Bigeye Tuna

Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) is a large tuna species found in tropical and subtropical oceans, caught primarily by longline for the sashimi and sushi market rather than for canning. The high fat content and deep red flesh colour of bigeye make it more valuable fresh or frozen than canned. Some bigeye does enter the canned tuna supply chain, often blended with yellowfin in chunk light products. The species faces significant population pressure from longline overfishing, particularly in the Pacific Ocean. MSC-certified bigeye fisheries are limited. The IUCN lists bigeye as vulnerable.