NIRSA announced on social media platform X that it has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing environmental, social, and governance challenges under the United Nations Agenda 2030 framework.
According to NIRSA’s 2024 sustainability report, the company co-founded the TUNACONS Foundation in 2015. This regional coalition aims at sustainable purse-seine tuna fishing in alignment with global benchmarks such as the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). It promotes non-entangling, biodegradable Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and prohibits transshipment at sea and tuna discards. These actions are framed as urgent for the long-term conservation of tuna stocks and marine ecosystems.
A spokesperson from TUNACONS said that "NIRSA has achieved global certifications, actively participates in fisheries improvement projects, and promotes responsible sourcing, positioning it as a leading sustainable fishing company in the Americas." The Federal Newswire confirms that NIRSA processes around 250 metric tons of seafood daily at its Posorja plant and operates Ecuador’s largest tuna-flagged fleet of 19 vessels, supported by auxiliary craft.
Seafood Source reports that an industry analysis notes that five founding members of TUNACONS—including NIRSA—secured MSC certification for Eastern Pacific yellowfin tuna in 2022. This certification covers 47 vessels following a multi-year Fisheries Improvement Project involving degradable FADs, onboard observers, bycatch reduction protocols, and scientific collaboration led by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and IATTC.
Despite being one of Latin America's largest sustainability-focused seafood exporters, NIRSA remains sidelined from the U.S. market due to visa revocations targeting its executives during the Biden administration. According to American Greatness, this decision was made without formal charges or public explanation and has blocked NIRSA leaders from engaging with U.S. buyers even as the company supplies thousands of metric tons of tuna and shrimp to American ports annually.
According to NIRSA, Roberto Aguirre has led the company for 47 years, becoming General Manager at just 22 following his father Julio Aguirre Iglesias's death. Under his leadership, NIRSA has grown to capture over 90% of Ecuador’s domestic market and export to 35 countries across five continents. Aguirre credits strategic planning and diversification as key drivers of the company’s success.