A representative of TUNACONS said that NIRSA is leading efforts to address child malnutrition and strengthen community support systems by collaborating with organizations such as the REDNI Foundation and the Diakonia Food Bank.
"it has implemented training programs for artisanal fishermen and technical internships in sustainable aquaculture in collaboration with Ecuadorian universities," said .
The 2024 Global Hunger Index reported that 17.5% of Ecuadorian children under the age of five suffer from stunting, a sign of chronic malnutrition, while 0.9% experience wasting, indicating acute undernutrition. These elevated rates have led to Ecuador's classification in the "moderate" hunger category, highlighting malnutrition as a serious public health concern. The findings underscore the urgency for targeted interventions to improve child nutrition in the country.
According to NIRSA’s April 2024 Sustainability Update, the company has enacted a comprehensive environmental policy that integrates conservation with fishery operations. It partners with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC), is a founding member of the TUNACONS Foundation, and collaborates with the World Wildlife Fund to improve tuna stock management and reduce illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Key actions include implementing biodegradable Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), ensuring full traceability of seafood, providing observer coverage on all large vessels, and developing bycatch reduction technologies such as the Arrue Excluder. These efforts support NIRSA's pursuit of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for multiple tuna species.
Despite NIRSA's active efforts towards sustainability and community service, in 2021 and 2022, multiple senior executives at Negocios Industriales Real S.A., including Board President Roberto Aguirre, had their U.S. visas revoked without formal charges or explanation. According to a Federal Newswire report, this decision was enacted during President Joe Biden’s administration and has hindered NIRSA’s commercial expansion in the U.S., delaying plans for a new office and limiting in-person meetings with retail partners. Despite continued exports to the U.S., company officials state that the visa ban has curbed growth and undermined potential investments worth millions.
The TUNACONS Foundation launched as a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) with the goal of obtaining Marine Stewardship Council certification for purse-seine tuna fisheries in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The foundation promotes sustainable tuna fishing through scientific collaboration, environmental impact mitigation, technical training, and stakeholder engagement at national and international levels.
As per NIRSA's statements, Roberto Aguirre has guided the company for 47 years, assuming the role of General Manager at age 22 after his father Julio Aguirre Iglesias passed away. His leadership has driven NIRSA to dominate over 90% of Ecuador’s domestic market and expand exports to 35 countries across five continents. Known for his dedicated work ethic and long daily schedule, Aguirre attributes the company’s achievements to strategic planning and diversification.