Echebastar

ECHEBASTAR

IN TUNE WITH SUSTAINABLE FISHING

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ECHEBASTAR

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PROFILE

Spain’s Echebastar is a fishing company that takes sustainability seriously. It is a shining beacon in the tuna industry, often beset by ethical issues and the drive for profit. As the only one in its sector to hold the internationally-recognised MSC benchmark, Echebastar is keen to see others follow in its path – and ensure the long-term viability of the species. Report by Andy Probert.

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BY

its very nature, the Basque Country’s Echebastar likes to ride its own wave. Doing

the right thing has made it a touchpoint in the tuna industry in setting standards for responsible fishing.

While industry critics fret over its ethical, human and fish exploitation records, Echebastar stands alone in an increasingly crowded marketplace that puts its actions firmly where its mouth is.

For 55 years, the company has been catching tuna in the Western Indian Ocean.

Its six vessel-strong fleet catches around 50,000 tonnes a year, as permitted by quotas set by the Indian Ocean Tuna Tuna Commission to protect fish stocks.

Of this catch, 93% is frozen in brine and goes to canneries located in Indian Ocean countries, such as Seychelles and Mauritius, to help support local economies and the environment rather than shipping it frozen halfway around the world.

The remaining catch is deep frozen to 60°C onboard, which preserves the fish in a pristine state, and this is then processed and sold predominantly to supermarkets for tuna steaks and sushi. This fish makes a higher price, but the production capacity is limited in the current fleet.

But this business model is not what makes Echebastar unique. The company’s commitment to environmental and sustainability practices gives consumers confidence that what they buy aligns with sustainable fishing practices.

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Industry leaders

“But we continue working towards sus-

Since 2018, Echebastar has held the

tainability and a well-managed fishery

MSC Certification to fish skipjack tuna

for Echebastar. We are committed to

in the Indian Ocean. MSC is the leading

further improvements.”

independent organisation that certifies

He added that Echebastar was keen to

sustainable and well-managed fisheries

see other fishing companies follow in their

worldwide and guarantees to the con-

footsteps and achieve the MSC certifica-

sumer that the tuna catch and produc-

tion. “We serve as an excellent example to

tion accord with the highest principles

others that we can all fish sustainably while

of responsible fishing.

guaranteeing the health of tuna stocks

While still the only commercial tuna fishing company to hold this international bench-

for future generations.”

The company has also developed an

mark, Echebastar is assessed in several

innovative catch management system to

critical areas annually. As of late-2021, the

return by-catch species back to the sea

company has completed two and is ahead

alive. It has independent observers

of target on five other conditions.

aboard each vessel to ensure that regu-

“The certification of our fishery against the

lations and best practice methods are

MSC standard is recognition of the success

followed. It pays all its staff at high

we have achieved in our efforts to promote

European rates with regular, lengthy on-

sustainable fishing for tuna,” commented

shore periods.

José Iriarte, the company’s Environmental and Resource Responsibilities Director.

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Between 2003 and 2015, Echebastar voluntarily reduced its fishing capacity

by 25%. It has also reduced the use

In 2020, Echebastar, in collaboration with

of FADS, typically buoys or floats teth-

AZTI, implemented the Silky Shark Tagging

ered to the ocean floor with concrete

Project. The main objective was to measure

blocks that attract fish, and uses new

the post-release survival of silky sharks

FAD models which prevent shark and

taken as incidental catch in their purse

turtle entanglements.

seine tuna fishery and evaluate the impact

It has recently signed up to the

of their Good Fishing Practices in reducing

Sustuntech project, which helps fleets

species mortality. It would also identify the

identify where the fish are, which saves

potential for additional mitigation measures

fuel and reduces emissions, and is also

to further reduce that impact.

heavily involved in the SARETU initiative,

This information will allow detailed

which collects discarded nets and other

analysis of the horizontal and vertical

abandoned fishing equipment (known

migrations of silky sharks and provide

as ghost gear) and then reconditions it

additional data for habitat models,

for recycling.

emphasised Mr Iriarte.

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“This new project again confirms our

He reflected that while labelling on a

commitment to safeguard the habitats and

can of tuna does offer data, more needs

ecosystem of the Indian Ocean,” he added.

to be done in helping consumers iden-

“All these policies and developments ensure

tify what best practice is and then seek

that we remain at the forefront of sustain-

supermarkets only stocking fish from

able and responsible fishing practices. But

suitable suppliers.

we need to be relentless in our pursuit for a better industry.”

“Only then will the rest of the industry be forced to adopt best practice methods,” added Mr Iriarte. “Transparency and truth

Correct engagement As much as the company is seeking to

will out in the end.”

He was also quick to emphasise the

redefine future industry through its own

company’s responsibility in the working

actions, it is down to the end consumer

environment for its crews, which can be

to be engaged and educated.

multi-national and multi-lingual.

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“With upwards of 300 people working on the fleet, we are very sensitive to the crews’ working conditions. We want to demonstrate to stakeholders and consumers that we take our seafarers’ welfare very seriously and seek to obtain certification on this matter.”

Reflecting on the pandemic impact, he commented: “Our seafarers have been immense during this challenging period, and the company is deeply grateful to their commitment.”

Mr Iriarte concluded: “As the seas have supported Echebastar for more than half a century, so it is down to us collectively to protect and nurture it in any way we can. We believe that the industry has a good future, but one that is wholly supported by sustainable and responsible practices.”

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