How Tuna is Harvested and Processed into Cans: The World's Most Expensive Fish

Summary

The journey of tuna from ocean to plate is explored, highlighting two main methods: farming and wild fishing. Tuna farming involves specific diets and pelleted feed to mimic natural prey, while wild fishing includes selective longline and traditional pole-and-line methods. Post-harvest, the focus is on preserving quality through cold chain logistics, auctions, and processing into various products like fresh fillets or canned tuna. The industry's economic impact is vast, supporting coastal communities and global trade, with a significant focus on sustainability and efficient resource management throughout the process.

Takeaways

• 🐟 Tuna can be sourced through both farming and wild fishing, each with distinct methods and requirements.
• 🥣 Tuna farming involves replicating natural diets with specially formulated pelleted feed to meet nutritional needs at different life stages.
• 🚢 Wild-caught tuna methods, such as longline fishing, are selective to minimize bycatch and preserve marine ecosystems.
• 📈 Tuna is harvested based on specific criteria like size, weight, and market demand, with larger fish being more valuable.
• 📊 The global canned tuna market is substantial, with billions in annual sales and significant job creation in related industries.
• 🏭 Tuna processing facilities require efficient weighing and sorting systems to manage large volumes and ensure quality control.
• 🌿 Environmental sustainability is a key concern in the tuna industry, with practices like water recycling systems being implemented to reduce waste and conserve resources.
• 🔥 Cooked tuna is rapidly cooled to prevent overcooking and maintain quality, highlighting the importance of temperature control in processing.
• 🥫 Canning processes include portioning, filling, sealing, and heat processing (retorting) to ensure product safety and shelf stability.
• 🌍 Tuna production has far-reaching implications beyond economics, including environmental, food security, governance, and international cooperation.
• 💡 A sustainable and equitable tuna industry is essential, balancing social, economic, and ecological dimensions for the benefit of present and future generations.

Q & A

What are the two main approaches to tuna production mentioned in the script?

The two main approaches to tuna production mentioned in the script are tuna farming and wild fishing.

How is the diet of juvenile tuna in farming replicated?

In tuna farming, the diet of juvenile tuna is replicated by offering live or frozen prey items to stimulate the fish's natural feeding instincts.

What type of feed is specially formulated for tuna in farming?

Pelleted feed is specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of tuna at different stages of their life cycle.

How are tuna selected for harvest in farming?

Tuna are selected for harvest based on predetermined criteria such as size, weight, and market demand.

What is Longline fishing and how does it minimize bycatch?

Longline fishing is a common method used to catch tuna commercially. It is highly selective, allowing fishermen to target specific sizes and species of tuna while minimizing bycatch of non-target species.

What is the significance of the cold chain in preserving tuna quality?

Maintaining the cold chain is crucial to preserving the freshness and quality of tuna throughout the transportation process, as it helps to lower the body temperature of the fish and slow bacterial growth.

What is the economic impact of the tuna industry on coastal communities?

The tuna industry creates thousands of jobs in fishing fleets, processing plants, and related sectors, providing livelihoods for coastal communities and supporting local economies.

How does the global canned tuna market contribute to the economy?

The global canned tuna market contributes billions of dollars in annual sales revenue and continues to grow steadily due to increasing demand from consumers worldwide.

What measures are taken to ensure food safety and quality during tuna processing?

Tuna processing facilities must ensure food safety and quality by following regulatory standards, which include practices such as weighing and sorting systems, cooking at predetermined temperatures, rapid cooling, and proper hygiene and sanitation measures.

How does the tuna industry practice circular economy principles?

The tuna industry practices circular economy principles by utilizing byproducts from tuna processing, such as fish meal, fish oil, or pet food, to revalue surplus material and minimize waste contamination.

What are the environmental considerations in balancing the social, economic, and ecological dimensions of tuna production?

Environmental considerations in balancing the dimensions of tuna production include sustainable fishing practices, minimizing habitat disturbance, and managing water consumption and waste discharge in processing facilities.

Outlines

00:00

🐟 Tuna Farming and Diet

This paragraph discusses the methods of tuna production, highlighting the differences between tuna farming and wild fishing. Tuna farming involves raising juvenile tuna with specific dietary needs, replicating their natural diet with live or frozen prey items. The high investment in tuna farming has led to the development of pelleted feed formulated to meet the fish's nutritional requirements at various life stages. The focus is on mimicking the natural prey to ensure the fish's acceptance of the feed. The paragraph also touches on the selection process for harvesting market-sized tuna and the cost-saving solutions in farming.

