The world’s tuna populations have faced serious conservation challenges. Recent reports on the status of the 23 major tuna stocks in the world show that 87% of the global tuna catch comes from stocks at healthy abundance levels, and 91% are not experiencing overfishing, indicating improvements. Three major species, which account for only about 1% of the total global commercial tuna catch in metric tonnes, have experienced dramatic population declines over recent decades, primarily due to overfishing and inadequate supply chain oversight. Understanding which tuna species are most at risk helps the industry make better sourcing decisions and supports conservation efforts that could help these populations recover. This article examines the current status of endangered tuna species, explains why their numbers have crashed, and explores how modern tuna traceability and transparent tuna supply chain practices can support recovery efforts.
Current status of the world’s most threatened tuna species
Three tuna species face the most serious conservation threats according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List:
- Atlantic bluefin tuna – Initially listed as Endangered despite some regional recovery signs, with population declines of up to 85% from historical levels in certain areas,. This species was removed from the endangered list in 2021 and is now considered a species of “least concern” by the IUCN, thanks to effective international conservation measures and quotas. Overfishing is not currently occurring in the Atlantic.
- Pacific bluefin tuna – until 2021 classified as Vulnerable to Near Threatened, having declined by more than 97% from unfished levels, making it one of the most severely depleted Pacific fish stocks. Today this stock remains classified as overfished. An international rebuilding plan has been highly successful, and the spawning stock biomass reached its second rebuilding target in 2021, ahead of schedule.
- Southern bluefin tuna – Carries an Endangered classification and represents the most challenging recovery case, spawning only in waters between Australia and Indonesia after decades of overfishing reduced populations to critically low levels. This needs urgent improvement,
These three species share critical vulnerabilities that make their conservation particularly urgent. All face intensive fishing pressure while possessing biological characteristics—slow growth rates and late sexual maturity—that prevent rapid population replacement. This combination of human pressure and natural limitations creates a perfect storm for population collapse, making immediate conservation action essential for preventing further decline and supporting the gradual recovery that scientific management can achieve.
Why tuna populations crashed so dramatically
Several interconnected factors created the perfect conditions for bluefin tuna population collapse:
- Industrial fishing expansion – Large purse seine vessels and longline fleets could capture massive quantities, often exceeding sustainable production levels, while freezing technology and global markets created enormous demand for high-value species
- Illegal fishing operations – IUU fishing operates outside quota systems and conservation measures, targeting the same valuable species that legitimate fisheries are trying to rebuild through careful management
- Biological vulnerability – Bluefin tuna species mature slowly, with Atlantic bluefin not spawning until age 8–12 and Pacific bluefin around age 5, meaning reduced fishing pressure takes years to translate into population recovery
- Climate disruption – Changing ocean temperatures and food distribution patterns affect spawning, feeding, and migration routes, disrupting established management boundaries and complicating population assessments
These factors created a cascade effect where technological advances in fishing outpaced both the natural resilience of tuna populations and the development of effective management systems. The combination of increased harvesting capacity, economic incentives for overfishing, and the inherent challenges of managing slow-growing species across international waters resulted in the dramatic declines that have been observed in the past, highlighting the critical need for coordinated global conservation efforts.
What conservation efforts are helping tuna recover
International cooperation and science-based management provide the foundation for tuna recovery efforts:
- Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) – Coordinate international conservation through organizations like ICCAT, setting catch limits, minimum size requirements, and time-area closures to protect spawning fish across national boundaries
- Science-based quota systems – Use stock assessments to determine sustainable fishing pressure levels, with some Atlantic and Pacific bluefin populations showing encouraging recovery signs under these management regimes
- Marine protected areas – Provide safe havens for spawning and feeding without fishing pressure, though enforcement remains challenging in remote ocean areas
- Sustainable fishing certifications – Programs like MSC create economic incentives for responsible practices by connecting conservation-minded fishing operations with consumer demand for sustainable products
These conservation approaches work together to address different aspects of the tuna crisis, from immediate fishing pressure reduction to long-term habitat protection. Success requires sustained commitment from fishing nations, effective enforcement mechanisms, and market support for sustainable practices. While recovery timelines remain long due to tuna biology, early signs of improvement in some regions demonstrate that coordinated conservation efforts can reverse population declines when properly implemented and maintained.
How supply chain transparency protects endangered tuna
Advanced traceability technology creates multiple barriers against illegal fishing and supports conservation compliance:
- Real-time vessel monitoring – Satellite systems and VMS/AIS technology detect operations in prohibited areas or during closed seasons, providing immediate alerts for potential violations rather than relying on post-processing documentation
- Digital verification systems – Cross-reference catch data against RFMO registries and IUU vessel blacklists through automated checking that identifies suspicious activities before illegal fish enters legitimate markets
- Comprehensive data capture – Records fishing activities from the moment they begin, creating an unalterable chain of custody that makes it nearly impossible to mislabel IUU catch as legitimate product
- Consumer transparency – Digital Product Passports provide verified information about catch methods, origins, and sustainability standards, enabling informed purchasing decisions that support responsible fishing practices
These technological solutions transform tuna supply chain oversight from a reactive system that catches violations after they occur into a proactive framework that prevents illegal activity from succeeding in the marketplace. By eliminating the economic incentives for IUU fishing and supporting science-based management through verified data, supply chain transparency becomes a powerful conservation tool that protects endangered species while building market confidence in legitimate, sustainable tuna products.
How Smartuna helps protect endangered tuna species
Smartuna provides comprehensive tuna traceability that helps protect endangered species by ensuring only legally caught, sustainable tuna enters the supply chain. The platform captures first-mile data directly from fishing vessels using satellite VMS and AIS systems, making it nearly impossible for IUU catch to be mislabeled as legitimate product.
Key protection features include:
- Automated verification against 15+ regulatory databases – Cross-references RFMO registries and IUU blacklists to prevent illegal fish from entering legitimate supply chains
- Real-time vessel tracking – Detects fishing in prohibited areas or during closed seasons, providing immediate alerts for conservation violations
- Unique Raw Material IDs – Links each batch to verifiable origin and catch method, creating an unalterable chain of custody from vessel to consumer
- Sustainability certification integration – Connects with MSC and other programs to provide verified conservation claims and support market demand for responsible fishing
- Digital Product Passports – Enable consumer choice for responsibly sourced tuna through transparent access to verified catch information and sustainability credentials
By preventing IUU fish from entering legitimate markets and supporting science-based management through verified data, Smartuna helps reduce pressure on endangered tuna populations while building trust throughout the supply chain. This comprehensive approach addresses both the immediate threat of illegal fishing and the long-term need for market-driven conservation incentives. Discover how Smartuna transforms tuna supply chain transparency to support both conservation goals and business success.
