Lyla Lindsey
Tuna is one of the most popular types of seafood in Australia, with 72% of Australians eating 336 million cans of it a year. However, the global tuna industry is rife with overfishing and harmful fishing methods that threaten protected species. As a result, many Australians are seeking out sustainably sourced tuna, but find it difficult to identify due to confusing and misleading packaging. This has led to the creation of guides and ecolabels, such as the MSC blue fish tick label, to help consumers make informed choices and support sustainable fishing practices. In addition to sustainability concerns, the type of tuna and fishing methods used can impact the environment and the taste of the final product.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuna Consumption in Australia | 336 million cans of tuna are sold in Australian supermarkets, with the average household consuming 36 cans per year, making Australia one of the largest consumers of tuna per capita. |
| Sustainability Concerns | Aussies seek sustainably sourced tuna, but limited options and confusing claims make it challenging to find responsible choices. |
| Preferred Tuna Species | Skipjack and Albacore Tuna from the Western and Central Pacific are considered better choices. |
| Recommended Fishing Methods | Pole and line, trolling, handlining, and bait-boat fishing reduce bycatch and environmental impact. |
| Sustainable Certifications | The Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) blue fish tick label is trusted by Aussies, with John West as a certified mainstream brand. |
| Australian Tuna Brands | Little Tuna and Safcol offer canned tuna sourced from Australian waters, emphasizing sustainability and support for local fishermen. |
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What You'll Learn
Sustainable tuna fishing practices
One such organisation is the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS), which has developed the GoodFish guide to help Australians choose sustainable canned tuna products. The guide uses a traffic light classification system, rating popular canned tuna products as green (better choice), amber (eat less), or red (say no). The criteria for evaluation include population health by species and location, bycatch impacts of the fishing method, and the accessibility of information, including labelling. The AMCS highlights the importance of consumers knowing the species they are consuming, as this information is often missing from seafood products in Australia.
Another key organisation promoting sustainable tuna fishing practices in Australia is Greenpeace Australia Pacific. Greenpeace recognises the pole and line method as the most sustainable way of catching tuna when operated according to best practices. This method minimises the impact on tuna stocks and rarely catches other species such as turtles or sharks accidentally. Greenpeace also acknowledges the social benefits of pole and line fishing, providing employment opportunities for local communities in coastal regions. However, they emphasise that brands must go beyond marketing buzzwords like "sustainable" and "environmentally friendly," which can often be misleading for consumers.
Several Australian companies are leading the way in sustainable tuna fishing practices. Little Tuna, a family-owned business, offers 100% Australian canned tuna that is wild, MSC-certified, and sustainably caught off the coast of Cairns. Similarly, Safcol, a major global supplier of seafood, is respected for its philosophy of sustainability and quality. Safcol's entire range is now caught using the pole and line method, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) also plays a crucial role in certifying sustainable tuna fisheries. The MSC's blue fish tick label indicates that the tuna was caught with consideration for the wider marine environment, including the impact on species such as dolphins. MSC-certified tuna fisheries are independently assessed against the MSC Fisheries Standard, ensuring they are well-managed and sustainable. According to the MSC's latest Tuna Yearbook, more than 57% of the global wild tuna catch is now either MSC-certified or under assessment, reflecting the growing momentum for sustainable fishing practices in the industry.
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Tuna caught in Australian waters
Tuna is the most popular canned fish eaten in Australia, with 72% of Australians eating 336 million cans of it a year. However, the global tuna industry is rife with overfishing and inappropriate fishing methods that harm protected species, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between good and bad tuna on the shelf.
Southern Bluefin is the only type of Bluefin caught and sold in Australia, and it is already classified as critically endangered. Greenpeace Australia Pacific recommends avoiding Bluefin tuna altogether. Bigeye tuna is also vulnerable to population decline through increased bycatch caused by fishing vessels using FADs (rafts made from various materials that attract tuna and other marine life). While fishing levels for yellowfin tuna in Australia are probably okay, in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, they are under more pressure.
To make a sustainable choice, Greenpeace Australia Pacific recommends choosing tuna that is caught using pole and line, trolling, handlining, or bait-boat fishing methods. These techniques are very selective, eliminate the problem of bycatch, and have a significantly smaller environmental impact. Greenpeace also recommends avoiding tuna that is not labelled with the species, how it was caught, and where it was caught.
Some Australian companies, such as Little Tuna and John West, offer sustainably caught and sourced canned tuna. Little Tuna is a family-owned business that offers wild, MSC-certified, sustainably caught tuna from Australian waters. John West is the only mainstream canned tuna brand in Australia with independent sustainability certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
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Canned tuna in Australia
Canned tuna is the most popular type of tuna in Australia, with 72% of Australians eating it—a total of 336 million cans per year. However, the global tuna industry is rife with overfishing and harmful fishing methods that threaten protected species. This has led to a growing consumer demand for sustainably sourced tuna in Australia, with 57% of Aussies seeking it out.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has reported that in 2022, canned tuna sales in Australia exceeded $400 million, with millennials and parents purchasing more than average. The average Australian household consumes 36 cans of tuna per year, making Australia one of the largest consumers of tuna per capita.
