are generally caught when less than 1 year old.
In Australian waters, southern bluefin tuna are found mainly in the Great Australian Bight. They are most commonly caught during the summer months (December to April), but they are also caught off the New South Wales coastline during winter.
Though these varieties of tuna are not recommended for children, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding can consume up to 1 serving per week. Bigeye tuna, which is often used in sashimi and sushi, is high in mercury and is not recommended for these groups.
"While canned tuna, especially light varieties, has relatively low average levels of mercury, individual cans can sometimes have much higher levels," Consumer Reports said.