Tuna has always been a staple Real Food in our home. I’ve always taken care to source low mercury, sustainably caught tuna in order to prepare quality tuna steaks for dinner, tuna melts for lunch, or that old standby tuna salad for lunch boxes, quick snacks or just a dollop on a bed of greens. Spicy bluefin tuna rolls are a favorite of my husband when dining at Japanese restaurants.
About a year ago, however, I started to question my choice of tuna for regular consumption. I began reading the reports about the spreading radiation plume in the Pacific from the continuing Fukushima nuclear disaster. I delved into the migratory patterns of various species of tuna. The more I read, the more concerned, and quite frankly, confused I became.
Realizing that my family’s health can’t be wagered on guesses or half-truths, I gathered as much information as I could to arrive at an informed decision.  Here’s what I found.
All species of tuna are highly migratory. This means that they swim long distances pretty much throughout their entire lives. These migration patterns are still ill-understood although it is generally agreed upon that they are large.
Pacific bluefin tuna are born near Japan spending their early months swimming in the radiation plume there. They then swim back and forth across the Pacific their entire lives. One tuna nicknamed Terry crossed the Pacific no less than 3 times in the span of only 20 months coming very close to Japan each time. To the right is a chart showing his epic swim.
The information gleaned from Terry the tuna is not new. As early as the 1950’s, tagged albacore tuna were known to swim thousands of miles as shown in this second chart to the right. The open circles off the California coast indicate where they were released and the solid circles closer to Japan indicates where they were recaptured.
Highly migratory indeed!
Atlantic based tuna exhibit the same nomadic patterns. According to National Geographic, high tech tags of Atlantic bluefin tuna revealed the following:
A team of international scientists documented two giant bluefins tagged within minutes of each other off the coast of Ireland. The two fish swam to opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean–ending up more than 3,000 miles (5,000 kilometers) apart. One of the fish traveled 3,730 miles (6,000 kilometers) southwest to waters about 186 miles (300 kilometers) northeast of Cuba. The other remained in the eastern Atlantic and moved off the coasts of Portugal.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation (FAO)s, all species of tuna, not just bluefin and albacore, are considered highly migratory, again with the reasons for these patterns not well understood. Â Here is a breakdown of the tuna species and where they are located according to a report by the FAO:
- Albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga), which occurs in tropical and temperate waters worldwide.
- Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), mostly found in temperate waters of the Atlantic, including the Mediterranean, and Pacific Oceans. It is noted that since the adoption of UNCLOS, bluefin tuna in the northern Pacific has been identified as a different species, Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) while bluefin in the Atlantic has been re-named Atlantic bluefin tuna.
- Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), found in the Atlantic (but absent from the Mediterranean), Indian and Pacific Oceans.
- Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) with a worldwide distribution in tropical and temperate waters.
- Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), also with a worldwide distribution in tropical and sub-tropical more temperate seas, but absent from the Mediterranean.
- Blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) found in the western Atlantic in tropical and warm seas.
- Little tuna (Euthynnus alleteratus and E. affinis), with E. alleteratus found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, including the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, and E. affinis in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is noted that presently, E. alleteratus is called little tunny and E. affinis is called kawakawa.
- Southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii), in temperate waters of the southern hemisphere in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.
- Frigate and bullet tuna (Auxis thazard and A. rochei) found in the Atlantic (including the Mediterranean Sea where only A. rochei is found), Indian and Pacific Oceans.
So Tuna Swim. Â A Lot. Â So What?
The fact that tuna swim great distances, constantly moving and migrating means that tuna in the Pacific more than likely will have passed through the growing Fukushima radiation plume at some point in their lives, probably numerous times.
With long-lived varieties like albacore (11-12 years) and bluefin (up to 20 years), this is especially true. With much smaller, shorter-lived tuna like the skipjack (about 8 years), less so.
Is the Fukushima Radiation Even Really a Problem?
The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Some reports say yes, the Pacific-based radiation plume from Fukushima is a serious problem and growing worse as 300 tons of radioactive water pours into the Pacific every single day with no end in sight for years. Unbelievably, Japan’s government only acknowledged the urgency of the situation in September 2013.
On the other hand, a comprehensive assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that radioactive particles that are making their way to North American waters will have a limited effect on human health, with concentrations below WHO safety levels.
The most unsettling data to date is that the continued outflow of radioactive water from Fukushima now no longer just contains cesium isotopes. It now also contains the more worrisome strontium-90 which is a bone-seeking isotope.
Who is right? Â Who is wrong?
One thing is true, Fukushima is a nuclear disaster never before experienced in human history so all theories and probabilities are on the table.
