5 Things to Know About Line-Caught Tuna

Line-caught tuna is the most ethical choice It targets specific fish and avoids bycatch like dolphins and turtles. It does not use massive nets or fish aggregation devices that harm entire schools.

Farmed tuna has its own problems It involves food waste, concentrated waste, antibiotic use, and often uses wild-caught juveniles fattened in pens. It is not a clean alternative to destructive industrial fishing.

Line-caught tuna tastes cleaner and firmer It has a more distinct, less muddy flavor and firmer texture than farmed tuna. For raw preparations like sashimi or poke, line-caught is the better choice.

Farmed tuna can be rich but less crisp Farmed bluefin is fatty and rich, which some prefer, but that richness often comes with a slightly muddy flavor. For seared steaks, either works, but line-caught tastes more like real tuna.

Line-caught is expensive and hard to find If you are on a budget, canned “chunk light” skipjack (often pole-and-line caught) is a decent alternative. Look for “pole and line” or “troll caught” on labels, not just “dolphin safe.”