97% of global tuna catch comes from sustainable stocks

A recent analysis reveals that 97% of the global tuna catch is sourced from healthy stocks that are not overexploited or subjected to excessive fishing pressure. However, two tuna stocks, the Mediterranean albacore tuna and the Indian Ocean bigeye tuna, were found to be overfished and are currently being fished at unsustainable levels. Relevant organizations are already implementing management measures to address this issue.

The analysis shows that 97% of the global tuna catch comes from stocks in good health, which are neither overexploited nor under excessive fishing pressure. In addition to reviewing indicators for various tuna stocks, RFMOs also conducted quantitative assessments in 2024 for two albacore tuna stocks (Mediterranean and South Pacific), two yellowfin tuna stocks (Atlantic and Indian Oceans), bigeye tuna and skipjack tuna in the Eastern Pacific, and Pacific bluefin tuna. The results of the assessment confirm the overall optimal status of these resources. Only Mediterranean ...