Global Tuna Fishing

Tuna species are found throughout the world's oceans. Atlantic, Pacific, and southern bluefin tuna are prized for the sushi and sashimi market. Skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye tunas are found mainly in the tropics, while albacore, like bluefin, are also found in temperate waters. These species are used for a mixture of canned and fresh products. Explore our graphics to learn more about how tuna are fished worldwide.

Just how important is global tuna fishing? View our graphic of worldwide canned tuna consumption.


Purse-Seine Fishing

Large nets encircle schools of fish, using fish aggregating devices (FADs) to attract them. These nets are then closed - like a drawstring purse - to capture the fish.

tuna-purse-seine-fishing-test-4-lw

Longline Fishing

 Lines with baited hooks are strung at evenly spaced intervals along a central fishing line, which can be up to 100 km in length. Longlines are set near the surface to catch tuna.

tuna-longltuna-longline-fishing-test-1-lwine-fishing-test-1-lw

Pole-and-Line

A hooked line is attached to a pole. Some are hand operated but mechanized systems are also used to catch tuna. This highly selective gear takes fish one at a time, with little bycatch.

tuna-pole-and-line-test-1-lw

Tuna Consumption Globally

An enormous amount of tuna is consumed around the world. Learn more.

tuna-catch-consumption-2-lw

America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Article

37 Scientists Pioneering the Future of Biomedical Research

Quick View
Article

Biomedical researchers are at the heart of nearly every medical advancement. From cutting-edge cancer treatments to breakthrough discoveries about emerging viruses, these scientists use creativity and ingenuity to explore new horizons in human health and medicine. And for nearly 40 years, The Pew Charitable Trusts has supported more than 1,000 early-career researchers committed to this work.

Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics

Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?