What began in 2023 continues
The first Bermeo Tuna Forum brought together representatives from industry, science, institutions and tuna-fishing towns to jointly address the system’s main challenges.
That edition was not a one-off event. It forged relationships, agreements and a work programme that stays active today.
BTF2027 builds on this journey: it reviews what has been achieved, incorporates new perspectives and launches a new cycle of commitments.
BTF2023 in figures
428 registered participants
Over 280 attendees at the Euskalduna Palace
18 countries represented
84 media mentions
Tuna-fishing cities from three oceans connected within a single network
BTF2027 · Our ambition
435 professionals at the international conference in Bilbao
6 partner tuna-fishing cities · 3 oceans
The Bermeo Declaration, signed by the sea on World Tuna Day
What happened in 2023
During the Forum, we brought together voices from the scientific, business, institutional and regional sectors who usually work in different spheres.
The meeting offered an opportunity to share assessments, discuss shared challenges and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the tuna industry.
Two key initiatives emerged from that work, which continue to underpin the Forum today: the International Declaration on Tuna Sustainability and the Alliance of Tuna Cities.
The alliance of tuna cities
Cities across three oceans connected by a single system
The Alliance brings together cities that have deep economic, social, labour and cultural ties to tuna.
Although each region faces a different reality, they all share challenges linked to sustainability, employment, identity and the future of their communities.
The network enables dialogue to continue between editions and progress to be made at a local level.
Find out more about the Alliance
FROM 2023 TO 2027
A new edition that doesn’t start from scratch
In 2027, we’ll return to highlight the progress made and work on what still needs to be achieved.
We’ll broaden the conversation, bring together new perspectives and strengthen the relationship between science, industry, institutions, cities and regions.
The aim is not to repeat what happened in 2023, but to build on what we have already learnt.
A forum is also measured by what endures
BTF2027 continues the work begun in 2023.
We are returning to review, learn and build the next set of commitments with those who form part of the tuna industry.