Guayaquil. Ecuador’s tuna industry, a source of national pride and a benchmark in the Eastern Pacific, is now at the forefront of sustainability thanks to the work of the Tunacons Foundation. Under the leadership of Guillermo Morán, Tunacons has deployed over 5,000 biodegradable ECOfads—eco-friendly fish aggregating devices (FADs)—that are transforming tuna fishing by minimizing environmental impact and promoting responsible practices.
What Are FADs and Why Are They Important?
Morán explains that FADs are floating structures that attract tuna, which tend to gather around objects drifting at sea, such as logs or even marine animals. “Over 20 years ago, captains discovered that tuna would gather around floating objects. They began experimenting with artificial prototypes, which boosted productivity,” says Morán.
However, early versions used non-degradable materials, contributing to ocean pollution and threatening species like sharks and turtles. Tunacons revolutionized this practice with ECOfads—FADs made from 100% biodegradable, plant-based materials such as Ecuadorian abacá fiber, bamboo-like caña guadúa, balsa wood, and organic rubber.
Sustainability and Innovation at Scale
The goal is not just higher efficiency but sustainability: “We don’t want FADs to entangle sharks or turtles; they should only attract tuna while avoiding marine pollution,” Morán stresses.
The 5,000 ECOfads, measuring 2 to 3 meters, are deployed from vessels in Ecuador, Panama, and the United States, covering waters from the Galápagos to the Central Pacific. Equipped with sonar, these FADs allow captains to detect tuna schools in real time, optimizing operations and reducing fuel consumption—a key advantage after the removal of fuel subsidies.
International Certification and Competitiveness
This initiative is part of a broader sustainability program that has earned Tunacons the prestigious Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, a globally recognized standard for responsible fishing.
“The MSC label is the reward for our effort. It sets Ecuadorian tuna apart—not just for its taste and quality but for being environmentally responsible,” highlights Morán.
Beyond FADs: A Broader Commitment to the Oceans
Tunacons’ sustainability initiatives include:
- Releasing sharks, turtles, and manta rays caught incidentally, with trained crews ensuring their safe return to the sea.
- Recycling tuna fishing nets, sending over 600 tons annually to Chile for processing.
- Cleaning coastal mangroves, in partnership with artisanal fishers, removing up to 30 tons of plastic in areas near Guayaquil.
According to Morán, “Fishing must not only be abundant; it must be sustainable.”
Building Ocean Awareness
Morán emphasizes that sustainability is a collective responsibility: “Marine pollution mostly comes from cities. We must protect our oceans because we feed the world with a healthy, high-quality product. Sustainability isn’t just a business strategy; it’s a shared commitment.”
Conclusion
The ECOfads initiative positions Ecuador as a regional leader in sustainable tuna fishing and sets a global precedent. In Morán’s words: “This is an unprecedented program worldwide. Just as we are leaders in tuna exports, we must lead in sustainability.”