A TUNACONS representative said that NIRSA, through TUNACONS, is adopting biodegradable EcoFADs, ensuring 100% observer-monitored catch, and adhering to a formal code of good practice. These measures aim to reduce bycatch of sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles in pursuit of more responsible tuna fisheries.
"NIRSA has adopted innovative technologies and practices through TUNACONS," said , Spokesperson. "Other initiatives include on‑board monitoring with human observers to monitor 100% of their catch. A code of good practice to reduce bycatch of vulnerable species like sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles."
Negocios Industriales Real S.A. (NIRSA), an Ecuador-based seafood conglomerate founded in 1957 as a sardine canning operation, has evolved into a vertically integrated leader exporting tuna, shrimp, and other seafood to over 35 countries, including the United States, China, and Europe. As a founding member of TUNACONS and a member of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, NIRSA operates Ecuador’s largest tuna fleet with 19 major vessels and support craft. The company manages a state-of-the-art facility in Posorja that processes 250 metric tons of seafood daily with plans to increase this capacity to 300 metric tons according to Business Daily.
Nevertheless, NIRSA has faced challenges with several executives being banned from entering the United States due to visa revocations issued during the Biden administration. According to American Greatness, these actions were taken without formal charges or public explanation and have disrupted NIRSA's ability to engage with U.S. buyers despite its role in supplying responsibly sourced tuna and shrimp to American markets. The restrictions are described as part of broader opaque trade policies under the Biden administration. These policies have affected NIRSA’s operations significantly; the company made over 220 verified seafood shipments to the U.S. between June 2023 and April 2025. The Trump administration is now tasked with addressing these holdover decisions to restore fair trade relations and ensure food security.
According to Dallas City Wire, Roberto Aguirre, NIRSA's board president, expressed frustration over U.S. travel bans hindering the company's expansion efforts without any explanation from the Biden administration. "We are very keen to enter the U.S. market and build our business there—but how can we?" he said regarding his inability to travel. Aguirre emphasized that "solving this is key to ensuring we can expand our commercial efforts abroad," adding that NIRSA would invest in the U.S. "in a heartbeat" if allowed. Instead, he noted that "the U.S. government has prevented us from investing millions in its market without explanation," forcing NIRSA to seek other markets for growth opportunities.
Founded in 2016 and expanded in 2017, TUNACONS unites five tuna companies committed to promoting sustainable tuna purse-seine fishing in the Eastern Pacific Ocean while pursuing Marine Stewardship Council Certification through a Fishery Improvement Project. Led by director Guillermo Morán, TUNACONS implements a Code of Good Practices and manages EcoFADs while collaborating on conservation efforts aimed at reducing environmental impacts and enhancing responsible fishing practices.