tuna

Is the over-exploitation of the ocean's fish worth your tuna sandwich? No. Since 1950, only 10% of all large fish are left. Tuna is endangered, yet somehow still on the menu. According to National Geographic, demand and prices for large bluefin tuna soared in the 1970s, and "commercial fishing operations found new ways to find and catch these sleek giants. As a result, bluefin stocks, especially of large, breeding-age fish, have plummeted, and international conservation efforts have led to curbs on commercial takes. Nevertheless, at least one group says illegal fishing in Europe has pushed the Atlantic bluefin populations there to the brink of extinction." We will never have the population of large fish in the ocean that we had 60 years ago, but fishing in the current capacity really should end if we want to preserve the fish that are left. If rates continue, and fish mortality is not significantly reduced (some suggest by 50%), we will be looking at fish statues alongside the dinosaurs in the Natural Museum of History. Are any of you wondering how tuna are caught? It’s very claustrophobic.

Still have an insatiable taste for tuna? The New York Times stated yesterday that “six pieces of tuna-based sushi from most of the restaurants and stores would contain more than 49 micrograms of mercury. That is the amount the Environmental Protection Agency deems acceptable for weekly consumption over a period of several months by an adult of average weight.” Six pieces is not a lot...

Perhaps this is nature’s way of telling us to stop killing all the tuna!

Here are some tasty alternatives to your tuna consumption. If you want a tuna steak, have swordfish instead, another white fish with relatively the same consistency and texture when cooked. If you want a tuna salad sandwich, have a chicken salad sandwich. Not only is poultry not close to extinction, but you can mix in a larger variety of accoutrements to compliment the deliciousness of your meal.

As I am also a sushi consumer, let me say that the following pieces of sushi are just as delectable and can substitute the need for tuna sashimi and the largely popular spicy tuna roll: salmon, unagi, striped bass, shrimp, halibut, yellowtail, crab and California.

Fun Fact: Atlantic Bluefins are warm-blooded.