This is part of our continued look into making sustainable fish purchases. Casson Trenor, long time activist for sustainable fisheries, advisor to major corporations on purchasing and labeling policies, author of Sustainable Sushi, and co-owner of the Restaurant Tataki, gives us his very informed take.
Whether in the form of a tuna salad, melt or casserole, canned fish, especially tuna, is a staple food in many American households. But many of our readers wondered if buying canned tuna is hurting the oceans. The good news for fish eaters is that there are brands of canned tuna or salmon that are okay.
Casson: Canned tuna should be pole-caught, and the smaller the species, the better. So pole-caught skipjack tuna is best, followed by domestic pole-caught albacore. Anything that doesn't say "pole-caught" on it is going to be trouble. (editor's note: To understand the differences between Purse Seining, Long Lines and other forms of Commercial fishing- and why they do damage to the oceans, please see this page at the Monterey Bay Aquarium's site. It's immediately clear why pole-caught is the only sustainable method.)
Look for these brands:
 Wild Planet Wild Planet offers Tuna, Salmon and Sardines. The Company is committed to providing the finest tasting sustainably caught seafood while supporting the conservation of wild marine ecosystems. Online Ordering.
 American Tuna American Tuna is comprised of six fishing families from San Diego, CA. These families represent generations of fishing for albacore with the "pole & line" method.
Dave's Albacore Fresh, Canned and Smoked Fish, plus chowders. Dave's employs ecologically responsible methods available to harvest seafood. The process of harvesting both Dave's Gourmet Salmon and Albacore are among the most primitive and discretionary methods
Oregon's Choice Tuna, Salmon, Crab, Oysters, Shrimp and Pet Foods. Online Ordering.
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