05:02

🎣 Wild Tuna Fishing Techniques

This section delves into the history and methods of wild tuna fishing, which dates back thousands of years. Longline fishing is introduced as a common and selective method used commercially, allowing fishermen to target specific sizes and species of tuna while minimizing bycatch. The process of handling the caught tuna is described, including bleeding, gutting, and placing the fish in ice slurry to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. The paragraph also covers traditional pole and line fishing, emphasizing its minimal impact on habitats and the importance of maintaining the cold chain during transportation to preserve quality.

10:07

🏭 Tuna Processing and Canning

This paragraph covers the various stages of tuna processing, from trimming and portioning to canning. It explains how excess fat and undesirable portions are removed from the fillets to improve overall quality. The preservation methods for fresh tuna and the common practice of canning are discussed, highlighting the global market's substantial revenue. The importance of efficient weighing and sorting systems in processing facilities is noted, as well as the implementation of water recycling systems to reduce water consumption and wastewater discharge. The paragraph also touches on the cooking process, the use of byproducts, and the different ways of storing the product, such as in glass jars or cans.

15:08

🍲 Cooking and Packaging Tuna

This section details the cooking process of tuna, emphasizing the importance of temperature control for food safety and product quality. After cooking, the tuna is cleaned again to remove bones and then utilized in various forms, including canned products. The process of filling and sealing the cans is described, along with the addition of ingredients like vegetable oil, water, salt, or flavorings. The heat processing or retorting of canned tuna is explained to ensure product safety and achieve shelf stability. The paragraph concludes with the labeling of cans with essential product information and the significance of hygiene and sanitation throughout the entire process.

20:11

🌍 Economic and Environmental Impact of Tuna Production

The final paragraph addresses the economic significance of tuna as a valuable resource, supporting livelihoods in coastal communities and providing employment opportunities. It discusses the reliance of import-dependent nations on tuna imports and exporting countries' pursuit of lucrative markets. The paragraph highlights the multifaceted implications of tuna production, including environmental sustainability, food security, governance, and international cooperation. It underscores the importance of balancing the social, economic, and ecological dimensions of tuna production to achieve a sustainable and equitable industry for present and future generations.

25:13

🤯 The Wonder of Tuna

This paragraph expresses awe at the entire process of tuna production, from farming to the final product, acknowledging the complexity and the numerous factors involved in bringing this seafood delicacy to consumers.

Keywords

💡Tuna Farming

Tuna farming refers to the practice of rearing tuna fish in controlled environments, such as fish pens or tanks. This method aims to provide juvenile tuna with specific dietary requirements to support their growth and development. In the video, it is mentioned that efforts are made to replicate their natural diet by offering live or frozen prey items, which illustrates the focus on mimicking the fish's natural habitat to ensure their health and growth. Tuna farming is contrasted with wild fishing as one of the two main approaches to obtaining tuna for consumption.

💡Wild Fishing

Wild fishing refers to the traditional method of catching tuna in their natural habitat, which has been practiced for thousands of years. This method is highlighted in the video as a way to harvest tuna for food and trade, with longline fishing being one of the most common and selective methods used commercially. It allows fishermen to target specific sizes and species of tuna while minimizing bycatch of non-target species. The practice of pole and line fishing is also mentioned, which involves techniques like chumming and is considered less invasive to the ecosystem.

💡Market Size

Market size in the context of the video refers to the size at which tuna are considered ready for harvest and sale. This is determined based on predetermined criteria such as size, weight, and market demand. Fish that meet these criteria are chosen for harvest, while smaller or lower quality fish are left to continue growing. This concept is crucial in ensuring that the tuna industry can supply the market with fish of appropriate size and quality, meeting consumer expectations and maintaining sustainability.

💡Auction

An auction, as depicted in the video, is a marketplace where tuna are sold to the highest bidder. This is a key aspect of the tuna industry where the finest pieces of tuna are often sold at high prices. Auctions are significant events that reflect the value of the tuna, with the example given in the video of a 612 lb blue fin tuna selling for a record-breaking 3.1 million, highlighting the premium nature of certain tuna species.

