Dolphin-Safe Tuna Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

The welfare implications of different tuna fishing methods and what dolphin-safe labels do and do not guarantee.

Key Facts

Eastern Pacific purse seine fisheries historically encircled dolphins to locate yellowfin tuna beneath them
Dolphin-safe labeling emerged in the 1990s to respond to public concern about dolphin mortality in tuna fishing
Current dolphin-safe certification prohibits setting on dolphin schools but does not address other bycatch
Pole-and-line and handline fishing methods have lower bycatch and are considered higher welfare
Fish aggregating devices used in dolphin-safe fishing catch significant juvenile fish and non-target species
The full welfare picture of tuna fishing requires looking beyond dolphin mortality to all species affected

Welfare Considerations

Dolphin-safe tuna labeling was a significant consumer-driven welfare achievement that dramatically reduced dolphin mortality in the Eastern Pacific. However, it also illustrates how narrow welfare framings can miss broader harms: methods used to avoid setting on dolphins often involve fish aggregating devices that catch large quantities of juvenile tuna and non-target species including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. A comprehensive welfare perspective on tuna fishing considers all affected animals, not only the most visible or charismatic ones. Pole-and-line and trolled tuna remain the most welfare-protective fishing methods available.

What You Can Do

Choose tuna labeled as pole-and-line or handline caught for the most welfare-protective option
Research what certification labels on tuna actually guarantee rather than assuming dolphin-safe means low bycatch
Support fisheries improvement programmes working toward comprehensive bycatch reduction across tuna fisheries
Engage with seafood certification bodies about expanding welfare criteria beyond dolphin mortality
Reduce tuna consumption or shift to certified low-bycatch products as a welfare-motivated purchasing decision