Despite the high consumption, less than a third of canned tuna sold in Australia is certified as sustainable with the MSC blue fish tick label. This label is the most trusted independent claim on canned tuna packs, with 83% of those who have seen it saying they trust it. Greenpeace Australia Pacific has also created a guide to help Australians find the best canned tuna and steer clear of harmful companies and practices.
Some of the recommended tuna species include Skipjack and Albacore Tuna from the Western and Central Pacific. The fishing methods with the lowest environmental impact include pole and line fishing, trolling, handlining, and bait-boat fishing, which reduce the problem of bycatch. Australian longlining is also managed more stringently than in other countries, resulting in less impact on marine ecosystems.
One example of a company that offers 100% Australian canned tuna is Little Tuna, which is owned by the Lamason family with a 35-year history in wild tuna fishing off the coast of Cairns. They offer high-quality, sustainably caught tuna in jars and tins, supporting local fishing families and making premium Australian-caught tuna more accessible.
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Tuna fishing methods
Tuna are deep-sea creatures and are seldom found anywhere but in open waters. Tuna fishing is usually done offshore from a charter boat. There are several methods used to catch tuna, with trolling being the most popular. Trolling involves using live bait such as mullet, sardines, squid, and herring, or artificial lures that resemble the bait fish that tuna feed on. Other ways of attracting tuna include chumming and chunking. If a large school of tuna is spotted near the surface, casting can be used to catch them, but one must get ahead of them to make the cast in time.
Commercial fishers use five primary methods, or fishing gear types, for catching tuna. The purse seine method is the most common, accounting for about two-thirds of the global annual tuna catch. The remaining catch is made using longlines (9%), pole-and-lines (7%), gillnets (4%), and miscellaneous gears (14%).
Yellowfin tuna is a popular variety of tuna, known for being fast, stubborn, and powerful. Bluefin tuna are larger, weighing in at around 1,000 lbs, while blackfin tuna are smaller, usually not exceeding 50 lbs.
Some tuna fishing enthusiasts recommend using a larger boat to catch more fish on a more consistent basis. They also suggest being willing to travel long distances to find tuna, as they can be elusive. For example, one fisherman described travelling 40 miles before finding a large number of whales and yellowfin tuna.
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Tuna suppliers in Australia
Australia is home to several tuna suppliers, offering a range of fresh, packaged, and frozen seafood products. Here is an overview of some prominent tuna suppliers in the country:
Little Tuna
Little Tuna is a renowned Australian brand known for its 100% Australian canned tuna. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and support for local communities, Little Tuna has gained a dedicated following. The brand is owned by the Lamason family, who have a 35-year history of wild tuna fishing off the coast of Cairns. Little Tuna offers a range of products, including tins and jars, with various flavours such as lemon and pepper. Their subscription service ensures regular deliveries and discounts for loyal customers. Little Tuna is MSC-certified, ensuring sustainability and traceability in their fishing practices.
Safcol
Safcol is one of the world's major suppliers of seafood, with a strong presence in Australia. The company has over 70 years of experience and is respected for its sustainability practices and quality guarantees. Safcol supplies fresh, packaged, and frozen seafood, including tuna, salmon, and sardines. They own a cannery in Australia, ensuring adherence to Australian food safety standards. Safcol has played a pivotal role in promoting responsible fishing practices in the Australian tuna market, leading the way for larger brands to follow suit.
East Coast Tuna Co. by Little Tuna
East Coast Tuna Co. is an extension of the Little Tuna brand, offering convenient tins of high-quality Australian-caught tuna. This addition makes premium, sustainably caught tuna more accessible to a wider range of consumers while still maintaining the same great recipe and quality that Little Tuna is known for.
Local Traders and Retailers
In addition to these larger brands, Australia also has numerous local traders, packers, processors, and retailers that handle and sell sustainable tuna. These smaller operations can be found across the country, often supporting local fishing families and communities.
The Australian tuna market offers a range of options, from large suppliers like Safcol to smaller, family-owned businesses like Little Tuna, all committed to providing sustainable and high-quality tuna products to consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
Little Tuna is a brand of tuna that is made in Australia. It is caught off the coast of Cairns and is available in tins and jars.
Skipjack and Albacore Tuna species from the Western and Central Pacific are usually available in Australia. Bluefin and Bigeye tuna are also available, but they are vulnerable to population decline and overfishing.
Canned tuna is the most popular type of tuna in Australia.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific recommends choosing tuna that is caught using pole and line, trolling, handline, or bait-boat fishing methods as they result in a lower amount of bycatch and overfishing. It is also important to look for tuna that is labelled with the species, catch location, and fishing method.
Many Australians seek out sustainably sourced tuna, but it can be difficult to find due to limited options and confusing claims on packaging. Less than a third of canned tuna sold in Australia is certified as sustainable with the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) blue fish tick label.