💡Processing Facility

A processing facility is an establishment where harvested tuna is inspected, prepared, and transformed into various products for consumption. This includes the removal of internal organs, filleting, portioning, and cooking the tuna. The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality, freshness, and compliance with regulatory standards throughout the processing stage. The facility's role is crucial in ensuring that the tuna is fit for human consumption and meets the market's demands for different recipes and serving styles.

💡Canning

Canning is a preservation method that involves sealing tuna in airtight containers, typically cans, to extend its shelf life and maintain freshness. This process is highlighted in the video as a common way of selling tuna, with the global canned tuna market being substantial and contributing significantly to the economy. Canning allows for the long-term storage and transportation of tuna, making it accessible to consumers worldwide.

💡Sustainability

Sustainability in the context of the video refers to the responsible management of tuna resources to ensure their availability for future generations. This involves balancing the social, economic, and ecological dimensions of tuna production. The video emphasizes the importance of environmental practices, such as minimizing habitat disturbance and implementing water recycling systems in industrial tuna cutting operations, to maintain the health of marine ecosystems and conserve water resources.

💡Circular Economy

The circular economy is an economic system that aims to minimize waste and make the most of resources. In the context of the video, it refers to the utilization of byproducts from tuna processing, such as fish meal, fish oil, or pet food, to create value from surplus materials. This approach not only reduces waste but also supports sustainability by reusing resources and reducing the environmental impact of the tuna industry.

💡Food Safety

Food safety encompasses the practices and measures taken to ensure that food is handled, stored, and prepared in a way that prevents illness and maintains its quality. In the video, food safety is a critical aspect of tuna processing, from the handling of raw fish to the cooking, cooling, and canning processes. It involves maintaining hygiene, following regulatory standards, and using proper sanitation techniques to prevent contamination and ensure that the final product is safe for consumption.

💡Global Implications

Global implications refer to the worldwide effects and consequences of an industry or activity. In the video, the global implications of tuna production include economic, environmental, and social aspects. The economic impact is evident in job creation and income opportunities in coastal communities, while the environmental aspect involves sustainable fishing practices and conservation of marine ecosystems. Socially, it affects food security and international cooperation. The video emphasizes the need to balance these global implications for a sustainable and equitable tuna industry.

Highlights

Tuna farming and wild fishing represent two distinct approaches to obtaining tuna.

Juvenile tuna in farming have specific dietary requirements模仿自然食物来支持其生长和发育。

Tuna farming uses pelleted feed specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of the fish at different life stages.

Market-sized tuna are selected for harvest based on criteria like size, weight, and market demand.

Wild fishing methods, such as longline fishing, have been used for thousands of years and are highly selective.

Tuna caught by longline fishing are processed by gutting, cleaning, and placing in ice slurry to extend shelf life.

Pole and line fishing is a traditional method that minimizes habitat disturbance by targeting tuna near the surface.

Tuna auctions are events where the finest pieces are sold to the highest bidders.

At processing facilities, harvested tuna is inspected for quality, freshness, and regulatory compliance.

Tuna fillets are portioned and trimmed to improve overall quality and to accommodate different recipes and serving styles.

The global canned tuna market is substantial, with billions in annual sales revenue.

Processing facilities create jobs and support livelihoods in coastal communities and rural areas where tuna fishing is a major industry.

Thawing is a critical process that involves gradually raising the temperature of frozen tuna while minimizing bacterial growth and quality degradation.

Industrial tuna cutting operations implement water recycling systems to conserve water resources and reduce wastewater discharge.

Cooking methods like steaming, boiling, or pressure cooking are used, depending on the desired texture and product formulation.

Canned tuna is portioned, filled into cans, and sealed, then subjected to heat processing (retorting) for product safety and shelf stability.

Tuna production has far-reaching global implications, including environmental sustainability, food security, governance, and international cooperation.

Balancing the social, economic, and ecological dimensions of tuna production is essential for a sustainable and equitable industry.

