Sustainable Fishing

Sustainable fishing involves taking fish from the sea without altering the eco system, leaving enough fish to breed, and also for others who depend on the sea and respecting other fish and animal life.

Responsible Fishing: MAINTAINING FISH STOCKS

Albacore Tuna is a migratory species living in tropical seas, but once a year make the journey north to breed. Always on the move, they first hit European waters around late July, and come within reach of our fishing fleet for only a short period every year. At the end of August, this fish is caught in very large numbers for just a few weeks.

With the overall fishing quota set at 30,000 tonnes annually, with Ireland ‘s allocation being approximately 2,700 tonnes, we monitor the waters closely. All our fishermen are committed to preserving the natural ecosystem by fishing strictly within quota limits.

Our tuna is caught by Irish fishermen when the fish is in season in August and September. Fresh Albacore Tuna can be enjoyed during this short window every year. You may be able to freeze some if you want to enjoy it a little longer but a much nicer result can be achieved by preserving it in jars with olive. Perfect to add to salads with a superb flavour that beats its canned rivals hands down.

RESPECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

Maintaining healthy stock is vital, and so too is preserving the ecosystem by limiting the “by-catch”

During the spring season, as warming starts, juvenile North Atlantic Albacore fish begin migrating to the northeastern Atlantic, to the Bay of Biscay, and on to the south east of Ireland, where our tuna are caught. Tuna are usually fished by pair-trawlers – two boats which operate by towing a single net between them and sharing the bounty. Net technology is improving year on year, with more environmentally friendly options and pingers to keep dolphins a safe distance from the nets. Smaller vessels will use line lures with baited hooks to catch quality fish.