The
albacore tuna has many names including albacore fish, bastard albacore,
longfin, pigfish, tombo ahi and German bonito. In the United States
it is the species of tuna known as “white meat tuna”.
Albacore live in warmer waters throughout the worlds temperate oceans.
They can grow up to 60 inches in length and weigh more than 130 pounds.
Albacore is an important food fish throughout the world. Mercury
levels in albacore tuna have been found to be higher than in other
species of fish. Particularly older fish and those caught on long
lines. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises women who are
pregnant, or may become pregnant to limit their consumption of albacore.
Although their exact status is largely unknown, albacore tuna are
not in as much danger of extinction as other species of tuna. The
World Conservation Union (IUCN) has not assessed albacore in more
than 10 years. The North Pacific albacore population is currently
considered healthy on the Monterey Fish Market Seafood Sustainability
Advisory list. Albacore are also preferred; unlike other tuna, they
don’t endanger dolphins because they don’t swim together.