A prize catch for fishermen, bluefin tuna are also top ocean predators. They start life as larvae no bigger than an eyelash, but grow quickly and can reach lengths of 15 feet and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. There are three species of bluefin: the Atlantic, the largest and most endangered, Pacific, and Southern.

You won’t find bluefin tuna in a can. These luxury fish are used in high-end sushi and sashimi. In fact, a single bluefin once sold for over $1.75 million! The potential for high profits means these already endangered fish are both overfished and illegally fished — and they’re disappearing as a result. The Atlantic population of bluefin tuna has already decreased by 85 percent.

Of equal concern is plastic and chemical pollution in the habitats of these highly migratory fish. One study found plastic pollution in the stomachs of tuna that contained chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol A. More research is needed to understand the human impact, but there’s no doubt that more aggressive action is needed to stop plastic pollution.