Ane Iriondo, Head of Sustainability at Echebastar
1. Echebastar has been an international leader in sustainable fishing for many years. How has the concept of sustainability evolved within the company?
Sustainability has been part of Echebastar’s DNA for many years. What began as a commitment to the conservation of fishery resources has evolved into a much broader vision that encompasses environmental, social and economic aspects. Today, we see sustainability as a shared responsibility that affects all our activities: from the proper management of fisheries and the wellbeing of our crews, to innovation, traceability, energy efficiency and our relationship with the community.
2. In 2018, Echebastar made history by obtaining MSC certification for its purse-seine tuna fishery. What did that milestone mean for the company?
It was a very important moment. Achieving MSC certification was recognition of many years of hard work, investment and collaboration with scientists, government bodies and other stakeholders in the sector. Beyond the certificate itself, it demonstrated that it is possible to operate a responsible fishing business, based on continuous improvement and the sustainable management of resources. Today, we continue to work to maintain and expand these standards.
3. What are the main pillars you need to address to maintain these standards?
There are three main pillars: maintaining tuna stocks at healthy levels, minimising the environmental impact of our operations, and ensuring effective and transparent management of the fishery. To this end, we always operate in accordance with established quotas and scientific recommendations, apply codes of good practice to reduce by-catch and improve selectivity, and collaborate continuously with scientific bodies, government agencies and certification bodies. Maintaining these standards requires constant monitoring, investment, crew training and a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
4. Sustainability is often associated with the sea, but your strategy goes far beyond that. How is it applied throughout the value chain?
Our commitment does not end when the tuna arrives in port. We work to ensure that sustainability is present throughout the value chain: in fishing, processing, logistics, the development of new products, and also in the dining experience we offer through Alakrana Bermeo. We aim to generate maximum value with the least possible impact, by optimising resources, ensuring traceability and bringing responsible, high-quality products to consumers.
5. The new Law 1/2025 on the prevention of food loss and waste introduces new obligations for businesses. How is Echebastar tackling this challenge?
The law presents an opportunity to continue making progress in an area we have been working on for years: the responsible use of food. We have developed an implementation plan covering our entire value chain, from fishing and production through to marketing and our catering business. The aim is to prevent losses, optimise the use of the product, quantify surpluses and always prioritise solutions such as reuse or donation wherever possible. In our case, moreover, our own philosophy of making full use of tuna fits perfectly with the spirit of this legislation.
6. Looking to the future, what are the main sustainability challenges for Echebastar?
The main challenge is to keep improving. We must continue to make progress in reducing our environmental footprint, improving the efficiency of our operations, innovating in the field of sustainability, and creating value for the communities we engage with. It will also be key to continue raising awareness of these issues amongst end consumers. Sustainability is no longer an option or a trend; it is the way to ensure that future generations can continue to make a living from the sea and enjoy its resources responsibly.
7. As well as your work at Echebastar, you represent the company at Bermeo Tuna World Capital. What does this initiative bring to the sector and the region?
Bermeo Tuna World Capital is a highly valuable initiative because it brings together companies, institutions and stakeholders linked to the world of tuna with a common goal: to highlight the importance of a sector that has been key to the economic, social and cultural development of Bermeo. Through the association, we work to raise awareness about tuna, promote innovation, drive sustainability and strengthen Bermeo’s international standing as a global leader in this field.
For Echebastar, it is an opportunity to collaborate with other stakeholders in the sector, share experiences and contribute to projects that generate value for the region. Furthermore, it enables us to raise public awareness of the reality of an industry that is constantly evolving and has much to offer in terms of employment, knowledge, food and sustainability.