Fisheries Sustainability
Led by OPAGAC, the new Ocean Alliance for the Recovery of Fish Aggregating Devices (OFRA) has been presented to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC). This pioneering initiative aims to finance the removal of fish aggregating devices to protect sensitive marine ecosystems.
At the annual meeting of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) held in Lisbon, the Spanish fishing sector consolidated its leading position in international corporate sustainability. Before representatives from more than twenty countries, Spanish tuna associations—led by OPAGAC —in alliance with industry powerhouses such as the United States, Panama, and Ecuador, officially launched the Ocean Alliance for the Recovery of Fish Stocks (OFRA).
This unprecedented transnational coalition was created with a clear purpose: to structure and finance projects focused on the location, recovery and removal of so-called fish aggregating devices (FADs) that have been left adrift throughout the Pacific Ocean.
The management model for this alliance is based on a financial fund established from its inception by the tuna fishing industry itself. To ensure its effectiveness, OFRA will operate in close collaboration with scientific institutions, providers of technological innovation, and other key players in the global value chain. These resources will be strategically allocated to prevent fishing gear from running aground on coral reefs , biological reserves, or any other area of particular environmental sensitivity.
Regarding the significance of this agreement for the national fleet, Julio Morón , managing director of OPAGAC, emphasized the sector's efforts: “ The Spanish tuna fleet, by promoting this pioneering initiative worldwide, demonstrates its commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of fishing. Its commitment to collaborating with coastal countries to prevent long-hauled fish stocks (LHFs) from reaching sensitive areas is unwavering, and the Oceanic Alliance for LHF Recovery (OFRA) is a practical example of this commitment .”
The initiative begins with a clear focus on commercial and operational expansion throughout the Pacific Basin. Currently, the Alliance is already financially supporting pilot recovery projects in strategic locations such as Palmyra (part of the United States) and Aitutaki (Cook Islands). The consortium's next logistical and institutional challenge is to integrate new strategic partners to scale this successful cooperation model to new areas of oceanic influence.
| Concept | Figure |
|---|---|
| Number of tuna purse seine vessels | 47 |
| Approximate annual catch | 400.000 tonnes |
| Percentage of global catch | 8% |
| Main operating oceans | Atlántico, Índico y Pacífico |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the OFRA alliance and what is its main objective?
The Ocean Alliance for DCP Recovery (OFRAThis is an international initiative led by the Spanish tuna fleet to fund projects for locating, recovering, and removing abandoned fish aggregating devices (FADs) in the Pacific Ocean. Its goal is to prevent these devices from damaging sensitive marine ecosystems such as coral reefs and protected areas.
Who are the founding members of this initiative?
The promoters and founders of the alliance are the main tuna associations of España (OPAGAC / AGAC), Estados Unidos (ATA), Panamá (FIPES) and Ecuador (ATUNEC).
Why is DCP recovery important for the environment?
Recovering abandoned waste containers is crucial to preventing plastic pollution and the destruction of marine habitats. When these devices drift, they can become entangled in coral reefs, damage seagrass meadows, and negatively impact marine life in coastal areas and ecologically sensitive zones.
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