Dr. Ken Buessler, a world expert in marine radioactivity with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts who is leading an international research team tracking Fukushima’s trails in the Pacific has this to say:
We still don’t know the answers to many important questions concerning the impacts of Fukushima radionuclides on the oceans. For example, we still don’t have a good handle on how much radioactivity was released, and we don’t fully understand where it has ended up, and that holds for the ocean waters, seafloor sediments, and for marine biota, such as tuna.
Caution Seems to Be the Best Policy
Having personally known someone who died of radiation-induced cancer 15 years after the Chernobyl disaster from the fallout that blanketed parts of Europe which governments at the time said was no threat to human health (his wife lost most of her hair but has survived although they tragically had a daughter born a few years after the disaster who developed leukemia), I don’t take the long term, cumulative effects of radiation lightly and interpret official reports like the one published by the WHO with a grain of salt.
If you choose to interpret the data as a nonthreat to human health with the radiation levels within safe limits, that is, of course, your choice. My approach is both practical and cautionary to play it safe for my children’s sake until more information is gathered and the extent of the problem studied further. This includes avoiding all tuna from Pacific waters given that this particular migratory fish is prone to swimming close to Japan multiple times during its lifetime.
Since much of the time, the ocean of origin for tuna is unknown or not labeled, this would mean avoiding all tuna in most cases. This is exactly what I’ve been doing for the past six months or so – no tuna in my home. Period.
The complaining of my family about the absence of tuna dishes (which everyone loves) has caused me to continue to search for a source of tuna I would feel comfortable serving.  I recently discovered a skipjack tuna from Portugal (source) that I’ve been purchasing for several years.
Buy Atlantic Based Tuna!
Given that Atlantic based tuna do not enter the Pacific during their lives, I felt at this time, this brand of sustainably-fished Atlantic tuna would be safe to eat.
However, predictions are for the Fukushima radiation plume to continue growing, eventually entering the Arctic and then the Atlantic Oceans, as the disaster is far from contained. As a result, this situation most likely will change in the coming years. For now, however, if tuna origin can be accurately confirmed, I will purchase and eat it – but only from the Atlantic Ocean and other non-Pacific sources.
What are your thoughts about eating tuna and other seafood? Â What data have you come across to support your decision? Do you continue to eat tuna? Â Why or why not?
References
(1) Radiation From Fukushima Could Help Solve the Mystery of Bluefin Tuna Migration
(2) Health risk assessment from the nuclear accident after the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami, based on a preliminary dose estimation
(3) Tagged Tuna Reveal Migration Secrets
(4) Tuna’s 25,000 Mile Swim Down Marine Highway
(5) The Migration, Age, and Growth of Pacific Albacore (1951-1958)
(6) Should you Worry about Radiation in your Wild Pacific Fish?
(7) Highly Migratory Species of Fish
(8) Tuna Species
Thank you Sarah, for posting this! I have been avoiding pacific coast fish for a while now, and wonder at times if it’s even necessary based on the many confusing things I’ve read. I live near the Oregon coast, and can my own tuna yearly. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful tuna here. Several years ago, I canned nearly 500 lbs of the stuff, and I’m so glad I did. The several cases that I have left are now considered gold to me as these were canned before the earthquake happened, so that tuna is ‘safe’. Sadly, I won’t be canning tuna in the near future. Thanks for clarifying and giving us another option!
We don’t eat tuna at all now because of the radiation possibility. After learning about the dangers of GMO and glyphosate in our foods (and our government telling us that it is all safe to eat), we don’t automatically believe anything anymore. The WHO is obviously trying to prevent a widespread panic because they have no idea how to fix the leaking radiation and the resulting contamination to our oceans.
I have talked to a few people about the reality of radiation contaminating seafood from the Pacific and they had not thought about the possibility. A lot of people have forgotten about the Fukushima disaster and since it is not coming up in the news much, they have had no reason to worry about the seafood supply. It’s scary because by the time people start getting cancers and other diseases from this, it will be too late.
I stated on day 3, that everybody in the world should have been in Japan forcing a fix when it was fixable. Silence was the only response. There is a concerted and purposeful effort to prevent ANY news from Fukushima from entering any press outlet, both from the “left” and the “right” but ESPECIALLY the “right”! The same is true of GMO news, but this is primarily due to the neo’s
This was a great article that puts things in perspective. I don’t eat tuna due to mercury toxicity, let alone radiation!
I have a seafood survival guide that clearly explains which fish are safe to eat, which are not and why.
http://www.liveto110.com/seafood-survival-guide
We have completely stopped eating seafood long ago, right after the BP thing, really, and the nuclear disaster only underlined it, and since Fukushima we have begun a very carefully thought out iodine protocol in our home, which has really boosted everyone’s health and made huge strides in everyone’s well being and overall mood. Why the WAPF blogosphere hasn’t really gotten the iodine knowledge outside a few people has mystified me… maybe there aren’t enough sponsors giving out freebies and discounts to bloggers. But at any rate, it has really helped us, along with magnesium. Those things with the traditional foods, have made our household complete and has answered the last few nagging health problems.