Transcripts

[Music]

have you ever wondered where does the

tuna we eat come

from the methods by which tuna reaches

our plates are as diverse as they are

distinct with tuna farming and tuna wild

fishing representing two contrasting

[Music]

approaches in the case of tuna farming

juvenile tuna have specific dietary

requirements that must be met to support

their growth and

development for that efforts are made to

replicate their natural diet by offering

live or frozen prey items and stimulate

the fish's natural feeding

instincts

due to the high investment involved in

tuna farming because of its large size a

cost-saving solution has been

found

[Music]

pelleted feed for tuna is specially

formulated to meet the nutritional

requirements of the fish at different

stages of their life

cycle it is manufactured so they

resemble their natural prey as Tunas are

very picky about their food if they did

not look like them these pellets would

be left floating in the

[Music]

water

once tuna reach Market size they are

selected as harvest candidates based on

predetermined criteria such as size

weight and market

[Music]

demand fish that meet these criteria are

chosen for Harvest while smaller or

lower quality fish like this one may be

left to continue

[Music]

growing

once the tuna are deemed ready for

transfer they are prepared for larger

growout facilities acclimating the fish

to changes in water parameters to

minimize stress during the

transition on the other hand we can also

o find tuna wild fishing which dates

back thousands of years with evidence of

tuna being harvested for food and trade

by the Phoenicians Greeks and

[Music]

Romans what we are seeing now is called

Longline fishing it is one of the most

common methods used to catch tuna

commercially

[Music]

this method can be highly selective

allowing fishermen to Target specific

sizes and species of tuna while

minimizing bycatch of non-target

[Music]

species

once bled Tunas are gutted and clean to

remove internal organs and any residual

blood or

viscera by placing them immediately in

ice slurry they rapidly lower their body

temperature and slow bacterial growth

extending its shelf life during storage

and

transportation however in some cases the

tradition is maintained and pole in line

fishing is

practiced fishermen use techniques such

as chumming which consists of dispersing

bait into the

water

[Music]

by targeting tuna schools near the

surface habitat disturbance is minimized

avoiding damage to sensitive benthic

habitats such as coral reefs or deep sea

[Music]

ecosystems

once the fishing vessel returns to Port

the containers of tuna pieces are

transferred to larger Transportation

vessels for shipment to auction

facilities or processing

[Music]

plants tuna species vary in size and

weight with some species growing larger

than others

for example Atlantic blue fin tuna is

one of the largest tuna species it can

reach lengths of over 10 ft and weigh

several hundred

lb as they are so big throughout the

transportation process maintaining the

cold chain is crucial to preserving the

freshness and quality of the tuna

[Music]

[Music]

pieces tuna auctions are fascinating

events where the finest pieces are sold

to the highest biders

[Music]

upon arrival at the processing facility

harvested tuna is inspected for quality

freshness and compliance with regulatory

standards for that in most cases a small

piece is cut so that retailers can

assess the quality of the flesh

the weight of each tuna piece is

recorded along with other relevant

information which is documented on

auction sheets or electronic systems for

reference during the auction

[Music]

process and here's the kicker depending

on market demand stocks can go crazy in

fact in January 2019 a 612 lb blue fin

tuna was sold at the first auction of

the year at the toyosu market setting an

absolute

record the winning bid was a staggering

3.1 million making it clear why this

fish is called The Diamond of the

sea with sharp knives skilled workers

carefully remove the stomach intestines

liver and other internal organs without

damaging the tuna

me depending on the intended use tuna

fillets can be portioned into various

sizes and shapes to accommodate

different recipes and serving styles

[Music]

tuna filets may contain pockets of fat

or connective tissue that can affect

texture and flavor that is the main

reason for trimming by removing excess

fat and any tough or undesirable

portions from the fillets its overall

quality is

improved

now the tuna industry goes much further

tuna can go through several processes

that make its preservation and

subsequent consumption much

[Music]

longer in the case of fresh tuna the

sale and consumption is immediate but

one of the most common ways of selling

tuna is in

cans

tuna intended for canning is often

caught and processed on fishing vessels

or at seab based processing

[Music]

plants the global canned tuna Market is

substantial with billions of dollars in

annual sales

[Music]

revenue

according to Market Research reports the

can tuna Market is valued at several

billion dollars and continues to grow

steadily due to increasing demand from

consumers

worldwide in regions where tuna fishing

and processing are major industries

thousands of jobs are created in fishing

fleets processing plants canaries and

related

sectors

[Music]

