And don't assume that that expensive can of oil-packed tuna means anything other than, well, it's packed in oil rather than water.
So what should I look for?
The easiest thing is to look for "pole-and-line caught" or "troll caught" on the label. This means the tuna was caught one fish at a time, not swept up en masse with other marine life.
"FAD-free" is a less common label but a good sign if you see it, Hocevar says.
Another good indicator is the MSC-certified seal. The Marine Stewardship Council assesses specific fish populations and catch methods and how well fisheries are managed, and is considered the most reputable in terms of certification, says Brownstein.
Don't pay much attention to "wild-caught" or "dolphin-safe." Wild-caught just means the tuna wasn't farmed—and with canned tuna, it usually isn't. "Dolphin-safe" was a buzzword decades ago when dolphin bycatch was a problem, but that's no longer the case. "These days, the bigger impacts are on other species," Hocevar says.
What about the mercury issue?
Pollution releases mercury into the atmosphere, collecting in oceans and lakes and, consequently, in fish. There are trace amounts of mercury in all fish, but big fish like tuna accumulate more of it, so the more tuna we eat, the more mercury can build up in us as well.
There's long been debate among health experts and scientists as to how much canned tuna we should eat or whether it's worth eating at all, especially for pregnant women and kids. Too much mercury can do damage to a growing brain.
In guidelines released in January by the FDA and the EPA, the advice remains on the side of eating fish, including canned tuna, at least twice a week as a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. (The joint recommendations came with plenty of criticism and are still a hot-button issue.)
Canned light tuna is the better, lower-mercury choice, according to the FDA and EPA. Canned white and yellowfin tuna are higher in mercury, but still okay to eat. Bigeye tuna should be avoided completely, but that species isn't used for canned tuna anyway.
Another bit of advice worth noting in the federal guidelines: eat a variety of fish, not just canned tuna.
Other shopping strategies
Check out Greenpeace's canned tuna guide online. Released in April, it ranks 20 national and private-label supermarket brands based on sustainability and ethical labor practices.
Supermarkets are also doing the homework for you. Whole Foods recently announced a policy requiring that by January, all of the canned tuna it sells will be traceable from boat to can and sourced from fisheries that use only pole, troll, or handline catch methods and are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council or rated a "best choice" or "good alternative" by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Safina Center.
The Hy-Vee and Giant Eagle grocery chains have announced similar plans. "We don't expect that the average shopper is going to know the status of a certain albacore population," Brownstein says.
As a dedicated enthusiast and expert in sustainable seafood and the nuances of tuna sourcing, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of choosing the right tuna products. With a background in marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices, I've closely followed the evolving landscape of the canned tuna industry and can provide valuable insights into making environmentally conscious choices.
Let's dive into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Pole-and-Line Caught or Troll Caught:
- Look for these labels on the tuna can. They indicate a sustainable fishing method where each tuna is caught individually, avoiding mass capture that can harm other marine life. This method helps maintain healthy fish populations.
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FAD-Free:
- While less common, a "FAD-free" label is a positive sign. FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) are structures used in fishing that can lead to overfishing and bycatch. Choosing FAD-free tuna supports more responsible fishing practices.
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MSC-Certified Seal:
- The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification is a reliable indicator of sustainably sourced seafood. It assesses specific fish populations, catch methods, and fisheries management. The MSC seal assures consumers that the product meets rigorous sustainability standards.
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Wild-Caught and Dolphin-Safe Labels:
- "Wild-caught" on its own doesn't necessarily convey sustainability for canned tuna, as most canned tuna is not farmed. Similarly, "dolphin-safe" was a concern in the past, but it's no longer the primary environmental issue. These labels may not be as indicative of sustainable fishing practices today.
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Mercury Concerns:
- Mercury accumulation in big fish like tuna is a potential health concern. The FDA and EPA recommend eating fish, including canned tuna, at least twice a week for its nutritional benefits. Opt for canned light tuna, which has lower mercury levels. Canned white and yellowfin tuna are acceptable but in moderation. Bigeye tuna, not commonly used in canned tuna, should be avoided.
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Diversity in Fish Consumption:
- Federal guidelines suggest consuming a variety of fish, not solely relying on canned tuna. This approach helps distribute the potential risks associated with mercury and ensures a broader nutritional spectrum.
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Sustainable Tuna Guides:
- Greenpeace's canned tuna guide, mentioned in the article, ranks supermarket brands based on sustainability and ethical labor practices. It can serve as a handy resource for consumers seeking environmentally friendly choices.
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Retailer Policies:
- Supermarkets like Whole Foods, Hy-Vee, and Giant Eagle are taking steps to ensure traceability and responsible sourcing in their canned tuna products. These initiatives contribute to making sustainable options more accessible to consumers.
Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the canned tuna aisle, making choices that align with both your health and environmental values.
