In the turquoise waters of the Eastern Pacific, Ecuador’s tuna fleet is scripting a sustainability success story that balances ecological responsibility, social accountability, and global market demands. As the world’s top tuna exporter, supplying nearly 17% of worldwide tuna and generating $1.2 billion annually, Ecuador proves that environmental stewardship isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a competitive edge.
The nation’s purse seine fleet has been synonymous with innovation for decades. Recent stock assessments reveal stable populations in the region, thanks to science-backed quotas, seasonal closures, and a relentless focus on reducing bycatch. Ecuador’s fishermen now deploy biodegradable, non-entangling FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices), slashing interactions with turtles and sharks by over 90% in some fleets. These practices show that Ecuadorian tuna is becoming the top choice for eco-conscious consumers.
But sustainability here goes beyond environmental metrics. Companies like Salica del Ecuador S.A, certified by Friend of the Sea—the only sustainability standard recognized under the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement—are setting benchmarks for social responsibility. Crew members, many from vulnerable coastal communities, benefit from fair wages and safety training.
The numbers speak volumes. Ecuador ships over 500,000 tonnes of tuna annually, with exports to the U.S., Europe, and Asia growing 12% year-on-year as buyers prioritize certified products. Retail giants now demand proof of sustainability, and Ecuador’s industry has responded: seven major companies, including Guayatuna S.A., have earned Friend of the Sea’s stamp for traceability, low bycatch, and ecosystem protection. Take Salica del Ecuador, which redesigned its FADs to achieve a 98% drop in turtle bycatch, or Ideal, which guarantees full supply-chain transparency from “net to shelf.”
Why does this matter? Global consumers are voting with their wallets. Over 65% of shoppers now prefer seafood with sustainability certifications. Ecuador’s alignment with rigorous standards like Friend of the Sea—which audits wild-caught and farmed seafood—positions it as a trusted supplier. “Certification isn’t just a label—it’s a lifeline for fisheries,” notes Paolo Bray, Founder of Friend of the Sea. “In an era of greenwashing, third-party audits are the only way to build trust.”
Yet the work is far from over. As climate change and overfishing threaten oceans worldwide, Ecuador challenges its peers to raise the bar.
The call to action is clear:
Adopt non-entangling FADs and electronic monitoring to curb bycatch.
Submit to independent audits—like Friend of the Sea’s—to verify sustainability claims.
Collaborate with RFMOs to safeguard migratory species.
Ecuador’s tuna sector shows that profitability and planet-friendly practices can coexist. For an industry at a crossroads, its journey offers a blueprint: innovate transparently, invest in people, and let sustainability steer the course.
Interested in certification?
Learn how Friend of the Sea can transform your operations at Friend of the Sea.
