Mercury Levels in Seafood

Why U.S. West Coast Albacore Is Lower in Mercury

People often ask whether tuna contains mercury. The answer is yes — but the amount depends heavily on the age of the fish and where it was caught. Younger Pacific albacore caught off Oregon and Washington are typically harvested earlier in life, resulting in naturally lower mercury levels than older tuna.

All fish contain naturally occurring trace amounts of mercury from the ocean environment. The key factor that determines mercury levels in fish is age. Mercury accumulates slowly over time, so larger and older fish generally contain more mercury than younger fish.

Pacific Albacore tuna caught off the U.S. West Coast are typically young migratory fish, often under five years old. These tuna are harvested as they travel through the Pacific on their early migration, which means they have had far less time to accumulate mercury than older tuna caught later in life.

Because of this, U.S. troll-caught albacore is widely recognized as a cleaner and lower-mercury tuna option.

How Mercury Levels Compare

Mercury in seafood is measured in parts per million (ppm). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows up to 1.0 ppm mercury in fish.

Testing of Pacific Northwest albacore typically shows levels far below this safety limit, reflecting the younger age of the fish and the healthy offshore waters where they are caught. This means consumers can enjoy tuna as a nutritious, high-protein seafood choice while staying well within established safety guidelines.

Why Younger Tuna Matter

Not all tuna are the same. Mercury levels can vary widely depending on how and where the fish are caught. West Coast albacore fisheries primarily harvest younger migratory tuna using troll and pole-and-line methods, which target individual fish near the ocean surface.

These fish are younger, smaller, and wild-caught in the open Pacific. Because mercury accumulates over time, these younger tuna naturally contain lower mercury levels than older, deep-water tuna harvested later in life by large industrial fleets.

A Nutritious Seafood Choice

Albacore tuna is one of the most nutrient-dense seafoods available. It provides high-quality protein, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, selenium, and essential minerals. When responsibly sourced, tuna remains a healthy, safe, and sustainable seafood choice for families.

Our Commitment to Quality

At Oregon’s Choice, our tuna comes from the same Pacific Northwest troll fishery that our family has worked with for generations. These fisheries focus on catching younger migratory albacore, which naturally contain lower mercury levels while delivering the clean flavor and firm texture that make Oregon-caught tuna so special.

From the ocean to your table, we are committed to providing traceable, responsibly harvested seafood you can feel good about serving your family.