ECHEBASTAR
I
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.
BY
its very nature, the Basque Country Iriartery’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 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. 102
Inside Food & Drink
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.
Industry leaders Since 2018, Echebastar has held the MSC Certification to fish skipjack tuna in the Indian Ocean. MSC is the leading independent organisation that certifies sustainable and well-managed fisheries worldwide and guarantees to the consumer that the
