World Tuna Day, marked every 2 May, shines a light on the importance of protecting tuna stocks through sustainable fishing. With tuna one of the most widely consumed seafoods in Australia and New Zealand, choosing sustainably sourced options—like those with the MSC blue fish tick—is a simple way to support healthy oceans.
Why do we need World Tuna Day?
Tuna is one of the world’s most popular fish – whether in sushi, sandwiches or salads – and it plays a big role in feeding people and supporting ocean health. That’s why World Tuna Day is so important: it’s a chance to recognise how vital tuna is and why choosing sustainably caught tuna matters.
Half of the world’s wild tuna catch now comes from fisheries that meet the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) sustainability standard. That means they’re fishing in a way that protects tuna populations, minimises harm to ocean habitats, and helps ensure there’s enough tuna for future generations.
The progress we’re seeing today is thanks to over 180 tuna fisheries around the world that are committed to sustainable practices. But that work needs to continue, and World Tuna Day is a great reminder that our everyday choices – like checking for the blue MSC label – really do count.
World Tuna Day aims to accelerate action to protect the future of tuna.
What is being done to protect tuna?
Tuna is being protected through global efforts to ensure it’s fished sustainably:
- 54% of the global tuna catch is now MSC certified, amounting to 2.8 million tonnes per year
- 14%% of global tuna catch is taken by fisheries in a fisheries improvement project (FIP), an initiative that puts fisheries on a path towards sustainability.
This commitment is delivering real impact, with more than 300,000 metric tonnes of MSC labelled tuna now available to shoppers – helping protect tuna stocks for the future.
Where to buy MSC certified tuna in Australia and New Zealand
In New Zealand, you'll find tuna with the MSC label from John West and Pams.
John West
John West tuna has been 100% MSC certified for the entire range since early 2016.
Pams Tuna
Pams canned tuna is MSC certified, the first retailer in New Zealand to achieve this certification across their range!
DINE cat food
Deliciously sauced and sustainably sourced cat food from DINE.
Coles Tuna
Find a wide range of Coles Tuna in different sizes and flavours.
Coles Simply
Coles Simply Tuna is the MSC Best Sustainable Seafood Product 2025.
Coles Pacific Tuna
Find a range of Coles Pacific Tuna in different flavours and formats.
East Coast Tuna Co.
A new line of canned wild caught Australian tuna launched in January 2025
John West
John West tuna has been 100% MSC certified for the entire range since early 2016.
Little Tuna
Little Tuna offers a range of wild tuna steaks in olive oil, chilli, spring water and lemon myrtle.
Safcol tuna
You'll find the MSC label on selected Safcol tuna.
Terra Madre
Discover Skipjack and Yellowfin canned tuna from Terra Madre.
The Stock Merchant Provisions
Find the MSC label on The Stock Merchant Provisions Tuna.
Wild Tides
Find a wide range of Wild Tides tuna flavours with the MSC label at Coles.
Walkers Tuna
Australian Albacore Tuna in Australian Cold Pressed Olive Oil is available in jars and pouches in Woolworths, Harris Farm, IGA and other independent retailers.
DINE cat food
Deliciously sauced, sustainably sourced cat food from DINE.
World Tuna Day activities
From raising awareness to taking action or simply enjoying sustainable tuna, there's plenty you can do to take part this World Tuna Day. Together, we're on a mission to end overfishing - a major global goal enshrined within the UN sustainable development goals.
Three things you can do this World Tuna Day...
- Cook a sustainable tuna recipe
- Check your cans of tuna
- Read a tuna fishing story
1 - Cook a sustainable tuna recipe
Celebrate with a dish that supports ocean-friendly fishing—delicious and sustainable!
Feature recipe - Spicy tuna melt toasties
Man Can Cook aka Daniel Rankin and his best friend Fraser teamed up with the MSC to cook something that hits hard after a big workout. Because when we need a spicy, cheesy, high-protein boost, this tuna melt is a go-to.
Spicy tuna melt toasties
Discover more tuna recipes
2 - Check your cans of tuna
Choose seafood with the blue fish tick to help protect tuna populations for future generations.
3 - Read a tuna fishing story
Discover how island nations are leading the way in sustainable tuna fishing.
New Zealand Albacore Tuna
In "Beyond the Catch: The Untold Story of Kiwi Fishers," Stuff.co.nz explores the challenges and triumphs of New Zealand's fishing community. This in-depth feature sheds light on the personal stories of fishers, their connection to the sea, and the evolving dynamics of the fishing industry in New Zealand.
Small islands, big opportunities
The island nations of the central Pacific don't have much land. But they have an awful lot of ocean - and a precious resource within it.
World Tuna Day 2025 theme
The MSC's 2025 theme for World Tuna Day is Yes We Can.
We need to conserve our wonderful tuna resources for future generations. Get involved in the conversation with #WorldTunaDay and #BigBlueFuture and tag @MSCbluefishtick for the chance to have your post shared to our networks.
World Tuna Day in Australia and New Zealand
Even though World Tuna Day is a global day to protect tuna, there's plenty that can be done locally to support sustainable tuna.
In Australia and New Zealand, we can enjoy a range of MSC certified sustainable tuna from Skipjack, Albacore and Yellowfin.
Over half of the world's skipjack tuna is caught in the Western Central Pacific Ocean and tuna is also caught in Australian and New Zealand waters.
Your guide to sustainable seafood
Find out where to buy, what to look for and the questions to ask.