Tuna is a popular and healthy source of protein, but not all tuna is created equal. With concerns about overfishing, sustainability, and mercury levels, it’s important to know where your tuna comes from and how it was caught.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the tuna industry in Senegal and whether or not it’s safe to consume tuna from this region. From responsible fishing practices to potential health risks, we’ll explore all the factors that go into making an informed decision about what kind of tuna to eat.
So if you’re a fan of this delicious fish, read on to learn more about the safety of Senegalese tuna.
Is Tuna From Senegal Safe To Eat?
The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. It depends on various factors, including the fishing practices used, the species of tuna caught, and the potential health risks associated with consuming tuna from this region.
Firstly, it’s important to note that Senegal has a long history of overfishing, with foreign trawlers and local pirogues contributing to the depletion of fish stocks in the region. However, there are efforts underway to promote sustainable fishing practices in Senegal, including the certification of pole and line caught Skipjack, Yellowfin tuna, and Bigeye tuna by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
While this certification is a step in the right direction, it’s worth noting that none of the Senegalese artisanal fishermen’s associations are involved in the project. This means that local fishermen may not see much benefit from the certification, and there are concerns about the independence of MSC when big industry players are involved.
In terms of health risks, mercury levels in tuna can be a concern. While most tuna from Senegal would be considered safe under current guidelines, there are wide variations between regions. The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean around Europe have been found to have high levels of unsafe fish.
It’s important to note that different species of tuna have different mercury levels. Albacore or white tuna has higher levels of mercury than skipjack or light tuna. Adults should consume no more than one serving of albacore or white tuna per week to prevent overexposure to this potentially dangerous metal. It’s safe to consume chunk light tuna, which has less mercury, up to twice a week.
On the other hand, salmon has a low to no mercury content and a significantly higher omega-3 content. If you’re looking for a safer alternative to tuna from Senegal, canned salmon (mostly sockeye or pink from Alaska) is a great choice. It’s low in contaminants and high in heart-healthy omega-3s.
The Tuna Industry In Senegal: An Overview
Senegal has one of the largest and most developed fishing industries in West Africa, owing to its excellent cold storage and freezing facilities, extensive communication, and air links with other areas of the world. Dakar is the country’s largest supplier of Senegal tuna, producing tuna both for domestic supply and for export. The scientific name for the tuna is Thunini, which is a saltwater fish of the Thunini genus and Scombridae species. There are about fifteen species in the Thunini family, and Senegal produces a wide range of tuna varieties, most of which were introduced in the country through trade.
The three main types of tuna supplied by Dakar are Albacore, Skipjack, and Bigeye tuna. Albacore, also known as longfin tuna, is a species of the order Perciformes and is mostly found in temperate and tropical waters. Bigeye tuna is a species of real tuna of the genus Thunnus and belongs to the wider mackerel family Scombridae. They are found in open waters of all tropical and temperate regions. Skipjack tuna is a medium-sized perciform fish in the tuna family, Scombridae. It is also known as the victor fish and grows up to 1 meter in length, mostly found in tropical and warm-temperate waters.
Tuna is found in plenty during summer in Senegal, mainly between June and December. This is because many marine animals move to the Senegalese coast due to the deep waters. However, overfishing has been a significant problem in this region, mainly due to increasing demand from Asia and Europe. This has led to concerns about sustainability and has prompted efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices.
To ensure that Senegal’s tuna industry remains sustainable, extra caution is necessary during processing, packaging, and storage to ensure that it has a long shelf life, maintains quality, and retains its nutritional value. Senegal tuna is dried to control water activity that may otherwise influence speedy decay. It is packed in plastic bags and foils for local supply. For export, tuna is vacuum-packed and put in moisture-free freezer paper. Tuna is transported at a temperature of -18 degrees Celsius. The trucks or containers refrigeration systems can deliver air to the holds a few degrees below the target temperature and are also well-ventilated to allow proper circulation of air. The trucks and containers are insulated, and the tuna is protected from any form of contamination during handling.
Responsible Fishing Practices In Senegal
When it comes to responsible fishing practices in Senegal, there are efforts underway to promote sustainable fishing methods. One such method is pole and line fishing, which is used by the Asociacion Atuneros Cañeros (Dakar Tuna) in Senegal. This traditional one-by-one method is considered responsible and sustainable fishing, with a focus on involving vital fishing communities.
However, it’s important to note that tunas that migrate through Senegalese waters do not belong to Senegal. For those species that are managed by quotas, they “belong” to the countries that have received quotas from ICCAT. For others, they belong to the countries that fish them. Under the EU-Senegal SFPA, the tunas caught by EU vessels are yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, bigeye tuna, swordfish and blue shark. For yellowfin and skipjack tuna, there is no quota system in ICCAT.
