Albacore Tuna
Longfin Albacore Tuna
This page provides information on longfin albacore tuna. These striking fish are highly migratory, found in cooler tropical waters.
Albacore tuna are easily recognized by they extremely long pectoral fins, deep blue backs and bright silver flanks. They are schooling fish and are caught in large numbers by recreational and commercial fishermen.
Due to its white colored meat albacore is also called "chicken of the sea". Albacore is popular in the USA, where it is marketed as "white tuna" and sold as fresh steaks, canned chunks and other products.
North American Albacore Tuna Management
Albacore occur of the coasts of North America, with commercial fisheries operating in the USA and Canada.
U.S. albacore tuna fisheries of the Atlantic coast are managed domestically by NOAA Fisheries Service Highly Migratory Species Management Division) and internationally (by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and other organizations).
Pacific albacore tuna are subject to international management. The Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) are international management authorities for the species.
American Samoa Albacore Fishing
The American Samoa longline fishery is the second largest fishery in the US Pacific Islands. The fishery is based almost entirely on fishing for South Pacific albacore caught for the American Samoa canning industry.
Tuna Links
- Commercial Fishing
Commercial Fishing - a resource for the commercial fishing, seafood, aquaculture, bait and fishing equipment industries. - www.pacificalbacore.com
The Western Fishboat Owners Association (WFOA) website dedicated to domestic troll-caught albacore.