Can you share your protocol for iodine & magnesium? I’m here on the West coast & although I don’t eat fish, there is so much more to be concerned about, especially in the years to come. I thank you prior. I also know that you can only share what you do, not necessarily recommend it for me personally.
Over half the country is magnesium deficient- I recommend to everyone to take nightly or 4-5 times a week magnesium baths. Magnesium chloride salts. And also a great magnesium glycinate supplement- Premier research labs makes a wonderful one.
You must be careful with iodine protocol. I am a homeopathic practitioner, and I seriously advise that you follow up with periods labwork and also with your medical practitioner, whomever it may be, so that it does not screw you and your family up, doing things willy nilly in the advice of random internet me or bloggers, which happens a lot in the traddy food world. It is a wonderful protocol if done correctly with supervision or with know how.
I recommend googling Dr. Brownstein as well as Dr. Mark Sircus, two pioneers in the iodine world. They have really brought it out and, especially in Dr. Brownstein’s case, healed thousands of disease and even cancer with their protocols.
You cannot just take iodine by itself, you must take companion nutrients with it- thus the “protocol” or you will really interfere with the thyroid, though honestly most people are hypo and don’t realize it anyway I’m today’s toxic world.
Selenium, real sea salt, natural Vitamin C (Amla or premier research labs again) and a very good b component complex are to be taken along with the iodine. No kelp! Kelp is from the beleaguered ocean.
Iodine is sourced from either Iodoral, a tablet or Lugol’s solution, an iodine/iodide mix of 5%.
If you research the Brownstein iodine protocol, you will find a plethora of information and ways to begin. Good luck!
Dr. Sircus’ website is also wonderful, though he advocates a weaker, more expensive form of iodine called nascent iodine. He is great too, though.
To clarify- the real salt is either from Redmonds in UT or the Celtic gray salt from France or the flake salt from France. Also, chlorine and fluoride compete for iodine receptors in the thyroid gland. If you still use fluoride toothpaste or have fluoridated/chlorinated water, get a filter and use baking soda to brush teeth- also stay out of pools and hot tubs unless they are salt. Bromide is a huge competitor too, used in hot tubs and also when bread is made with brominated flour, all that bromide accumulates in the body and is toxic. Pepperidge farms, Wegman’s, Fresh Market, Lowe’s Food’s, and locally made organic items usually make bread with unbrominated flour for people who don’t have time to soak and sprout the fancy stuff.
Hi Heather,
Thank you for the information. What flouride water filter do you use? I’ve been searching for a flouride filter pitcher. I saw one online, but haven’t been able to find it again. Thank you for whatever insight you can give.
Ayesha, personally I use a Zero water pitcher…it removes literally everything!
I’d suggest the Berkey water filter with fluoride attachment.
I second the interest in fish oil supplements, along with salmon from Alaska!
Sarah, what are your thoughts about wild caught Alaskan salmon?
(I’ve got some in my freezer & some canned in my cupboard)…..
Since salmon are not as highly migratory as tuna, it would definitely be a safer choice although not entirely without risk. However, keep tabs on this story as the situation is definitely going to change in the coming years.
Any food can be tested to determine if it has been contaminated by radioactive material and therefore not safe. You can purchase a meter to test for yourself. The low end basic meters cost just a few hundred dollars. Here is an example of Pacific salmon having been tested.
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/allyoucaneat/2014/01/20/fishermen-test-their-own-salmon-for-fukushima-radiation/
The whole western coast of the America’s has been radiated. Embrace the horror. I no longer eat ocean fish. We have a pond on our property which we stock. Get to know people who will allow you to fish or buy their fresh water fish.
Peace.
I would be very interested in your assessment of fish oil supplements as they relate to fukushima.
The source of the fish would be of paramount importance. Note that much of the fish oil on the market comes from farmed fish treated with antibiotics and fed GMOs. Be wary … quality and source matter.
Does anyone know how Barlean’s measures up??
Sarah, I completely agree with you. I haven’t fed my kids tuna is a very long time. Would you mind sharing your source of Atlantic tuna? Also, do you know where Green Pastures sources their Cod? I looked but didn’t see where, thought it was Alaskan Pacific waters?? We take our Cod Liver Oil everyday… wouldn’t that be a concern too?
The cod comes from the North Atlantic, I’m pretty sure so should be ok for the time being. Please see the link in the article for the tuna source. I will keep this updated.
You have to understand this. The whole northern hemisphere is radiated. Even in New Zealand there are reports of radiation burns.
