There’s been a lot of albacore tuna fishing going on around the Bay Area lately and everyone can benefit.

That’s because, in addition to last weekend’s Oregon Tuna Classic and the Charleston Seafood Festival (Aug. 16-17), retired Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist Michael Hosie is working with chef Shawn Hanlin at the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute for the first Oregon Albacore Challenge.

On Aug. 16, coinciding with the seafood festival, between 15 and 20 chefs will visit the Bay Area for a tuna cookoff. Each competitor in the challenge will receive one whole 12- to 15-pound albacore. Chefs are responsible for their own ingredients to make 10 portions of their signature dish for judging, photography and the public. They also must provide their own equipment and china, and will have two hours to complete their dishes. The recipes also will be made available. The event is sponsored by the American Culinary Federation, Oregon Albacore Commission, OCCI and StarKist.

The first-place chef will receive $500.

And yes, Charlie the Tuna will make an appearance.

“It’s all tuna,” Hosie said.

Tuna events

Boats are bringing in fresh albacore tuna to Charleston. This is the month for activities celebrating the offshore bounty.

n Charleston Seafood Festival: Aug. 16-17. Charlie the Tuna will make a guest appearance.

n Oregon Albacore Challenge: Aug. 16. The Oregon Coast Culinary Institute hosts a cook-off to coincide with the seafood fest.

More information

Oregon Albacore Commission: http://www.oregonalbacore.org

Oregon Coast Culinary Institute: http://www.occi.net