Tuna: Introduction
Tuna make up several species of ocean-dwelling cold water fish and live in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, migrating to other areas throughour the year. Tunas vary in size but are generally a large species. Common sizes for Bluefin tunas range from 15 inches to roughly 6.5 feet, while Yellowfin and Bigeye tunas reach a maximum length of about six feet. Albacore generally grow no longer than four feet. Tunas are one of the world’s most valuable commercial species, fished in over 70 countries and marketed in fresh, frozen, or canned form.
From ilmungo
“Recipe from Michael Nishan’s cookbook, Taste pure and simple.
Living close to a major Japanese market has been pushing me to cook a lot more Asian-inspired dishes. I’m loving it.”
Tuna: Consumption
In 2005, Japan consumed 78% of the fresh tuna. In 2004, the European Union led canned tuna consumption with 734,444 tons, followed by the U.S. with 445,847 tons. Combined, their consumption accounts for over 80% of the total global consumption of canned tuna.
From liquidx
“This was a fresh (well, dead) Tuna head that was placed outside a sushi restaurant to attract customers. The idea is that these guys got a great deal on a massive chunk of tuna and want to pass the savings on to you!! Come in for some unbelievably cheap tuna!!”
Tuna: Bycatch
Bycatch refers to the other species of fish and sea life that are caught unintentionally while fishing for a specific species. Fishing boats throw bycatch back into the sea, but often the turtles, dolphins, seabirds, and other fish are dead or dying when thrown back in. According to the BBC, on average, 27 million tons of unwanted fish is thrown back every year, and a quarter of all fish pulled from the sea never makes it to market.
Bycatch is a significant danger to ocean health, and is of particular concern in the commercial tuna industry. Over a million sharks die each year because of tuna fisheries, and many other major predators also suffer.
Tuna: Economy
In the Pacific region, the 14 independent countries and the eight dependent territories have very small populations and relatively large exclusive economic zones (EEZs) that encompass a huge swathe of the Pacific Ocean. Tuna fisheries are particularly important to many of these regions. A study on tuna fisheries published in The Journal of Economic Development states that in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Kiribati, the value of fish caught in their EEZs exceeds their gross national income, while in the Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands it is almost one half of their national income. The study finds that these countries need support to sustain their tuna fisheries in the long-term.
From Giant Ginkgo
“These frozen tuna were being transported to the lucky purchaser from the mornings auction, at the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market.”