[Music]

in some countries like Japan Mexico or

Spain the caned tuna industry is a

significant source of livelihood for

Coastal communities and rural

areas large scale processing facilities

typically handle large volumes of tuna

from very ious sources requiring

efficient weighing and sorting systems

to manage the incoming

fish in this sense there is one process

that is Paramount to prepare the tuna

for further

[Music]

processing thawing involves gradually

raising the temperature of the frozen

tuna to defrost it safely and

efficiently while minimizing the risk of

bacterial growth and quality

[Music]

degradation water temperature is closely

monitored to ensure that it remains cold

and within food safety

guidelines in many cases as you can see

the thawing and filling process is done

at the same time to optimize processing

[Music]

times it has become clear that water is

an essential resource in tuna cutting

operations industrial tuna cutting

facilities Implement water recycling

systems to minimize water consumption

and reduce Wastewater

discharge recycled water is treated and

reused in various stages of The Cutting

process helping to conserve water

resources and reduce operating

costs

then the filleted tuna is sorted

according to its classification to be

cooked most processing facilities use

steam cookers boiling tanks or pressure

[Music]

cookers the method chosen depends on

factors such as the desired texture and

product formulation but it must be

cooked to a predetermined temperature to

ensure food safety and product

[Music]

quality the cooking temperature

typically ranges between 200 and 40° F

to

250°

f

[Music]

after cooking it's crucial to rapidly

cool the tuna to prevent

overcooking cooked tuna is cleaned again

to remove the spines and

[Music]

Bones some processing facilities May

utilize byproducts from tuna processing

for purposes such as fish meal fish oil

or pet

food

[Music]

in this way not only is it used to

revalue the surplus material but it also

works under a circular economy taking

advantage of all the fish to avoid the

contamination derived from its

waste

[Music]

[Music]

after this point there are two

widespread ways of storing the product

in glass jars or canned

the different portions are marked so as

to know to which lot they belong and in

what quantity they should be placed in

their

[Music]

containers tuna fillets may be portioned

into uniform sizes and shapes to meet

cust customer specifications and market

demand portioning also allows for

efficient processing and packaging of

the

[Music]

[Music]

tuna portions of cooked tuna and

additional ingredients are carefully

measured and dispensed into each jar

manually to avoid damaging the

portions

[Music]

after filling metal Lids are applied to

the filled jars to create an airtight

seal the lids are typically made of

metal and may have a plasticol lining to

provide a secure

[Music]

seal

[Music]

finally all the jars are labeled for

further selling putting an end to the

elaboration

process

in the case of canned tuna the cooked

and cooled tuna is portioned and filled

into big cans the process begins with

prepared big cans being conveyed to The

Filling Station via a conveyor

[Music]

system

[Music]

again additional ingredients such as

vegetable oil water salt or flavorings

may be added to the caned tuna depending

on the desired product formulation

before sealing

[Music]

them

[Music]

finally sealed cans of tuna are

subjected to heat processing also known

as retorting to ensure product safety

and Achieve shelf stability

this also helps destroy any harmful

bacteria and

enzymes with the leftover Tuna from the

large pieces a compressed mass is made

so that it can be pressure canned in

smaller

[Music]

cans

[Music]

during the entire process hygiene and

sanitation are Paramount to prevent

contamination and ensure food

[Music]

safety

[Music]

before the heating process the filled

and sealed cans of tuna are loaded onto

racks or trays and arranged in retorts

which are large pressure vessels used

for heat

processing

[Music]

after heat processing the cans are

rapidly cooled to room temperature with

fans to prevent overcooking and ensure

product

quality cooled cans are then labeled

with product information such as the

product name ingredients nutritional

information and expiration

date the sea diamond is one of the most

economically significant fish species

globally valued for its nutritional

benefits versatility and market

demand the the economic implications of

its production are multifaceted and have

a direct impact on several

sectors tuna Fisheries support

livelihoods in coastal communities

worldwide providing employment and

income opportunities for millions of

people engaged in fishing

activities import dependent Nations rely

on imported tuna to meet domestic demand

while exporting countries seek access to

lucrative markets for their tuna

products indeed tuna production carries

far-reaching Global implications that

extend beyond economic considerations to

Encompass environmental sustainability

food security governance and

international

cooperation

balancing the social economic and

ecological dimensions of tuna production

is essential for achieving a sustainable

and Equitable tuna industry that

benefits present and future

Generations

wow