MSC and pole-and-line are your best bets for sustainable tuna.

Skip the “dolphin safe” label and look for MSC certification or “pole and line” / “troll-caught” on the can. Those are the ones that actually mean something.

“Dolphin safe” only protects dolphins, not the rest of the ocean life that gets caught and thrown back dead. It’s a marketing gimmick from the 90s, not a sustainability seal. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue label is the gold standard—it means the fishery is independently audited for healthy fish stocks and low bycatch. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best widely available option.

Pole-and-line or troll-caught is the next best thing. Each fish is hooked individually, so almost nothing else dies. You’ll usually find this on smaller brands like Wild Planet or American Tuna. It costs more, but you’re paying for a method that doesn’t wipe out sea turtles or sharks.

Avoid anything from major purse-seine fisheries unless it’s labeled “FAD-free” (fish aggregating device free). FADs are floating objects that attract tuna but also tons of other marine life—bye bye, bycatch. Some brands now print “FAD-free” on the can, which is a decent sign.

Your wallet