Cooperation for the conservation of marine protected areas.

Multisectoral cooperation is promoted for the conservation of marine protected areas, including actions to reduce marine pollution and unsustainable fishing, with a special focus on the Galapagos National Park and the Hermandad Marine Reserve. In 2025, TUNACONS reaffirmed its commitment to protect marine migratory routes and promote sustainable fishing in these key areas, also integrating academia and organizations such as Fundación Jocotoco in conservation actions. Awareness campaigns have been developed to broaden the connection and sense of belonging of diverse communities to these marine areas, transforming distant perceptions into an active commitment to their protection.

Define actions to reduce negative effects of marine pollution and cooperate with processes for sustainable fishing practices within MPAs.

Building processes in cooperation with local fisheries organizations requires time and expertise in fisheries.

Implementation of Codes of Good Practice

A visual and practical guide has been developed, with clear illustrations and little text, designed to facilitate the correct release of non-target species, reduce the risk of infractions, and promote the well-being of both crew members and marine fauna. This tool is constantly updated based on new learning and technical advances, ensuring that fleets have current and accessible information. Its operation is based on continuous training, technical support, and the integration of these practices into the daily routine of fishing operations, thus contributing to the conservation of marine ecosystems and compliance with international standards.

Design specialized codes that guide captains and crew of fishing fleets in adopting responsible and sustainable practices.

1) The support and experience of fishermen is important.

2) Implementation takes time

3) Always disseminate crew members' actions.

Multisectoral Collaboration

The purpose is to improve the efficiency and sustainability of fishing activities in the region. A memorandum of understanding with the Galapagos National Park implements the “Caring for Galapagos” initiative, which consists of three lines of action: recovery of EcoFADs, coastal and underwater cleanup activities, and fishery improvement projects. These lines of action are worked in coordination with artisanal fishermen to strengthen the sustainability of their activities. The company also works with Bureo (Net Positiva) in the collection of unused nets: the nets are recycled and, in exchange, an economic compensation is received that is destined for sustainable projects that include communities such as Manta and Pozorja. Initiatives such as “Pescando Plásticos”, developed together with FENACOPEC, allow these funds to be channeled towards activities that combine marine conservation and local development.

Generating alliances between fishing organizations, governments, NGOs and industry to encourage participation and commitment to sustainable management.

Build credibility based on results to achieve effective technical cooperation.

Participatory Management, Training and Awareness

It is promoted with the aim of strengthening good practices on board and reducing negative impacts on non-target species. Since 2018, with the support of organizations such as WWF, workshops have been organized for captains and crew members - reaching more than 1,510 people - where key topics such as national regulations, IUU fishing, fishing sanctions, electronic monitoring, traceability, data collection on board, among others, are addressed. These spaces update technical knowledge and allow for direct dialogue with fishermen, fostering the co-creation of solutions. An outstanding example is the design and implementation of an excluder grid for the efficient return of mobulas caught incidentally, which has reduced release time and improved their survival.

Involve the participation and knowledge of vessel owners, fleet managers, captains and crew members in management and conservation strategies, sustainable practices, management of vulnerable species and information for science.

1) Implement appropriate language for training activities. 

2) Use practical materials 

3) Disseminate their actions on the water.

Strengthen on-board monitoring in 100% of the fleet and Data Collection throughout the fleet

It focuses on strengthening the collection of scientific data aboard vessels to improve sustainable fisheries management. Implemented since 2018 as a voluntary program in both larger and smaller fleets, this effort also includes species tagging and monitoring activities in collaboration with the IATTC. As part of the technical strengthening, a specialized manual for onboard observers was developed, with emphasis on accurate species identification and standardized data collection techniques; to date, 21 observers have been trained under this protocol, also supporting compliance with MSC certification. In addition, it is complemented using satellite surveillance technology provided by Global Fishing Watch, which reinforces sustainability and transparency in fishing operations.

Follow IATTC technical standards for data collection on catch of target species with onboard observer program on the dynamics of the smaller fleet, bycatch and ecosystem impacts.

1) Coordinate with captains and crew members.

2) To cooperate with scientific research works.

3) Apply best practices 

4) Manage database for more efficient reporting.

Development of biodegradable and non-meshing Fish aggregating devices (FADs)

It focuses on the innovation and adoption of biodegradable fish aggregating devices, known as EcoFADs, with the aim of reducing bycatch and minimizing the environmental impact of tuna fishing. Since 2017, more than 500 prototypes made from plant fibers such as abaca, which have demonstrated durability of up to 12 months in marine conditions, have been developed and tested. This approach has enabled the replacement of traditional FADs with EcoFADs, with a goal of 20% of member vessels using these biodegradable devices. In addition, TUNACONS collaborates with local communities in the production of these materials, strengthening their economy. Results show that catches remain similar to those obtained with synthetic materials, while reducing marine pollution and the risk of entanglement for non-target species.

1) Involvement of shipowners

2) Research on biodegradable materials

3) Research budget

4) Training

5) Cooperation with CIAT and other organizations

6) Increasing the size of trials

7) Support for regulations in the OROP

1) Collaboration of captains and crew members in at-sea trials is important.

2) Search for materials resistant to ocean conditions and consistency.

3) Controlling the quality of prototypes.

4) Protecting intellectual property.

Cooperation with tuna stock assessment models

The purpose is to collect and deliver key scientific information to support the monitoring of tropical tuna populations in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, under the standards established by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). Through this cooperation, consistent data on the three main species caught -yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, and bigeye tuna- are generated to improve the population models used by the IATTC to assess the health status of these species. Its operation is based on the continuous and standardized collection of fisheries data, which are then delivered to the IATTC to strengthen its scientific research plans and facilitate informed decision-making in the sustainable management of tuna fisheries in the region.

  • Willingness to support IATTC scientific research plans by providing data to improve assessment models that estimate the health status of tropical tuna stocks.
  • Data from key fisheries for a commercial fishing strategy are kept confidential but for a period of time in order to contribute to scientific and fisheries management work.
Promoting transparency and compliance

Promote from the market the implementation and compliance of responsible fishing practices and supply as a tool to increase transparency in the supply of raw materials aligned with regulatory compliance and good practices of sustainability certifications.

  • Market demand
  • Economic support to implement conceptual model.
  • Guild vision to work on sustainability.
  • Process still under construction.
  • Large-scale changes require gradual implementation processes to reduce resistance to change or cause a collective initiative to fail.
Fisheries research and management

Generate information for informed decision making by the industry participants of the FIPs, in order to foster a science-based management culture that explores the dynamics of fishing with the environment, the ecosystem and its implications for related value chains.

  • Market demand
  • Work and commitment of fishermen to collect data on board.
  • Alliances, union vision and confidence in the process.
  • Economic and human resources available.
  • Participatory governance.
  • More informed fishermen are needed to better understand the proposals of managers and scientists.
  • Involving the fisherman in the research process can improve governance.
Participatory monitoring

Promote the implementation of a conservation program and continuous monitoring system for fisheries that will mitigate their impact on the ecosystem and generate industry data for decision making.

  • Market demand.
  • Commitment of shipowners, captains and crew members to participate. 
  • Processes of feedback and permanent support to fishermen.
  • Visibility and recognition of the work carried out among the companies.
  • Fishermen can be the main ally of researchers and managers to collect data.
  • Ongoing support is important.
  • Determination on the part of the owner is fundamental in setting up this type of system.
  • Visibility and recognition of the fishermen's commitment impacts their intrinsic motivation.