is tuna from senegal safe to eat

Is Tuna From Senegal Safe To Eat? Here’s What You Need To Know

Tuna is one of the most popular fish in the world. It’s tasty, nutritious, and relatively inexpensive. However, not all tuna is created equal. With concerns about overfishing, sustainability, and mercury levels, it’s important to pay attention to where your tuna comes from.

In this article, we’ll explore whether or not tuna from Senegal is safe to eat We’ll look at the tuna fishing industry in Senegal, responsible fishing practices, mercury levels, and potential health risks Read on to get the full scoop so you can decide if Senegalese tuna is right for you.

An Overview of Tuna Fishing in Senegal

Senegal has a robust tuna fishing industry centered in the capital city of Dakar. The main species caught are albacore, skipjack, and yellowfin tuna. These fish are caught year-round, but peak season is between June to December when large schools of tuna migrate to Senegalese waters.

The tuna is mainly destined for export to meet demand in Europe and Asia. Some is sold locally, where it is dried or smoked before sale to extend shelf life in a tropical climate.

In the past, foreign fishing fleets depleted tuna stocks off the Senegalese coast. To combat this, the government has implemented fishing quotas and seasonal closures. There has also been a push towards more sustainable pole and line fishing practices.

How Sustainable Are Fishing Practices in Senegal?

One pole and line tuna fishery in Senegal has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as sustainable. This indicates the fish are caught without harming the health of tuna populations or the wider marine ecosystem.

However, local small-scale fishermen are not involved in this MSC certification program. Rather, it is large tuna export companies who stand to benefit. Some environmental groups have questioned whether MSC certification is as independent and rigorous as claimed.

More progress is still needed to ensure the sustainability of Senegal’s tuna. Foreign fishing fleets continue to operate in the region, not always legally. And demand keeps rising, putting pressure on fish stocks. Stricter monitoring and enforcement of quotas are essential.

What Are the Mercury Risks With Senegalese Tuna?

Mercury occurs naturally in the environment but has been rising due to pollution. When tuna feed on smaller fish contaminated with mercury, they absorb and accumulate it in their tissues.

The mercury content varies between tuna species. Skipjack tuna has very low levels while albacore and yellowfin have moderate amounts. Young children and pregnant women are advised to limit intake of albacore and yellowfin tuna due to potential effects on brain development.

According to testing by Consumer Reports, canned tuna can have unpredictable spikes in mercury, regardless of the species. More research is needed on mercury risks specific to Senegalese tuna. Given the region’s history of overfishing, older and larger tuna which accumulate more mercury are likely common.

What Are the Health Risks of Eating Tuna from Senegal?

The health risks depend on the amount and type of tuna consumed. Eating modest amounts of low-mercury skipjack tuna is considered safe for most people.

However, frequent or excessive intake of albacore and yellowfin tuna containing moderate mercury may cause health problems. At high exposures over months or years, mercury can harm kidneys, the cardiovascular system, immunity, and neurological development.

Children under 6 years, pregnant and breastfeeding women are most vulnerable. Fetuses are especially sensitive, so women planning pregnancy should also limit tuna intake and choose low mercury seafood.

Canned light tuna is a better choice than white or yellowfin tuna. Ideally, choose brands that rigorously test each batch for mercury, like Safe Catch tuna. For lowest risks, alternate tuna with safer seafood low in mercury like salmon, shrimp and sardines.

What Are More Sustainable Tuna Options?

Looking beyond Senegal, there are other tuna fisheries working hard to reduce their environmental impact. Pole and line skipjack tuna from the Maldives, Indonesia, and the Philippines are good options. Troll caught tuna from the U.S. North Pacific also scores well for sustainability.

When shopping, choose MSC certified sustainably caught tuna. Brands like Safe Catch, American Tuna, Wild Planet, and Pole & Line have committed to improving transparency and eco-friendly tuna supply chains. Vital Choice and Henry & Lisa’s are also great choices.

Canned salmon is one of the most sustainable fish options, with minimal mercury risk. For a tuna-free lunch, try canned wild Alaskan salmon or sardines packed in olive oil for an omega-3 boost.

Making a Responsible Choice About Tuna

Tuna offers nutritional value, but it also requires caution. To make smart choices about tuna from Senegal and beyond:

• Prioritize tuna caught through sustainable fishing methods like pole and line trolling. This helps protect tuna species and marine ecosystems.

• Choose skipjack light tuna or brands that test each tuna for mercury, especially for children and pregnant women who are most vulnerable.

• Eat a variety of low mercury seafood like salmon, shrimp, sardines. Avoid tuna daily to limit mercury exposure.

• Check sustainability recommendations from Seafood Watch when in doubt. Or choose MSC certified sustainable options.

• Support companies that are eco-friendly, practice ethical sourcing, and are committed to transparency about where your tuna comes from.

With some research on labels and brands, you can enjoy tuna as part of an ocean-friendly diet. The health of our oceans affects the health of people worldwide, so it’s important we all make responsible seafood choices.