Bermeo Tuna is a pioneering public-private partnership that brings together the entire tuna value chain with a common goal: to make Bermeo the international benchmark for sustainability in the tuna sector.

To this end, since 2018 we have been working to promote sustainability in the sector, with a view to achieving a prosperous and responsible future for the fishing industry.

Our partnership currently comprises more than 40 member organisations, key players in the value chain for tuna and northern bonito:

Leading companies directly and indirectly linked to tuna: fishing vessels, canneries, ancillary industries, technology, gastronomy, innovation… They represent every link in the value chain.
Scientific bodies
Public institutions: the Basque Government, the Provincial Council of Bizkaia and Bermeo Town Council.

The association was founded with the aim of promoting a sustainable and inclusive model within the tuna value chain, raising public awareness, fostering innovation and strengthening collaboration between the public, private and social stakeholders involved.

Our commitment is clear: to protect the oceans and their ecosystems, and to ensure the well-being of those working in the sector, contributing to their development and that of the communities in which we operate.

A story for the future

Tuna is the most important fishery resource on the planet.

It is the most consumed marine protein in the world, standing for 20% of the value of global fishing and ensuring employment, food, and cultural significance in many countries.

Today, the tuna sector faces a major challenge: guaranteeing its overall sustainability in a context of overexploitation, climate change, and pressure from global demand.

From Bermeo – the historic World Capital of Tuna – we have assumed global leadership so that tuna continues to be a source of life, development and the future.

Our values

At Bermeo Tuna, we share a common vision of the present and future

At Bermeo Tuna, we share a common vision of the present and future of the tuna industry: one based on responsibility, cooperation and a commitment to people and the environment.

Our values reflect the essence of this partnership and guide every action we take to ensure a sustainable, innovative fishing industry that is deeply rooted in our community.

Sustainability

A commitment to ensuring responsible fishing practices and ocean conservation, as well as respect for human rights.

Local Roots

Maintaining a strong connection with Bermeo, its history, and its fishing community.

Innovation

Investing in science and technology to lead in sustainability and quality.

Transparency

Building trust through honest and open communication about the practices and values of Bermeo Tuna and its partner brands.

Quality and Nutrition

Providing high-quality, healthy products and raw materials, guaranteeing consumer well-being.

Partnerships

Fostering public-private partnerships and uniting all stakeholders in the value chain around a common purpose.

Objectives

We believe that building a sustainable management model that brings together science, fisheries and society is both possible and necessary.

Our objectives reflect our commitment to making an impact from the local to the global level, by promoting knowledge, innovation and respect for the sea, the people and the culture that give life to Bermeo.

To promote collaboration between science and fishing.

To promote understanding, training and innovation.

To encourage the exchange of experiences between cultures.

To recover, manage and spread historic heritage.

To boost the economic and social development of Bermeo.

To foster projects for healthier oceans.

Why Bermeo

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.
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.
The strength of the Basque tuna sector

- 10% of the world’s catches of tropical tuna come from the fleet based in Bermeo.
- The tuna calue chain in the Basque Country generates 924 million € annually
- More than 3.100 direct jobs in the tuna freezer sector
A leading industry: More thank 50 freezer tuna vessels and 20 inshore boats with sustainable fishing systems and MSC certified.
Innovation and technology: Almost 90% of the most moderns tuna fishing vessels in the world are made in the Basque Country.

Our mission

Bermeo Tuna promotes and defends the comprehensive sustainability of the tuna sector to:

➜ Guarantee the protection of marine species and ecosystems.

➜ Ensure decent working and social conditions throughout the supply chain.

➜ Create value at the place of origin and in local communities.

➜ Educate consumers in responsible shopping.

Bermeo Tuna

Our network

Bermeo Tuna: a partnership for the future of the tuna sector