Albacore (Thunnus alalunga), one of the smaller major tuna species, is a temperate species widely distributed in temperate and tropical waters of all oceans.
This tuna tends to travel in single species schools, without the level of mixing seen in other species. Association with floating objects is not common.
Albacore accounted for about 4% of the 5.1-million-tonne global tuna catch in 2021.
Species Characteristics
| Size (cm) | Weight (kg) | Age (yrs) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common | 40–100 | ||
| Maximum | 130 | ||
| Maturity | 75–90 | 8–15 |
2–5 |
| Generation Length |
7–8 |
Geographic Limits
- Generally limited to temperate and tropical waters
- From 45–50° N and 30–40° S in the Atlantic Ocean
- From 5° N to 40° S in the Indian Ocean, with adults occurring from 5° N to 25° S
Species Management
The following six albacore stocks are assessed and managed by the RFMOs:
- North Pacific Ocean
- South Pacific Ocean
- North Atlantic Ocean
- South Atlantic Ocean
- Mediterranean Sea
- Indian Ocean
Albacore Tuna Stock Status
Our Status of the Stocks report summarizes the status of albacore tuna worldwide according to the most recent scientific assessments. The report includes:
- Catch data
- Graphics and charts
- Ratings on stock abundance, fishing mortality, and fishing’s environmental or bycatch impact
It also reviews the management measures for albacore that Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) have adopted.
RELATED RESOURCES
Albacore Stock Health & Catch Trends
Use our “Interactive Stock Status and Catch Tool” to visualize, download, and share data about albacore tuna:
- Stock health since 2011
- Current catch by fishing method
- Catch trends by fishing method since 1950
Tuna Conservation
Our research and advocacy work aims to ensure, on a global level, that tuna resources are well managed and protected from overfishing.
Tuna Stock Evaluations
An ISSF report uses the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) scoring system to evaluate both the health and RFMO management of 23 tuna stocks worldwide, including bluefin.
