The best bluefin tuna, highly prized for sushi and sashimi (otoro), generally comes from the Mediterranean Sea (specifically Spain, Italy, and Turkey) and the North Atlantic, particularly off the coasts of Japan, Canada, and New England. For yellowfin, top spots include Panama and Mexico.
The best fresh tuna is the albacore (Thunnus alalunga), also called albacore fish, albacore tuna, albicore, albie, pigfish, tombo ahi, binnaga, bonito, longfin, longfin tuna, longfin tunny... It is the only tuna species which may be marketed as ``white meat tuna'' in the United States.
But it's not just the dining delight that makes this tuna varietal so prized. Southern Bluefin Tuna has become an increasingly valuable commodity because of its limited availability.
Japan is the biggest tuna consuming nation and is also the leader in tuna farming research. Japan first successfully farm-hatched and raised bluefin tuna in 1979. In 2002, it succeeded in completing the reproduction cycle and in 2007, completed a third generation.
Why Bluefin Tuna Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider
Where does UK tuna come from?
In the UK, skipjack, yellowfin and albacore tuna make up roughly 15% of all seafood eaten, with an estimated annual sales value of over £300 million. UK tuna comes from all oceans and Ecuador, Ghana, Mauritius, the Philippines and Seychelles are the top exporters of tuna.
A 500 lb bluefin tuna's worth varies wildly, from potentially thousands for a regular catch to over $3 million at Tokyo's New Year's auctions, where a 535 lb fish sold for a record $3.2 million in 2026, demonstrating extreme market hype for quality fish used in premium sushi. For fishermen, the price is much lower, often a few dollars per pound, but the top auction prices reflect quality, prestige, and demand for high-grade tuna (like otoro), not typical retail value, notes a Quora post.
Fish that's consumed raw in sushi must be frozen to -20°C (-4°F) for 7 days or -35°C (-31°F) for 15 hours. This process will destroy any parasite in the fish making it safer to consume but there's still risk.
The Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limit for recreational fishermen will remain at the default limit of 1 school, large school, or small medium bluefin tuna (27 to <73” curved fork length) per vessel per day/trip.
When it comes to healthy canned tuna options, albacore (white tuna), and yellowfin and skipjack (chunk light) are good choices. They have lower mercury levels than other types of fish and are safe to consume up to three times a week.
# 1 grade: This is typically the highest grade available for tuna. It represents superior quality with vibrant coloration, high fat content, exceptional flavor, and a buttery texture.
With over 1 million tons caught annually and dominating 15% of the global market, Indonesia is consolidating its position as the world's largest tuna producer and transforming its archipelago into the planet's leading fishing power.
Albacore. Albacore populations are healthy in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but not in the Indian Ocean. It's available fresh, frozen, canned, and in pouches, and is typically labeled “white” tuna. Buy albacore caught by U.S. fisheries.
Among these seemingly endless options, one of the simpler yet reliably delicious seafood offerings is its Kirkland canned albacore tuna. The real company behind Costco's supply is a big industry name: Bumble Bee Food.
The demand for ready-to-eat food is rising quickly as a result of people's hectic schedules, with canned tuna being a common option. Japan is the world's largest consumer of tuna. Japan consumes a quarter of the world's tuna catch, mostly for sashimi use.
The controversy about eating farmed verses wild salmon is complex, and reports available in the media, online, and in scientific publications often seem contradictory. Issues fall into three main categories: environmental concerns, contamination, and omega-3 fatty acid levels in edible portions.
Some people move to Japan and slim down instantly with smaller portion sizes at restaurants, more veggies in their meals, and a greatly improved step count via the power of taking public transit.
How Does a Bluefin Tuna Command $3.2 Million? The Answer Begins in the Waters Off Oma. Caught off Honshu's northernmost tip, the 535-pound bluefin was brought to Toyosu Market's New Year auction, where Sushi Zanmai owner Kiyoshi Kimura claimed it with the morning's top bid.
The largest recorded specimen taken under International Game Fish Association rules was caught off North Lake, Prince Edward Island, an area renowned for huge Atlantic bluefin, and weighed 679 kg (1,497 lb) and was 3.84 m (12.6 ft) long.
A majority of the world's canned fish supply goes through Thailand, which gives us access to high volumes of raw material. This also allows us to mercury test every single tuna and salmon and keep up with our supply needs.
