Step 3 – Tactical Growth

The ROS – Recreation Opportunity Spectrum is a tool that classifies opportunities for tourism and recreation by measuring the degree of intervention across three attributes: Biophysical, Sociocultural, and Management. Based on these indicators, it defines five Classes of Experiences: Pristine, Natural, Semi-natural, Ruralized, and Urbanized.

By combining the vocation of the area with these classes, managers can design a gradient of opportunities, ranging from sites with maximum naturalness, minimal human presence, and very low visitation (Pristine class), to areas with extensive infrastructure, altered landscapes, high accessibility, and strong human interaction (Urbanized class).

Using ROS allows planners to shape the Ecotourism Program by defining:

1. Zoning
2. Classes of Experiences
3. Environments
4. Activities
5. Infrastructure
6. Services
7. Regulations

This tactical step translates the strategic vision into concrete management choices, ensuring that ecotourism development is diversified, coherent, and aligned with conservation priorities and visitor expectations.

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.

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.

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 Posorja. Initiatives such as “Pescando Plásticos”, developed together with FENACOPEC, allow these funds to be channeled towards activities that combine marine conservation and local development.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.