Sourcing the Species: Where Safe Catch Gets Their Tuna
Safe Catch's commitment to low mercury and sustainability starts with its sourcing practices, which vary depending on the tuna species. The brand's diverse offerings are a result of careful selection from certified fisheries around the globe. The primary sourcing locations are determined by the migratory patterns and stock health of each specific tuna type.
Safe Catch Tuna Species and Their Origin
- Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna: This product is made exclusively from skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), known for its smaller size and lower average mercury content. The fish are sourced from sustainably managed stocks in the Western Central Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.
- Safe Catch Wild Ahi Tuna: For their yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) products, Safe Catch sources from the Western Central Pacific. While this is the primary area, they may occasionally use individually caught yellowfin from the Indian Ocean if market demand requires.
- Safe Catch Wild Albacore Tuna: Albacore (Thunnus alalunga) comes from the North and South Pacific Ocean populations. Specific catch areas include the Northwest Pacific (FAO 61) and Southwest Pacific (FAO 81). All albacore products are from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fisheries.
Sustainable Fishing and Ethical Practices
Safe Catch is highly transparent about its fishing methods to reduce environmental impact. They explicitly state they do not use Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), which are often associated with high levels of bycatch, including turtles and dolphins. The company's Albacore tuna is caught using the pole-and-line method, a selective technique that catches one fish at a time, dramatically reducing bycatch. For other species, they use FAD-free purse seine nets and ensure all catch is documented as dolphin-safe.
Furthermore, Safe Catch's dedication extends beyond fishing methods. The company collaborates with reputable organizations to ensure its standards are met and verified:
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC): Safe Catch sources 100% of its albacore and other tuna products from MSC-certified fisheries. This certification ensures that the fish stocks are healthy, ecosystems are protected, and fisheries are managed responsibly.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch: The company proudly follows the recommendations of this program, which provides consumers with science-based recommendations to make sustainable seafood choices.
- American Pregnancy Association: For its low-mercury levels, Safe Catch Elite and Ahi are the official tuna of the American Pregnancy Association, a significant endorsement for pregnant women and children.
Comparison Table: Safe Catch vs. Conventional Tuna Processing
| Feature | Safe Catch | Conventional Canned Tuna |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury Testing | Tests every single fish individually for purity and safety. | Batch tests, if at all, resulting in high variability. |
| Fishing Methods | Wild-caught only; utilizes selective methods like pole-and-line or FAD-free purse seine. | Commonly uses less-selective and high-bycatch methods like longlines and FAD-based purse seines. |
| Processing Method | Hand-cut and hand-packed raw, then slow-cooked once in the can to preserve natural oils and flavor. | Typically pre-cooked on racks, machine-processed, then cooked again in the can, which drains away natural oils and nutrients. |
| Fillers and Additives | No added oil, water, fillers, or preservatives. Packed only in its own natural juices. | Often packed in water, vegetable oil, or a broth to compensate for nutrients lost during pre-cooking. |
| Omega-3 Content | Maximized by slow-cooking in its own juices, eliminating the need to drain. | Significantly reduced due to the pre-cooking and draining process. |
The Importance of Traceability
In addition to its responsible sourcing and quality controls, Safe Catch maintains full traceability for its products. This allows the company to track each fish from the moment it is caught to when it reaches the consumer's table. This level of transparency provides assurance regarding the product's origin, sustainability, and quality. Every purchase includes a chain-of-custody document, and the company works with traceability solutions like Trace Register to manage this data effectively. The blue MSC ecolabel on their products also verifies this commitment to transparency.
Conclusion
In summary, Safe Catch gets their tuna from a variety of well-managed, sustainable wild fisheries, primarily in the Western Central Pacific and Indian Oceans. The specific sourcing location depends on the species, with albacore coming from both the North and South Pacific. By leveraging a multi-faceted approach that combines species-specific sourcing, strict individual mercury testing, sustainable fishing methods, and robust traceability, Safe Catch offers consumers a transparent and trusted seafood product. Their process stands in stark contrast to conventional practices, ensuring higher quality, nutrient retention, and greater peace of mind for those concerned with seafood purity and environmental responsibility. For more information on their practices, visit the Safe Catch website.
