Here's a breakdown:
* The Problem: In the past, some tuna fishing methods, particularly purse-seine fishing, accidentally caught and killed large numbers of dolphins. Dolphins often swim with schools of tuna, and the nets would trap both.
* The Solution: The "dolphin-safe" label is a response to this problem. It indicates that the tuna was caught using methods that avoid encircling dolphins. This includes using nets with a larger mesh size, allowing dolphins to escape, and monitoring for dolphins before setting the net.
* International Certification: The term "dolphin-safe" is often associated with the International Dolphin Conservation Program (IDCP). This program sets standards for dolphin-safe tuna fishing and verifies that tuna companies meet those standards.
* Not All Tuna Is "Dolphin-Safe": It's important to note that not all tuna comes from dolphin-safe fisheries. Look for the "dolphin-safe" label on cans and packaging to ensure you're purchasing tuna caught in a way that protects dolphins.
In short, the "dolphin-safe" label is a guarantee that the tuna was caught responsibly, without harming dolphins in the process.