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Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga)

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Common name - Albacore tuna
Scientific name - Thunnus alalunga
Rating
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Caught at sea Troll, Pole & line
Capture Area South Atlantic  FAO 41,47
Stock Area South Atlantic
Stock Detail All Areas
Summary
The stocks for albacore in the South Atlantic are fully fished to overfished but overfishing is not currently occurring. ICCAT have set quota in line with scientific advice, but management is deemed ineffective due to the high levels of seabird bycatch - the fishery is classed as a critical conservation concern. Due to lower levels of discard and bycatch, the surface fisheries (troll and pole & line) are the best choice.
Biology
Tuna belong to the family Scombridae. They are large, oceanic fish and are seasonally migratory, some making trans-oceanic journeys. Albacore are found throughout the world's temperate, sub-tropical and tropical oceans, although they are less common in the tropics. They are found from the surface to a depth of 600m where they often form mixed schools with skipjack, yellowfin and bluefin tuna. They grow more slowly than skipjack and yellowfin tuna, reaching a maximum size of 140cm, 60kg in weight and maximum age of 10 years. Albacore mature when about 90cm length and 4-5 years old. Spawning normally occurs between January and July.
Stock Information
In the South Atlantic, the stock is currently fully fished/slightly overfished (SSB/SSBMSY= 0.91). Albacore stocks in the Atlantic are assessed by ICCAT - the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. Albacore Tuna are globally assessed as Data Deficient by IUCN - World Conservation Union, with Southern Atlantic Albacore assessed as critically endangered, however this needs updating.
Capture Information
Traditional surface fisheries include trolling and baitboats (pole & line). These fishing methods have the least bycatch of all the fishing methods used to catch tuna.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Read what the consumer pages of the Good Fish Guide say about this species.