OPAGAC/AGAC and ISSF sign deal to collaborate on better fishing practices

“The ship owners in Organización de Productores Asociados de Grandes Atuneros Congeladores (OPAGAC) and Asociación de Grandes Atuneros Congeladores (AGAC) are committed to working toward sustainable and responsible tuna fisheries and as the only vessel group with a presence in all four major ocean regions, we have consistently worked to promote those principles through engagement with national delegations to regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs),” OPAGAC/AGAC Director Julio Morón commented. He added, “We believe that cooperative work with ISSF will be even more effective in promoting sustainable and responsible fishing practices at the tuna RFMO level.”

OPAGAC/AGAC group represents 34 purse seine vessels that fish and supply tuna to markets based in Spain.

ISSF has been working with vessel owners and skippers through its bycatch reduction project and its Vessel Committee, which provides insight to the ISSF Board of Directors.

PAGAC/AGAC has served on the committee since it was formed in 2010.

“We’re pleased to begin a more formal, direct relationship with OPAGAC/AGAC and its fleet and we certainly hope this is the first of many new collaborative efforts with the fishing community,” ISSF President Susan Jackson said.

“What sets ISSF apart from some campaigning organizations is that our coalition believes in finding real solutions and putting those solutions to work on the water. With the participation of vessel owners we can work to develop and implement ideas faster and more efficiently. That means a more immediate impact on shared tuna resources and our oceans.”

The new partnership aims to work collaboratively on the development and promotion of best practices and new technologies to lessen the impact of fishing on the marine environment. The groups will also combine efforts to advocate for RFMO member nations to address urgent issues, such as excess fishing capacity.