Bermeo seeks to lead the movement to defend good practices and sustainability regarding the tuna sector.

Because of its tradition and history

• The ‘Dakar Campaigns’ that were carried out during 1956 and 1965 mainly by the Bermeo fleet were a milestone in tuna fishery.

• In 1961 PEVASA, the first tuna company that is still active today, was founded. A few years later, in 1964, ECHEBASTAR, S.A. and GRUPO COATUMBER emerged, 2 large companies that constructed the first 2 seiners with built-in freezers: ALAKRAN and ALBONIGA.

Due to the social and economic impact of the tuna and canning sector in Bermeo, in the Basque Country and internationally.

• 50 tuna purse seiner vessels.
• 25 inshore vessels.
• World-renowned canning sector.
• 10% of the world’s tropical tuna catches.
• Over 6,000 direct and indirect jobs.
• Presence in global management bodies.
• Large capital goods technology companies.
• Shipbuilders who are specialised in constructing tuna freezer ships.
• 95% of the design, engineering and construction of the tuna boats are made in Euskadi.

Due to the fact that it is a global benchmark in sustainable fishing best practices:

The ANABAC and OPAGAC organisations have established a Code of Good Practices that includes measures that contribute to implementing more responsible and sustainable tuna fishing.

Because of its commitment to science for sustainability

AZTI, a leading scientific institute that is a global benchmark in tuna research, collaborates with sustainability and good practices projects.