Is StarKist Albacore Tuna Wild Caught?

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

StarKist has explicitly stated that all of its tuna is wild-caught, a policy that includes its albacore tuna products. This means the fish are harvested from their natural ocean habitats rather than being raised in controlled farm environments. This commitment is supported by stringent standards and a focus on sustainable sourcing.

Quick Summary

StarKist albacore tuna is wild-caught from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The company avoids farm-raised fish and employs specific fishing methods like long-lining for albacore, while also adhering to a global dolphin-safe policy.

Key Points

Sourcing is 100% Wild-Caught: StarKist explicitly states that all of its tuna, including albacore, is sourced from wild ocean fisheries and not from fish farms.
Albacore Caught by Long-Lining: The specific method used to catch albacore for StarKist is long-lining.
Dolphin-Safe Certified: The company adheres to a strict, certified dolphin-safe policy.
Commitment to Sustainability: As a founding member of the ISSF and by sourcing from MSC-compliant suppliers, StarKist demonstrates a strong commitment to responsible practices.
Specific Oceanic Fisheries: Most of StarKist's tuna is caught in the Pacific Ocean and Western Atlantic fisheries.
Distinct Flavor and Texture: The wild-caught nature of the tuna results in a firmer texture and more robust flavor.

Sourcing and Catching Wild-Caught Albacore

StarKist sources all of its tuna and salmon from ocean fisheries, including albacore tuna. The albacore is primarily caught in the Pacific and Western Atlantic oceans. Wild-caught fish are preferred by some for their flavor and texture.

For albacore, StarKist and its suppliers utilize long-lining as a fishing method. This technique involves a main line with baited hooks at various depths. StarKist also maintains a strict dolphin-safe policy, established in 1990, and requires certification for all tuna purchases.

The Importance of Sustainability and Dolphin-Safe Practices

StarKist emphasizes environmental responsibility and is a founding member of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF). They avoid fishing methods like gill and drift nets that can harm dolphins. To ensure consumer trust, StarKist requires dolphin-safe certification for all tuna. The company is also working towards sourcing from suppliers meeting Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standards or participating in fishery improvement projects.

Comparing Wild-Caught and Farm-Raised Tuna

There are several differences between wild-caught and farm-raised tuna.


Feature	Wild-Caught Albacore Tuna	Farm-Raised Tuna (General)
Diet	Natural, varied diet.	Controlled, standardized feed.
Flavor	Robust, complex flavor and firmer texture.	Milder, often described as buttery, with a more uniform texture.
Nutritional Profile	Generally higher in minerals; potential for higher mercury in larger fish.	Can be higher in omega-3s; minor overall differences.
Environmental Impact	Risks include overfishing and bycatch if not managed sustainably.	Can cause water pollution and habitat damage.
Sustainability	Requires strict management; supports wild ecosystems.	Offers a consistent supply; relies on responsible aquaculture.

The Consumer Choice: Why Wild-Caught Matters

Many consumers prefer wild-caught albacore for its natural flavor and firmer texture. While there are concerns about mercury in some wild fish, StarKist works to ensure sustainable and safe sourcing of albacore, which is a good source of protein and omega-3s. The company's transparency about their sourcing locations allows consumers to make informed choices. Choosing wild-caught can support fishing practices that protect marine life and ecosystems. More information on responsible tuna practices can be found at the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation.

Conclusion

StarKist albacore tuna is indeed wild-caught. The company consistently sources its tuna from wild fisheries and is committed to sustainability and dolphin-safe practices, working with organizations like the ISSF. This approach provides consumers with a product that is naturally sourced and aligns with environmental considerations.

Key Takeaways

Wild-Caught Sourcing: All StarKist tuna, including albacore, is wild-caught, never farm-raised.
Dolphin-Safe Policy: StarKist maintains a strict, certified dolphin-safe policy, rejecting tuna caught with harmful nets.
Sustainable Fishing Methods: Albacore is caught using the long-lining method.
Flavor and Texture: Wild-caught albacore has a firmer texture and richer flavor.
Responsible Sourcing: The company is committed to sustainable practices and works with organizations like the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation.
Oceanic Origin: StarKist's tuna is primarily sourced from fisheries in the Pacific and Western Atlantic oceans.

FAQs

Question: Is all StarKist tuna wild-caught? Answer: Yes, all StarKist tuna and salmon products are sourced from wild-caught fish.

Question: What is the difference between StarKist's light and white tuna? Answer: StarKist's "light" tuna is primarily skipjack or yellowfin, while "white" tuna is specifically albacore tuna.

Question: How does StarKist ensure its albacore tuna is dolphin-safe? Answer: StarKist requires certification that all tuna it purchases is dolphin-safe and has a policy against indiscriminate fishing methods.

Question: What fishing method is used to catch StarKist albacore tuna? Answer: StarKist's albacore tuna is typically caught using the long-lining method.

Question: Does StarKist use farm-raised fish at all? Answer: No, StarKist explicitly states that they do not use farm-raised tuna.

Question: What are the main sourcing locations for StarKist tuna? Answer: The majority of StarKist's tuna is caught in the Pacific Ocean and Western Atlantic fisheries.

Question: How can consumers be sure of StarKist's sustainable sourcing? Answer: StarKist is a founding member of the ISSF and sources from suppliers meeting or working towards MSC standards. Products are often labeled with a 'dolphin-safe' logo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, StarKist confirms that all of its tuna and salmon products are wild-caught from ocean fisheries and are not farm-raised.

StarKist's 'white' tuna is specifically albacore tuna, known for its milder flavor and firmer texture. Their 'light' tuna is primarily skipjack or yellowfin.

StarKist requires certification that all tuna it purchases is dolphin-safe. It has a long-standing policy to not buy tuna caught with gill or drift nets.

The albacore tuna supplied to StarKist is caught using the long-lining method, where baited hooks are attached to a long line and deployed at specific depths.

No, StarKist explicitly states that they do not use farm-raised tuna for any of their products.

The majority of StarKist's tuna comes from the Pacific Ocean and Western Atlantic fisheries.

StarKist is a founding member of the ISSF and sources from suppliers that meet or are working towards Marine Stewardship Council standards. Their products are often labeled with a 'dolphin-safe' logo.