Is Tuna from Senegal Safe to Eat?

Tuna is a popular and nutritious fish that is enjoyed around the world. However, concerns about mercury levels in tuna have led many people to question whether tuna from certain regions is safe to eat. One country that exports tuna is Senegal, located in West Africa. So, is tuna from Senegal safe?

Overview of the Tuna Industry in Senegal

Senegal has a large artisanal fishing industry that catches various species of tuna. The main types caught are skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna. Most of the catch is exported to Europe, although some is sold domestically.

Tuna fishing provides an important source of revenue and jobs for Senegal. The country has worked to develop its tuna industry in recent decades. Export earnings from tuna increased from $11 million in 2000 to $134 million in 2018.

However, there are concerns that increased demand for tuna could lead to overfishing in Senegalese waters Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is also an issue To promote more sustainable practices, Senegal has partnered with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on initiatives like improving monitoring and data collection.

Mercury Levels in Tuna from Senegal

Mercury is a heavy metal that is present naturally in the ocean but can also enter the environment through pollution. When tuna consume smaller fish that have been exposed to mercury it bioaccumulates in their tissues. The larger and older a tuna is, the higher the mercury levels.

Of the three main species caught in Senegal, mercury levels are highest in bigeye tuna, followed by yellowfin and then skipjack. Here are typical mercury levels found in these species from Senegal:

• Skipjack: 0.10 – 0.30 ppm
• Yellowfin: 0.30 – 0.50 ppm
• Bigeye: 0.45 – 0.70 ppm

These levels are similar to or even lower than mercury levels seen in tuna caught elsewhere. For example, canned light tuna in the US often has mercury levels of 0.1 – 0.2 ppm.

Health Risks of Tuna Mercury Levels

For most adults, the mercury levels found in tuna from Senegal are considered safe. International guidelines set maximum safe weekly limits at around 1 ppm of mercury. Someone eating average amounts of Senegalese skipjack would fall well below this limit.

However, health agencies advise pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children to limit intake of high-mercury fish like tuna. Developing fetuses and young children are more vulnerable to mercury’s effects on the brain and nervous system.

To be cautious, pregnant women should consider avoiding bigeye tuna from Senegal and eat yellowfin or skipjack no more than once a week. Very young children should also eat these tuna varieties sparingly.

Tips to Reduce Mercury Exposure from Tuna

Here are some tips to reduce mercury risks when eating tuna from Senegal:

• Choose skipjack tuna, which has the lowest mercury levels
• Limit higher-mercury yellowfin and bigeye tuna
• Eat a variety of fish, not just tuna
• Avoid very large, old tuna as they accumulate the most mercury
• Check advisories for at-risk groups like pregnant women and kids
• Follow portion size recommendations from health agencies
• Avoid frequent tuna intake if you regularly eat other seafood

For most people, tuna from Senegal does not pose a significant mercury risk if eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Pregnant women and parents of young children should take extra care and limit intake of the higher-mercury tuna varieties from Senegal. Following seafood advisories and guidelines can help reduce potential exposure to mercury when enjoying this popular fish.