The Albacore Tuna
Name Game

In the Pacific Northwest troll-caught albacore is sometimes called "West Coast albacore," "local albacore," "Oregon albacore" or simply "local tuna." These terms are not accurate since Pacific albacore are highly migratory species that spend most of their lives thousands of miles from any land: they do not stay by any particular state and are only visitors, not "locals." However, fishermen from California, Oregon, and Washington troll for albacore, so tuna marked as "local" or "West Coast albacore" are in fact troll-caught albacore.

"Troll-caught" albacore tuna refers to 3-to-5 year old albacore harvested by "trolling" jigs behind a slow-moving boat [read about the fishing gear and techniques]. Commercial fishermen from North America have used this low-impact, environmentally responsible fishing technique to harvest albacore for nearly a century, while albacore fishing fleets from other countries tend to use other fishing methods. [read more about environmental aspects of the fishery]

LOW CARB DIET INFORMATION:   Whether you are new to low-carb nutrition or a seasoned carb-counting veteran, albacore tuna is a natural fit in your regime. Albacore tuna is naturally low in carbohydrates, and rich in heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Albacore tuna is a good source of protein and does not have the high saturated fat that fatty meat products do, according to the American Heart Association. (As with any major change to your diet, please consult your physician before beginning a low-carb diet plan.)

For biological reasons, younger troll-caught albacore have more beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids than older, larger albacore. Omega-3s are associated with reducing the risks or effects of heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, cancer, arthritis, lupus, and other diseases [read more about Omega-3s]. You'll also find that because of their natural Omega-3 content, the rich, satisfying, yet mild meat from troll-caught albacore needs less mayonnaise or other unhealthy added fats in your favorite recipes.

At the same time, processing techniques can be a significant factor in the canned albacore Omega-3s content. The vast majority of canned albacore sold by the big major brands comes from older, larger albacore that has been cooked twice. This makes it easier for assembly line workers to skin and de-bone large amounts of tuna, yet most Omega-3s are unfortunately lost in the process. Some fishermen are therefore offering their own custom-canned troll-caught albacore that is hand-packed and cooked only once in their natural juices to prevent the loss of Omega-3s and flavor [read more about canning issues].

Remember the troll
who caught the
albacore tuna!

There are many different kinds of commercial fishing gear, and it is very easy to confuse trolling with trawling.

Trawl fishing gear (it helps to say trawl with a Southern drawl!) is completely different from the jigs fishermen use to troll for albacore.

In the Spring of 2003 Wayne Heikkila of the Western Fishboat Owners Association created a little troll riding an albacore to help people remember about troll-caught albacore tuna, which are also the younger, smaller, Omega-3 rich albacore discussed on this webpage. Remember the troll!

One should also realize that troll-caught albacore is not always easy to find or even identify [read more about identifying troll-caught albacore]. The vast majority of albacore available in the US today is the older, larger albacore harvested by foreign fishing fleets; consumers interested in trying troll-caught will need to specifically ask for it in most restaurants, supermarkets, and at seafood counters. That said, some retailers and restaurants in the Pacific Northwest offer troll-caught albacore; this website provides lists of these establishments. Custom-canned troll-caught albacore is also available by mail order and on the internet, and each year fishermen in different harbors sell part of their catch directly to the public. [jump to the troll-caught albacore availability webpage]

Many people who generally do not like fish still enjoy the mild taste of troll-caught albacore, since it doesn't taste "fishy." Troll-caught is a very versatile in the kitchen and can be used in place of chicken; this website also offers dozens of recipes for every occasion. [jump to the troll-caught albacore recipe center]