At an event that brought together key stakeholders from the fisheries, scientific, and institutional sectors, the Tuna Conservation Group (TUNACONS) celebrated the dual anniversary of World Tuna Day and its 10-year trajectory, highlighting the progress achieved in sustainability, science, technology, and sector-wide collaboration within the tuna industry.
The event featured a technical and commemorative agenda that showcased the sector’s evolution over the past decade. From an institutional perspective, Guillermo Rodríguez Reyes, representing Ecuador’s fisheries authority, emphasized the growth of the tuna market and the country’s positioning as a global benchmark, underscoring the role of public governance in strengthening quality and food safety standards.
From the scientific front, Arnulfo Franco, Director of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), a Panamanian based in San Diego, attended the event in person in Ecuador and provided a regional outlook on the status of tuna stocks. He highlighted advances in scientific research and the strengthening of fisheries management measures over the past 10 years.
The technological dimension was addressed by Idoia González, LatAm Commercial Director at Zunibal, who presented the evolution of tools such as satellite buoys, monitoring systems, and operational digitalization, demonstrating how innovation has transformed the efficiency and sustainability of tuna fisheries.
Guillermo Morán Velásquez, Director of TUNACONS, delivered a comprehensive overview of the organization’s work over the past decade, highlighting key milestones such as MSC certification of the main tuna species, the implementation of monitoring programs, and the development of initiatives such as EcoFADs and “Cuidando Galápagos.”
The event also highlighted the growing role of women in the industry and the expansion of sustainability initiatives driven by the private sector.
One of the most significant moments of the event was the recognition of TUNACONS member companies—NIRSA, JADRAN, SERVIGRUP, EUROFISH, TRI MARINE, MANACRIPEX, MARBELIZE, PACIFICTUNA, IDELMAR, TUNAQUICK, and TUNALAND—for their sustained commitment to responsible fishing and the adoption of practices aligned with international standards.
TUNACONS also presented a special recognition to FENACOPEC, acknowledging artisanal fishers as strategic partners in building a shared agenda for sustainability, governance, and continuous improvement in the country’s fisheries.
In a gesture of reciprocity, artisanal fishers from CORPAG in Galápagos presented a recognition to TUNACONS for its technical support, ongoing collaboration, and contribution to strengthening local capacities, highlighting the importance of alignment between the industrial and artisanal sectors.
The event concluded with a clear message: the sustainability of tuna fisheries is the result of a decade of joint efforts among industry, science, authorities, and communities. TUNACONS reaffirms its commitment to continue integrating these stakeholders to address future challenges and to further position Ecuador as a global leader in responsible fishing.