Program Verification Components

The Tuna Tracking and Verification Program (TTVP) is the only program recognized by the U.S. government that legally satisfies all applicable federal regulations regarding dolphin-safe certification for tuna. Retail market spot checks and periodic site audits are ways the program ensures regulatory compliance and authenticates any dolphin-safe claim that accompanies a tuna product.

Retail Market Spot Checks

The TTVP regularly spot checks canned/pouched tuna products to verify the authenticity of any dolphin-safe mark or label and/or to verify that the product has been imported into the United States legally. During a spot check, tuna products are selected for examination and purchased from retail stores across the nation. After collecting a variety of tuna samples, the TTVP conducts a full audit of each product, including requesting chain of custody documentation from the importer, distributor or canner to substantiate its dolphin-safe claim.

*Note: NOAA Fisheries does not recommend or endorse individual private companies or their products.

Site Audits

Formal periodic site audits are conducted at U.S. tuna canneries to review the company’s dolphin-safe protocols and ensure detailed processes for traceability of tuna products are in place. These audits can include reviewing documentation for specific shipments and examining records showing the internal flow of product from receipt and cold storage, to production and finished goods.

Cannery Receipts

U.S. Tuna canners must submit a report of all tuna received at their facility in each calendar month. Data elements include the dolphin-safe status, species, condition, ocean area of capture, catcher vessel, gear type, trip dates, and quantity. NOAA Fisheries releases an annual U.S. Cannery Receipts report that includes all data from the entire U.S. canned tuna industry. U.S. tuna packer receipt reports for domestic and imported tuna that were canned from 2010 to present are available for download at the links below:

• 2024 (PDF, 1 page)
• 2023 (PDF, 1 page)
• 2022 (PDF, 1 page)
• 2021 (PDF, 1 page)
• 2020 (PDF, 1 page)
• 2019 (PDF, 1 page)
• 2018 (revised) (PDF, 1 page)
• 2017 (PDF, 1 page)
• 2016 (revised) (PDF, 1 page)
• 2015 (revised) (PDF, 1 page)
• 2014 (revised) (PDF, 1 page)
• 2013 (revised) (PDF, 1 page)
• 2012 (revised) (PDF, 1 page)
• 2011 (revised) (PDF, 1 page)
• 2010 (PDF, 1 page)

Receipt reports for years 1988 through 2009 may be requested from the TTVP at swrtuna.track@noaa.gov.