The oxygen consumption rates (VO2) of 9 albacore tuna, Thunnus alalunga (8.5-12 kg) were measured at sea in a swimming respirometer to determine the effects of relative swimming velocity, ambient O2 tension, and water temperature. Significant positive relationships were obtained between tail-beat frequency and relative speed and between relative speed and VO2. The albacore metabolic rate was not appreciably affected by exposure to water temperatures ranging from 13.5 degrees to 16.9 degrees C. Brief exposure to hyperoxia (200-400 mmHg), which was done to reduce the initial stress upon fish in the respirometer, did not affect VO2. Hypoxia (50-99 mmHg), however, did tend to reduce VO2 and affect swimming velocity.