Navigating the complex balance between global demand and ocean conservation
Explore the ScienceImagine for a moment the last time you ate tuna. Perhaps it was a humble sandwich filler, conveniently scooped from a can—an affordable, protein-packed staple enjoyed by millions. Now picture something entirely different: a delicate slice of ruby-red tuna belly, known as o-toro, presented at an exclusive sushi counter and priced higher than most restaurant entrees. This remarkable duality—both common and luxurious, everyday and exquisite—makes tuna unique in our seafood landscape 1 .
Canned tuna is one of the most widely consumed seafood products globally, providing affordable protein to millions.
Premium bluefin tuna can fetch extraordinary prices at auction, with single fish selling for over $3 million.
Yet behind every can, steak, and sushi piece lies a complex global industry and a pressing question: can we continue to enjoy these remarkable fish without depleting them? The twenty-first century has brought both promising solutions and persistent challenges to tuna fisheries management. From the icy waters of the Pacific to the warm currents of the Indian Ocean, scientists, fishermen, and policymakers are engaged in a race against time to safeguard the future of these magnificent migratory species.
This is the story of how science, policy, and innovation are shaping the sustainable future of tuna—ensuring that both the humble tuna sandwich and the exquisite sushi experience remain possible for generations to come.
Understanding tuna sustainability requires grasping several key concepts. Scientists primarily monitor two key indicators: abundance (the number of fish in a population) and exploitation rate (how many are being caught) 1 .
These metrics help classify stocks into categories: "healthy," "intermediate," or "overfished" 5 . The encouraging news is that according to the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), 88% of the global tuna catch now comes from healthy stocks—a significant improvement from previous years 5 .
Several frameworks help consumers identify sustainable tuna. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch recommendations, and Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) provide structured assessment benchmarks 1 .
The most compelling story in contemporary tuna fisheries is one of remarkable recovery. The latest data reveals significant progress in global tuna stock health, demonstrating that science-based management can produce tangible results.
Regional Fishery Management Organizations (RFMOs) have implemented stricter regulations, including total allowable catches (TACs) for vulnerable stocks and rebuilding plans for overfished populations 5 7 .
The industry has increasingly adopted more selective fishing methods and modified gear to reduce bycatch, including non-entangling and biodegradable fish-aggregating devices (FADs) 5 .
Targeted efforts for specific species have yielded impressive results. Pacific bluefin tuna, once at just 2% of its unfished size, has recovered to 20% of its historical population thanks to a 20-year rebuilding plan 7 .
| Region | Key Species of Concern | Management Progress |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Ocean | Yellowfin, Bigeye | Severely overfished; management challenges persist 2 3 |
| Eastern Pacific Ocean | Bigeye, Pacific Bluefin | Science-based management procedures under development 7 |
| Western and Central Pacific | Skipjack, Yellowfin | Relatively healthy stocks with improving trends 5 |
| Atlantic Ocean | Albacore, Bluefin | Stable or improving with ongoing management efforts 5 |
The Indian Ocean presents perhaps the most pressing concern, where yellowfin tuna stocks remain severely overfished and at risk of collapse without stricter management 2 .
The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) has struggled to enforce necessary reductions in catch despite scientific recommendations 2 . In 2015, IOTC scientists recommended a 20% catch reduction to give the stock a 50% chance of recovery by 2024, but instead, the catch actually increased by 3% 2 .
Governance challenges further complicate these issues. The IOTC's structure has been described as weak, relying heavily on voluntary compliance, which has led to disputes and poor data transparency 2 .
In the Eastern Pacific, stalled fisheries management threatens recent progress. Although governments were poised to adopt science-based, long-term management policies for Pacific bluefin and bigeye tunas, negotiations stalled in 2025 7 .
The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) faces a critical decision point in September 2025, where members must recommit to modernizing management or risk backsliding on previous gains 7 .
Bycatch continues to threaten non-target species across all ocean regions. Certain shark and sea turtle species in the Indian Ocean are in decline due to bycatch in tuna fisheries 3 .
The IOTC and other management bodies have been urged to strengthen conservation measures, including requiring that all sharks are landed with fins naturally attached—a practice that helps deter finning—and mandating scientifically proven bycatch mitigation measures for sea turtles 3 .
The path to tuna sustainability is paved with innovative research methods and technologies. Scientists and fisheries managers employ a diverse toolkit to monitor stocks, assess impacts, and develop more selective fishing methods.
Primary Function: Remote observation of fishing activities
Application: Supplementing human observer coverage; enhancing data collection on bycatch and fishing practices 3
Primary Function: Modifying fishing gear to reduce ecological impact
Application: Using non-entangling and biodegradable FADs to minimize bycatch and marine debris 5
Primary Function: Studying tuna biology and population dynamics
Application: Analyzing tuna growth hormones and physiology for stock assessments 9
Primary Function: Identifying species around FADs
Application: Reducing bycatch by distinguishing target from non-target species before setting nets 5
Primary Function: Tracking fishing vessel locations and activities
Application: Combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing through near real-time reporting 3
Primary Function: Pre-agreed management responses to stock changes
Application: Enabling swift management actions based on scientific indicators 3
One notable innovation is the management procedure (MP) approach—a science-based method that has proven successful in various international fisheries. Under an MP, managers agree in advance on benchmarks to determine future changes in allowable catch 7 .
This eliminates the need to renegotiate rules each time tuna populations fluctuate and helps prevent political interference in scientific management. The development and implementation of MPs for Pacific bluefin and bigeye tunas represent crucial next steps for the IATTC 7 .
The story of tuna in the twenty-first century is still being written, with chapters of promising recovery alongside persistent challenges.
The significant progress highlighted in recent reports—with overfished stocks accounting for just 2% of the global catch—demonstrates that science-based management works when properly implemented 5 .
Regional struggles, particularly in the Indian Ocean and Eastern Pacific, remind us that vigilance and continued improvement are essential.
The path forward requires strengthening international cooperation through RFMOs, adopting proven management approaches like management procedures, and enhancing monitoring and compliance measures 3 7 .
As consumers, we play a role in this process by making informed choices—looking for MSC-certified products, asking questions about sourcing at restaurants and markets, and supporting companies committed to transparency and sustainability 1 .
Tuna have nourished humanity for centuries, from coastal communities to modern cities. Their remarkable biology enables transoceanic migrations that connect ecosystems and economies across the globe. With continued commitment to science-based management, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we can ensure that both the commonplace and the extraordinary tuna experiences remain available—safeguarding the future of these iconic species while respecting the oceans they call home.