Are dolphins and whales still being used for tuna?

Dolphins and whales are not directly used for tuna. The term "dolphin-safe tuna" refers to a labeling system that indicates that tuna was caught using fishing methods that minimize the bycatch of dolphins.

Here's how it works:

* Historically: Some fishing methods for tuna, like purse seining, would unintentionally catch large numbers of dolphins alongside the tuna. This was a major conservation concern, leading to public pressure and regulations.

* Dolphin-safe labeling: The "dolphin-safe" label came about as a way to ensure that tuna was caught using methods that minimized dolphin bycatch. This typically means using methods like pole-and-line fishing or fishing with nets that exclude dolphins.

* Current Situation: While the term "dolphin-safe" has been successful in reducing dolphin bycatch, there are still concerns about the accuracy of labeling and the effectiveness of some fishing methods.

Therefore, while dolphins are not used for tuna directly, the term "dolphin-safe" relates to the methods used to catch tuna, aiming to minimize dolphin bycatch during tuna fishing operations.