Frequently Asked Questions
How is your albacore different from other brands?
The Craft Fish Company is one of the few tuna producers that maintains a fully domestic supply chain from catch to can. Our albacore is wild-caught exclusively in U.S. waters by a U.S.-flagged vessel using pole-and-line fishing, a highly selective and sustainable method that eliminates bycatch.
Unlike most canned tuna brands, which often source raw fish from foreign industrial fleets and send it to low-cost overseas processing facilities; our product is fully handled within the United States. That means:
- Caught by U.S. fishermen on our vessel, the Piky
- Processed and canned in the U.S. under rigorous federal food safety standards
- Packed and shipped domestically, supporting American labor and oversight
This closed-loop, domestic supply chain is rare in today’s tuna industry and ensures superior traceability, accountability, and product integrity from ocean to shelf.
Where is your tuna caught?
All our albacore is caught off the U.S. West Coast, primarily in the North Pacific Ocean using pole-and-line or troll fishing methods, each only catching one fish at a time. These methods target surface-schooling albacore, eliminating bycatch and minimizing habitat impact.
What kind of tuna do you use?
We exclusively use North Pacific albacore (Thunnus alalunga). We harvest these fish at their peak moment of maturity, which occurs in July to October. During this time the albacore off the Pacific Northwest coast of the U.S. are at an ideal size and maturity. These fish are naturally low in mercury compared to older, larger species of tuna typically used for canning. The fish are typically 3 to 5 years old and weigh under 20 lbs at harvest.
How do you catch your tuna?
All of our fish are individually line-caught on our family's commercial fishing boat Piky, by our founder, JJ Gerritsen and his crew, using barbless hooks and low-impact gear. This method eliminates bycatch, avoids net entanglement, respects the vast marine ecosystem, and allows for selective harvesting of only healthy mature fish. We catch only what we expect, albacore.
How is your tuna processed and canned?
Our fish are processed locally at an artisanal cannery, cleaned by hand, and canned in BPA-free, pull top tins. We use no fillers, artificial preservatives, or chemical flavor enhancers. Just wild albacore, a touch of sea salt, and optionally, organic olive oil. To learn more see our About Us section.
Is your albacore sustainably sourced?
Yes. Our tuna is pole-and-line caught aboard the F/V Piky, a U.S.-flagged vessel that is a certified member of the American Albacore Fishing Association (AAFA).
AAFA represents American albacore vessels that use one-by-one fishing methods, which virtually eliminate bycatch, minimize environmental impact, and help maintain healthy fish stocks. The North Pacific albacore fishery under AAFA is MSC-certified and fully traceable from catch to tin.
Our company’s owner and the captain of the Piky, JJ Gerritsen, serves on the AAFA Board of Directors, where he helps guide sustainable fishery management and advocate for responsible, small-scale fishing operations. All of our catch is documented under NOAA oversight and AAFA’s traceability standards.
Is your product certified sustainable?
Yes. We follow standards recognized by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and work with local fisheries management bodies to ensure every fish we catch is traceable and sustainably harvested.
What is MSC and why is it important?
MSC stands for the Marine Stewardship Council, an independent nonprofit that sets the global standard for sustainable fishing. Fish caught on MSC-certified vessels means the fish was caught responsibly, with minimal environmental impact and full traceability from ocean to tin. It’s the gold standard for ocean sustainability, and we’re proud to be part of it.
Is your tuna sourced from an FDA-approved establishment?
Yes! An FDA-approved establishment is a food facility that's registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and meets federal standards for cleanliness, food safety, and traceability. At Craft Fish Co., all of our albacore tuna is caught aboard the Piky which is an FDA-registered facility that follows strict protocols to ensure product integrity.
The Piky is also audited annually by NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), a federal agency that inspects for quality, sustainability, and proper handling. That means every tin meets the highest standards from ocean to you.
Is your albacore tuna healthy?
Yes! Our tuna is packed with lean protein, omega-3s, and essential nutrients, without fillers or preservatives. It’s a clean, whole food you can feel great about eating.
How much protein is in each can?
Each 6oz tin contains 42 grams of protein! That's more than most protein bars, powders, or ready-made shakes, with none of the junk, and it tastes great.
Is your tuna keto, paleo, or Whole30 friendly?
Absolutely. Our ingredients are simple and clean; just wild-caught albacore tuna, organic olive oil, and sea salt: no sugar, no carbs, no preservatives, no broth, no problem.
Why are omega-3s important?
Omega-3 fatty acids support heart health, and brain function, and reduce inflammation. Wild albacore tuna is one of the best natural sources, especially when it's cooked just once, like ours.
Is your tuna safe for children and pregnant women?
Yes. Because we only use small mature albacore, mercury levels are significantly lower than in standard canned tuna. Our product falls well below the FDA’s and EPA’s action levels for methylmercury, making it suitable for most populations, including children and pregnant individuals. However, we always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider for individual dietary needs.
What about mercury levels in your albacore?
Our albacore is caught in the colder waters of the North Pacific, where mercury levels are naturally lower. These fish are smaller, typically weighing between 10–20 lbs, and have not accumulated the high mercury concentrations found in older, larger tuna species.
Independent studies and government data have shown that North Pacific troll- and pole-caught albacore have significantly lower mercury levels than the FDA’s action limit, often testing well below 0.2 ppm (parts per million), compared to up to 0.6 ppm or higher in older longline-caught albacore.
Our catch meets or exceeds all FDA and EPA safety guidelines for mercury, making it a safe, clean protein source; even for children and pregnant women when consumed in recommended amounts.
Do you test your tuna for mercury and radiation?
Yes. As members of the American Albacore Fishing Association (AAFA), our catch is subject to monthly mercury and radiation testing conducted by Eurofins Scientific, an independent, accredited laboratory.
These tests ensure that all albacore caught by AAFA member vessels remain well below the FDA’s action limits for both mercury and radiation. This rigorous testing program adds an additional layer of transparency and food safety beyond federal requirements.
Our customers can feel confident knowing that every fish is not only sustainably caught but also routinely tested for purity and safety before ever reaching a tin.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes. We offer shipping across the U.S. in recyclable, low-waste packaging.
How much is shipping and when will my order ship?
Shipping is a flat rate of $12 for orders under $100 and free for orders over $100. Orders will be shipped within 2-3 business days. You'll receive tracking info as soon as it leaves our hands.
What if there’s a problem with my order?
Just reach out to us at info@craftfishco.com. We’re a very small team, but we take customer care personally; one of us will make it right.