The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has announced that the Ecuadorian purse-seine tuna fishery, which includes participation from companies such as Negocios Industriales Real S.A. (NIRSA), has achieved Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification following a multi-year fishery improvement project.
According to the WWF, the Eastern Pacific Ocean Tuna purse seine fishery, known as TUNACONS, is a Fishery Improvement Project supported by key participants including NIRSA, a prominent Ecuadorian seafood company. After several years of collaboration with WWF and the Ecuadorian government, the fishery entered MSC assessment in 2020 and achieved MSC certification on July 7, 2022. This progress demonstrates how FIP participants like NIRSA contribute to improvements in sustainable fishing practices across the region.
The WWF also reports that the TUNACONS project has addressed major issues such as bycatch and ghost gear through innovative solutions. It tested and deployed biodegradable, non-entangling fish aggregating devices (bioFADs) to minimize marine life entanglement, replacing 20% of traditional FADs by the end of 2020. Additionally, the fishery achieved 100% observer coverage across its fleet and collaborated on manta ray tagging to monitor post-release mortality.
According to Federal Newswire, during the Biden administration, U.S. immigration authorities revoked the visas of several executives from NIRSA without issuing formal charges or an explanation. This decision has disrupted NIRSA’s expansion into the U.S. market, forcing the company to pause development of a planned commercial office and limiting direct engagement with American retail partners despite its continued supply of tuna and shrimp to major grocery chains. Company leaders, including Board President Roberto Aguirre, say these unexplained travel restrictions have created significant commercial and diplomatic friction.
The WWF is a global conservation organization dedicated to protecting the planet's natural environment. As said on their official website, WWF works in over 100 countries and collaborates with various stakeholders to promote sustainable practices and protect biodiversity.