Welcome to Westport
- Valerie Phillips
- Pole and line, trolling lines
- Partner since 2024
- Westport, USA
On the West Coast of the U.S., there’s a vibrant traditional fishery for albacore tuna. One of the roughly 65 fishermen here is Valerie. She’s at the helm of the Aqua Leo, the boat she proudly took over from her father. Together with her husband and two crew members, she sets out in search of the finest albacore tuna. But her efforts go beyond the water: as a representative of the American Albacore Fishing Association (AAFA), she is a passionate advocate for sustainable hook-and-line fisheries in the U.S.
Using pole and line, Valerie and her team catch each tuna one by one. If the tuna aren’t biting on the rods, she switches to trolling lines—hooks trailing artificial lures through the water. Once the boat sets off and the tuna begin to hunt, she reels them in—again, one by one. Onboard, she has a collection of specially colored and shaped lures, which she rotates depending on the day, the weather, and the behavior of the fish. How does she know which to use? That’s the best-kept secret of an experienced fisher!
Albacore, also known as white tuna, is prized for its rich flavor. And the tuna caught by these fishermen is legendary. Award-winning and loved by connoisseurs across America, our cans have taken home multiple honors!
Valerie dreams of passing on her 'legacy' to her daughter. Occasionally, she joins her on board, where Valerie teaches her the ins and outs of the trade. This way, she not only keeps the tradition alive but also ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the finest albacore tuna!
Together with her husband, she sails on the boat she proudly took over from her father, in search of the finest albacore tuna. As captain, she leads her small crew, but her mission doesn't end there. Valerie also represents the American Albacore Fishing Association (AAFA), where she passionately advocates for sustainable pole-and-line fisheries in the U.S.
Albacore tuna is not only delicious, but also super healthy! This type of tuna contains virtually no unhealthy saturated fats, but is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. One serving provides the full daily recommended amount of omega-3s. These healthy fats (EPA and DHA) support your brain and contribute to a healthy heart and circulatory system. Additionally, albacore tuna is packed with protein, offering 25-29 grams per 100 grams. It's the perfect addition to your meal if you want to maintain muscle or need a protein boost!
Albacore tuna is packed with protein—25 to 29 grams per 100 grams! It’s the perfect addition to your meal if you want to maintain muscle or need a protein boost. Looking for inspiration? Check out our recipe page!
Due to environmental pollution, there is indeed mercury in our oceans, and as a result, it can be found in albacore tuna as well. Since albacore tuna is slightly larger, can live longer, and is higher in the food chain than skipjack tuna, it tends to accumulate more mercury. While skipjack tuna may contain around 0.1-0.2 mg/kg of mercury, albacore typically contains about 0.3-0.5 mg/kg. Fortunately, this is still well below the legal limit of 1.0 mg/kg. The tuna species Bigeye and Bluefin are even larger and can therefore contain more mercury.
Albacore tuna, also known as white tuna, holds a unique position among tuna species. It is larger than skipjack, but smaller than species like yellowfin or bluefin tuna. The meat is light pink, which is why it’s called "white" tuna, and it has a soft texture with a mild, refined flavor. Perfect for those who enjoy subtle tastes!
We source our albacore tuna from two different fishing areas. For the tuna sold in the Netherlands, we work with Oskar and his crew who fish in the northeastern part of the Atlantic Ocean (FAO 27), near the coast of Spain. For our American "Sea Tales" tuna, Valerie and her team head out off the west coast of the US, in the northeastern part of the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California and Oregon. Both fisheries use troll lines or pole and line, depending on the behavior of the tuna during the fishing trip. These methods—essentially rods with a line and hook—ensure minimal bycatch and are the most sustainable ways to catch tuna.
