Tuna

Tuna at Sammy's Seafood

Tuna are among the world’s most popular fish and therefore among the most commercially valuable.

Fished in more than 70 countries, tuna are marketed in fresh, frozen or canned form. Tuna species are critical to both commercial and recreational fisheries. But because of high demand for this fish, many stocks are exploited to full capacity—or overfished.

Seasonality and Size

Tuna is available year round but dictated by the lunar cycle.

Regulations

Tuna is highly regulated with permits, bags limits, and quota. Management of yellowfin tuna is controlled at the federal level with Gear restrictions, Time/area closures, and Minimum size limits.

TUNA	Season	Size	Flavor	Cost
Yellowfin, S.A.	Lunar cycle	40-200#	Imparts mores subtle, mild flavors	$$$
Bigeye, S.A.	Lunar cycle	80-200#	The high fat content in bigeye tuna means smooth texture and a creamy, rich flavor.	$$$
Bluefin, MA	Summertime	200-500#	For real tuna lovers, though, bluefin is the prize with its almost buttery richness.	$$$
Blacken, FL	By catch	10-20#	the taste and quality of blackfin tuna is comparable to that of its popular relatives.	$