MSC and pole-and-line are your sustainable tuna shortcuts.

Skip the “dolphin-safe” label — it mostly just means no nets that trap dolphins, but it says nothing about overfishing or bycatch. If you want real sustainability, look for two things on the can: MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified and pole-and-line caught.

MSC is the closest thing to a gold standard for wild fisheries. It checks that the stock is healthy and the fishing method doesn’t trash the ecosystem. Pole-and-line (also called troll-caught) means each fish is hooked individually — almost zero bycatch, and you’re not dragging nets across the ocean floor. Combine the two and you’re about as green as canned tuna gets.

Most brands that carry both are small outfits like Wild Planet, American Tuna, or Ocean Naturals. They cost more than Bumble Bee, but you’re paying for a fishery that will still be around in ten years. Also: always go for skipjack over albacore or yellowfin. Skipjack is abundant and reproduces fast. Albacore is borderline for some regions.

The extra dollar per can is worth knowing you’re not eating a threatened species.