While the EU pays a fee to Senegal to access its waters for fishing, this does not mean that the EU pays to catch Senegalese fish. If there was no agreement with Senegal, European boats would continue to fish this tuna outside Senegalese waters or in the EEZs of neighboring countries with which the EU has an agreement, and Senegal would not receive any financial compensation.
Mercury Levels In Senegalese Tuna
Mercury levels in Senegalese tuna can vary depending on the species and location of the catch. According to a study by Consumer Reports, some canned tuna brands have shown unpredictable spikes in mercury levels. The FDA advises that fetuses, infants, and young children are more vulnerable to the potential effects of mercury due to their small bodies, metabolism, and speedy growth.
In terms of specific species caught in Senegal, Skipjack and Yellowfin tuna generally have lower mercury levels than Albacore or Bigeye tuna. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification project for pole and line caught Skipjack, Yellowfin, and Bigeye tuna aims to promote sustainable fishing practices in Senegal. However, concerns have been raised about the involvement of big industry players and the lack of involvement from local artisanal fishermen’s associations.
Health Risks Associated With Consuming Tuna From Senegal
Consuming tuna from Senegal can pose potential health risks due to the high levels of mercury that can be present in certain species of tuna. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can have harmful effects on human health, including cognitive impairment, coordination problems, and finger curling.
While most tuna from Senegal would be considered safe under current guidelines, there are wide variations between regions. The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean around Europe have been found to have high levels of unsafe fish. This means that it’s important to be aware of where the tuna you’re consuming is coming from and to choose your sources carefully.
It’s also worth noting that different species of tuna have different mercury levels. Albacore or white tuna has higher levels of mercury than skipjack or light tuna. Adults should consume no more than one serving of albacore or white tuna per week to prevent overexposure to this potentially dangerous metal. It’s safe to consume chunk light tuna, which has less mercury, up to twice a week.
If you’re looking for a safer alternative to tuna from Senegal, canned salmon (mostly sockeye or pink from Alaska) is a great choice. It’s low in contaminants and high in heart-healthy omega-3s. Ultimately, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming tuna from Senegal and to make informed choices about the types and sources of seafood that you consume.
Sustainable Tuna Options From Senegal And Beyond
When it comes to sustainable tuna options from Senegal and beyond, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the MSC certification mentioned earlier is a good place to start. While there are concerns about its independence, it does provide a framework for sustainable fishing practices and can help consumers make more informed choices.
One company that stands out in terms of sustainability is Safe Catch, which produces canned tuna with low mercury levels. They test each individual fish for mercury and their limit is ten times lower than the FDA action limit. Safe Catch’s tuna is sustainably caught without the use of destructive fishing methods, and they follow the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program recommendations. Their only ingredients are skipjack tuna and salt.
Hy-Vee also offers a pole and line yellowfin product, which is a more sustainable option. However, there are stock health concerns in one region where they source from, and their sustainable seafood policy does not specifically outline goals to transition all of their canned tuna products to sustainable options.
It’s also worth noting that some of the bigger brands, such as StarKist, Bumble Bee, and Chicken of the Sea, have been ranked poorly by Greenpeace in terms of sustainability. So if you’re looking for a more sustainable option, it’s best to do your research and choose brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency in their fishing practices.
Making An Informed Decision About Tuna Consumption.
When it comes to consuming tuna, it’s important to make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances. The type of tuna you choose to eat will depend on your flavor preferences and dietary needs. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that nearly all fish contain some amount of mercury, and tuna actually has less than other varieties like swordfish or mackerel.
According to the FDA, most adults should aim to eat at least 8 ounces, or 2 servings, of fish per week, which can include canned tuna. However, pregnant women should avoid canned tuna altogether due to the unpredictable spikes of mercury levels found in some cans. Children and adults should also eat less than the FDA recommends due to the potential risk of mercury exposure.
Canned light tuna is low in mercury and is considered one of the best choices for individuals that need to limit their exposure to mercury. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding can consume 2–3 servings of canned light tuna per week, and children can consume 2 servings per week. Canned, fresh, or frozen white albacore tuna and yellowfin tuna contain slightly more mercury but are also good choices. However, these varieties of tuna are not recommended for children, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding can consume up to 1 serving per week.
Bigeye tuna, which is often used in sashimi and sushi, is high in mercury and is not recommended for pregnant women or children. It’s also important to note that children and people who are pregnant should avoid raw fish due to the potential risk of foodborne illness.
Ultimately, making an informed decision about tuna consumption involves considering the type of tuna you’re eating, how often you’re eating it, and your individual circumstances. If you’re concerned about the potential risks associated with consuming tuna from Senegal, consider opting for a safer alternative like canned salmon.