Did you know that Japan has placed a moratorium on news regarding radiation and Fukushima? Did you know that GE is a part of this nightmare? Did you know that Obama on 3/11/11 told the nation that there was nothing to worry about? He is just a tool, I do not vote, what is the point? Both parties are part of this agenda.
On the radchicks website are videos of air travels with their radiation monitors recording how high the exposure really is. The government will not tell you this, this is something you have to seek.
Eat as pure as you possibly can. The paleo diet is a good step forward.
Good luck to all.
Why do you have to bring politics into this discussion???
Thank you for your in depth and honest assessment of the tuna and indeed, all pacific seafood since a lot of it is even more dangerous when considering bottom feeding shellfish and other fishes.
I won’t eat tuna until they can prove that there is no mercury and now no radiation and where It is sourced from – which right now the government is still fighting as are the many food manufacturers and the grocery association.
We need labels and comprehensive testing more than ever.
Thank you for your in depth look at this issue. I have been concerned as well.
My first thought since this incident happened is CAUTION! We have just skipped tuna altogether. When we don’t know for sure if the tuna has been contaminated, giving up a sandwich is no big deal! Why even chance it??
We have a friend that was a nuclear sub engineer several years ago and started following radiation levels right after Fukushima happened. All US sites of recording went off line and have not gone back up. By his calculations, the Pacific Ocean has been trashed for at least 120,000 years. Yes, I typed that number correctly. We gave up tuna shortly after the incident realizing that the tuna migrated and they would soon be on our shores. We are also trying to grow as much of our food as possible as the west coast is contaminated so thus the produce from there. If you check a few sites, you will find the infant mortality rate in CA has increased by 35% and in PAv(due to the jet streams) it has increased by 48% since this happened. We need to be very careful and everyone needs to check into taking iodine.
Can you please share your source for the info about the infant mortality rise in CA since Fukushima?
I did some online checking myself and I just read that the CA infant mortality rate has DECREASED by 31% in 2013.
Do you really think that the government is giving you the truth? If they would report this or anything about Fukushima, there would be panic. This is why iodine costs so much now and I think that’s why you can only get clear iodine at the pharmacies, which I doubt works.
I have a little confusion about iodine; I understand that if you have any adrenal or thyroid issues, you should use caution with iodine and use kelp or other iodine-rich food sources. Anyone else know about this? Thank you!
I’m interested in the CA infant mortality rate. I live in Cali, know dozens of people who’ve given birth in the past 2 years and all of those children are alive and healthy. According to your stat, 30% would be at least 4 at the very least if I only knew of 12 babies, which I know of many more than that.
I don’t know the source she used, but a mortality rate that increases by 30% is not the same as a 30% mortality rate.
I live in CA & I’m not sure of the infant mortality rate…..my own son was born before the Fukushima disaster. I think the bigger concern, to my knowledge anyways, is for children’s thyroids in the future. Typically they soak up the radiation while they are young but it won’t be until later in life that the damage is visible.
There are many dedicated websites as well as updated information available. I will list a few to get you started: enviroreporter.com features Radnet Air Monitoring, radchicks, rense.com features Dr. Yoichi Shimatsu every Monday for Fukushima updates, Dr. Loren Moret, Dr. Helen Caldicott.
The problem with tuna/fish even in the Atlantic is that England as well as other countries in the 80’s dumped their nuclear waste in steel drums which of course has to be totally exposed.
You can fight back, the Radchicks features mitigation methods. The host was herself exposed to cesium in Michigan.
I wash everything with baking soda, I do not buy ANYTHING from California. I also place zeolite in my fridge, it pulls the heavy metals out of everything. It goes through plastic, glass, etc.
Eating healthy is the key. Alpha Lipoic Acid is reported to kick radiations arse.
Do not believe the disinformation people that are obviously on this site. Search for your own answers. Self education and questioning everything will keep you and your family safer.
Peace to all…
Which brand/type of Zeolite do you put in your fridge and do you literally just place it inside? Opened I’m assuming?
I would also love to know what brand of zeolite you buy?
Well I never believe what the World Health Organization says because simply put declassified information involving their role in many evils is made clear today. They have no interest in health other than applying any means necessary to decrease the worlds population by destroying it!!!!!!!!!!!!! However, I do agree that it is just not worth the risk. Especially since our children are still being inoculated with high doses of heavy metals (mercury and such) in their vaccines. The cases of law suits Big Pharma is facing in relation to autism and some vaccines is so big in fact courts have set aside a special court to deal with the high volume cases so that they are not high profile.each time one comes up.
I only became aware of contaminated Tuna. Very upsetting! I did understand that Atlantic Tuna was the safer choice.. I have not purchased a can of tuna since. I miss a tuna sandwich or salad..
DK Kooman
PS haven’t found any that isn’t from the Pacific!
The link above in the article is for tuna from the North Atlantic! This is where I buy mine. https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/go/tuna/