Ecuador’s tuna industry is experiencing a historic moment. According to Guillermo Morán, director of the Tunacons Foundation, 2024 marked a record year in tuna catches, particularly for skipjack tuna, thanks to favorable ocean conditions following El Niño and La Niña phenomena.
“It has been a positive year for the entire tuna value chain. Ocean currents brought greater abundance of species, and conservation measures helped maintain this wealth,” Morán stated in an interview with Radio Cristal.
Sustainability as a Priority
Ecuador’s purse-seine tuna fleet operates under strict conservation measures established by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC):
✅ Closed seasons and catch limits
✅ Scientific observers on every vessel
✅ Monitoring of species size and weight
Tunacons has also earned the prestigious Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification, a globally recognized eco-label that boosts competitiveness, especially in the European Union, Ecuador’s main tuna export market.
ECOfads: Innovation and Ocean Responsibility
The greatest technological advancement has been the development of ECOfads: artificial floating devices that attract tuna efficiently while protecting marine life.
“Ecuador is a global leader in ECOfads. They are 100% biodegradable and non-entangling, made from plant-based materials produced locally, such as abacá fiber, sugarcane, balsa wood, and organic rubber,” explained Morán.
Key achievements:
✅ 80% of Ecuador’s tuna is caught using FADs
✅ More than 5,000 ECOfads deployed across the Pacific
✅ Reduced risks to sharks, turtles, and manta rays
Ecuador: A Global Example of Responsible Fishing
“Our commitment is to feed the world with a healthy product while protecting the ocean. Just as we lead tuna exports, we must lead in sustainability,” Morán concluded.
With initiatives like ECOfads, Ecuador not only strengthens its position as a top tuna exporter but also sets a global standard for responsible fishing.