Albacore Facts

 
Taxonomy

• The albacore, Thunnus alalunga, is a type of tuna in the family Scombridae. This species is also called albacore fish, albacore tuna, albicore, albie, pigfish, tombo ahi, binnaga, Pacific albacore, German bonito, longfin, longfin tuna, longfin tunny, or even just tuna. In addition, some other species of tuna (ex. Blackfin, Yellowfin, etc.) may sometimes be referred to incorrectly as “Albacore.”

Species of Commercial Interest

• The designation of “Albacore” refers to a single species of tuna, Thunnus alalunga.

Distribution

• Most species of tuna are highly migratory, pelagic (open-water) fish. Albacore are found in the open waters of all tropical and temperate oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean Sea. However, it is not found at the surface between 10°N and 10°S. 
• In the western Pacific range, this species extends in a broad band between 40°N and 40°S. In the Atlantic, this species is widely distributed between 60°N and 50°S. In the Eastern Pacific, this species occurs as two populations: from British Columbia to the tip of Baja, and from southern Peru to southern Chile. Both of these populations are trans-Pacific. 
• In the context of relevant fisheries, there are six stocks of albacore: North Pacific, South Pacific, North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea.

Biology

• Albacore matures at an early age, has a moderate lifespan, is highly fecund, and is widely distributed, making it inherently resilient to fishing pressure. This is an oceanic species that is abundant in surface waters of 15.6–19.4°C. Deeper swimming, large albacore are found in waters of 13.5–25.2°C. Temperatures as low as 9.5°C may be tolerated for short periods. Lengths range up to 140 cm (4.6 ft) and weights up to 60.3 kg (133 lb). Lifespans are estimated to be approximately 13 years. 
• This species forms mixed schools with Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) and Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii). These schools may be associated with floating objects, including sargassum weeds. It feeds on fish, crustaceans and squid. In the Mediterranean Sea, this species feeds on paralepidids, crustaceans, and cephalopods. 
• Sexual maturity is attained at about 90–94 cm for females and 94–97 cm for males, typically between 5-7 years of age. Spawning occurs at sea surface temperatures of 24°C or higher. Fecundity increases with size, and a 20 kg female may produce between two and three million eggs per season, released in at least two batches.

Sustainability

• IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT)

• MBA Seafood Watch:

• Albacore is managed throughout most of its range, although new or updated assessments are needed for the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean, South Atlantic, and South Pacific stocks are being fished below current maximum sustainable yield (MSY). Although the North Atlantic stock has been subject to overfishing in recent years, in 2009 catch quotas were adopted in line with scientific advice to end overfishing. In the North Pacific stock there has been very little population decline, yet models suggest that current fishing mortality is projected to be above FMSY. Based on summed spawning stock biomass (SSB) estimated across all stocks, there has been an estimated 37% decline globally in SSB over the past 20 years (1987–2007). 
• Albacore is caught with a variety of gear, including troll, pole-and-line and longline. There is little or no bycatch when albacore is caught with troll or pole gear. However, longlines, the most common method, results in large quantities of bycatch, including threatened or endangered species such as sea turtles, sharks and seabirds. Since there are no international laws to reduce bycatch, these longline fleets are contributing heavily to the long-term decline of some of these species. When possible, look for troll- or pole- caught albacore

Potential Health Concerns

• Environmental Defense Fund has issued a consumption advisory for longline-caught albacore tuna due to elevated levels of mercury. No consumption advisories are listed for troll- or pole-caught albacore as these methods catch younger tuna with lower mercury levels.