Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is a large tropical tuna species found in epipelagic (surface to midwater) zones of all major oceans. The four primary management zones are: Western & Central Pacific (managed by WCPFC), Eastern Pacific (IATTC), Indian Ocean (IOTC), and Atlantic Ocean (ICCAT). These stocks are largely separate, with limited inter-ocean mixing. Notably, the Western Pacific yields the largest share of the global yellowfin catch (nearly half), followed by the Indian Ocean, Eastern Pacific, and a smaller portion from the Atlantic.

The good news for yellowfin tuna buyers is that most stocks are no longer in an overfished state, thanks to improved management in recent years. According to the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), as of early 2025 about 87% of global tuna catch (all species) comes from stocks at healthy abundance levels – and yellowfin is a major contributor to that statistic. Key highlights by region:

Western & Central Pacific (WCPFC area)

The WCPFC region’s yellowfin stock is considered healthy, with no overfishing occurring. In fact, WCPFC is unique among RFMOs in that all its tropical tuna stocks (skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye) are “in the green” – not overfished and not subject to overfishing. The latest full stock assessment (2023) for WCPO yellowfin reaffirmed that the stock is above the biomass threshold and fishing pressure is below the limit reference point. Buyers sourcing from the WCPO can thus be confident in the short-to-mid term availability of yellowfin, with stock status unlikely to constrain supply.

Eastern Pacific (IATTC area)

The Eastern Pacific yellowfin stock has generally been considered healthy or at least not overfished in recent years, although scientists have faced some uncertainty in the most recent assessments. The IATTC noted difficulties completing its 2022–2023 stock assessment for yellowfin due to data and model uncertainties. However, historical analyses indicated the stock was likely near or above the level that can produce Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY), with fishing mortality at sustainable levels. IATTC has long enforced measures such as seasonal closures (the veda periods) for purse seiners and total allowable effort controls that have kept exploitation moderate. In absence of a clear new assessment, the interim advice has been to maintain catches around recent averages.

Indian Ocean (IOTC area)

The Indian Ocean yellowfin story has been the most cautionary over the past decade – but it’s also where we see the most noteworthy recent improvement. Yellowfin in the Indian Ocean was declared overfished in 2015, after catches exceeded sustainable levels for several years. Despite an IOTC rebuilding plan initiated in 2016, catches did not initially fall sufficiently – reaching 410,000 tonnes in 2022, well above the stock’s estimated MSY of ~349,000 t. By late 2024, signs emerged that these efforts were yielding results. ISSF’s November 2024 stock review upgraded Indian Ocean yellowfin’s status: its spawning biomass went from “orange” (overfished) to “yellow” (intermediate), and fishing mortality from “orange” to “green” (no overfishing). Conversely, if recovery stays on track, Indian Ocean yellowfin will continue to be a major supply pillar, with key producers like the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Oman, and the EU purse seine fleets operating under sustainable quotas.

Atlantic Ocean (ICCAT area)

The Atlantic yellowfin tuna stock is in relatively good shape. The latest ICCAT stock assessment indicated Atlantic yellowfin is likely neither overfished nor experiencing overfishing. There was some uncertainty in the model, but about 58% of simulated outcomes showed the stock in the green zone (not overfished, no overfishing). ICCAT scientists consider the stock at or above the level that can produce MSY, and recent catches have been below the TAC (Total Allowable Catch) recommended by scientists – partly due to management and partly market factors. ICCAT has relatively strict measures for tropical tunas: e.g. a 40-day FAD closure in the Atlantic, quotas for some fleets, and minimum size limits. These have kept Atlantic yellowfin stable, albeit at lower volumes (~120–150k t/year catch) compared to the other oceans.

The turnaround in the Indian Ocean – going from severely overfished to on the mend – is particularly noteworthy. This has reduced the overall risk profile for the species: ISSF now classifies only a small fraction of global tuna catch as coming from overfished stocks (2% as of Mar 2025, down from 10% in 2024 largely thanks to Indian YFT’s status change).

If you’re ready to source high-quality frozen yellowfin tuna or want a custom quote, visit our yellowfin tuna product page to get started today. You can also check out our full guide on yellowfin tuna sourcing and market dynamics.

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