In tune with sustainable fishing

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.

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

tuna catch and production accord with the highest principles of responsible fishing.

While still the only commercial tuna fishing company, catching tuna in all purse seine fishing methods, to hold this international benchmark, Echebastar is assessed in several critical areas annually. As of late-2021, the company has completed two and is ahead of target on five other conditions.

“The certification of our fishery against the MSC standard is recognition of the success we have achieved in our efforts to promote sustainable fishing for tuna,” commented José Jauregui, the company’s Environmental and Resource Responsibilities Director.

“But we continue working towards sustainability and a well-managed fishery for Echebastar. We are committed to further improvements.”

He added that Echebastar was keen to see other fishing companies follow in their footsteps and achieve the MSC certification. “We serve as an excellent example to others that we can all fish sustainably while guaranteeing the health of tuna stocks for future generations.”

The company has also developed an innovative catch management system to return by-catch species back to the sea alive. It has independent observers aboard each vessel to ensure that regulations and best practice methods are followed. It pays all its staff at high European rates with regular, lengthy on-shore periods.

Between 2003 and 2015, Echebastar voluntarily reduced its vessels, capacity by 25%. It has also reduced the use of FADS, typically buoys or floats tethered to the ocean floor with concrete

ECHEBASTAR I PROFILE

blocks that attract fish, and uses new FAD models which prevent shark and turtle entanglements.

It has recently signed up to the Sustuntech project, which helps fleets identify where the fish are, which saves fuel and reduces emissions, and is also heavily involved in the SARETU initiative, which collects discarded nets and other abandoned fishing equipment (known as ghost gear) and then reconditions it for recycling.

In 2020, Echebastar, in collaboration with AZTI, implemented the Silky Shark Tagging Project. The main objective was to measure the post-release survival of silky sharks taken as incidental catch in their purse seine tuna fishery and evaluate the impact of their Good Fishing Practices in reducing species mortality. It would also identify the potential for additional mitigation measures to further reduce that impact.

This information will allow detailed analysis of the horizontal and vertical migrations of silky sharks and provide additional data for habitat models, emphasised Mr Jauregui.

“This new project again confirms our commitment to safeguarding the habitats and ecosystem of the Indian Ocean,” he added. “All these policies and developments ensure that we remain at the forefront of sustainable and responsible fishing practices. But we need to be relentless in our pursuit of a better industry.”

Correct engagement

As much as the company is seeking to redefine future industry through its own actions, it is down to the end consumer to be engaged and educated.

He reflected that while labelling on a can of tuna does offer data, more needs to be done in helping consumers identify what

ECHEBASTAR I PROFILE

best practice is and then seek supermarkets only stocking fish from suitable suppliers.

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

He was also quick to emphasise the company’s responsibility in the working environment for its crews, which can be multinational and multi-lingual.

“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 Jauregui 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.” n