Method of Capture

Below are some examples of common fishing methods. It should also be noted that because tuna is hard to aquaculture, almost all tuna products are wild caught.

Longlines are a set of baited hooks at the ends of lines, attached to a main line. The main line covers a section of the ocean and is dragged behind a vessel. Without careful management, longlines can have unintended interactions with non-target fish, seabirds, and other marine life. Examples of fish caught via longlines are swordfish and tuna.

Pelagic trawls are dragged behind a vessel and whatever is in the way, gets caught and scooped up by the net. They are designed to target fish in the mid- and surface water such as herring and mackerel, and are associated with the occasional catch of non-target species (bycatch).

Purse seine nets contain a vertical net that surround the school of fish, the bottom of which is then drawn together to enclose the fish. This is an effective way of fishing that does not disrupt the bottom of the ocean and has the potential for low levels of bycatch. Examples of fish caught via purse seine are types of schooling tuna, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and herring.

Pole and line method of capture is the least disruptive form because it removes a single fish from the ocean at at time and the fisherman is able to target the fish they want to catch. This method of capture is associated with reduced bycatch and little impact on the surrounding environment. Examples of fish caught via purse seine are skipjack tuna.

Click below to learn about other types of fishing methods like dredges, which are rigid structures that are towed along the bottom of the ocean, directly on the seabed.

To learn more about different kinds of fishing methods, visit the Marine Stewardship Council's publication by clicking here.