American Tuna And The Albacore Microcanners ff

(From The Sign On San Diego)

In regard to the story “Eating fish: There's a catch,” (By R.J. Ignelzi, Currents Health, April 3), American Tuna is comprised of six fishing families from San Diego. These families represent generations of fishing for albacore with the “pole and line” method. Using the “pole and line” method, our albacore contains the lowest levels of mercury for albacore tuna.
 

In a 2003 study, Oregon State University researchers found that “results indicate that Pacific troll-caught albacore have low levels of total mercury in the edible flesh and are well within international safety standards for mercury levels in fish.”

The Pacific Coast albacore industry has been developing alternative markets, and a significant portion of the catch is sent to Europe for small canning operations and to microcanners throughout the Pacific Northwest. Mercury is a concern for the industry. This study shows that these smaller Pacific troll-caught albacore are low in mercury. Combined with its high level of omega-3 fatty acids, Pacific troll-caught albacore is a healthy food choice for the majority of consumers.
 

In recent years, microcanners in the North Pacific have been canning pole/line and troll-caught albacore, and this product is available in organic retailers and online. Consumers need to know that they can make a choice when purchasing canned albacore. Look for pole/troll-caught albacore, and they will be choosing the best in albacore. If we do not create a better future and support a fishery that has maintained its sustainable aspects over generations, this fishery is headed for extinction.
 

To learn more about Pacific troll and/or pole and line-caught fishery, please visit www.americantuna.com  and www.americanalbacore.com

Natalie Webster - American Tuna