Low Mercury

Since we're in the albacore tuna business, we can't help but be concerned about mercury and other pollutants that may affect the health and safety of our customers. Mercury is a powerful poison that has been shown to be more toxic in than lead, cadmium or arsenic. Because of our concern, we have tested the mercury level in our catch multiple times. An Oregon State University study published in February 2004 indicated that mercury levels for troll-caught albacore fished off the northern Pacific near the coasts of Oregon and Washington were about one-third the level found in most industrial canned tuna.

We are not surprised by the positive results indicated by both the tests of our own fish and Oregon State University's test of 100 troll-caught fish from different boats. It is, after all, generally accepted in the scientific community that younger and smaller fish feeding lower in the food chain amass less methyl mercury per unit of body mass. (The average fish caught by the Fishing Vessel St. Jude is 15 pounds — 3-5 years old. The average mature fish weighs around 50 pounds and is 15-20 years old. )
Albacore tuna is an excellent source of B vitamins, B3 (niacin), and other B vitamins including B1 (thiamin) and B6 (pyridoxine).
Young albacore are segregated by ocean temperature conditions away from the bigger adult fish, this is how the troll method of fishing selects smaller fish.
Young albacore are rich in omega-3 fatty acids in part because they primarily feed on anchovies, squid and krill. Albacore are able to feed very efficiently on these forage species which form very tight “meat balls” when confronted by predators.
Albacore also are a good source of minerals and of course protein.

Joe Malley on the St. Jude. Photo by Clare Barboza

St. Jude fishing lure. Photo by Clare Barboza

St. Jude fishing hook. Photo by Clare Barboza

St. Jude bow. Photo by Clare Barboza

St. Jude fishing rope. Photo by Clare Barboza