A working group has been set up in Bermeo to promote a centre for training and innovation in sustainable tuna fishing
Organised by Bermeo Tuna World Capital, the new forum brings together public authorities (the Basque Government and the Provincial Council of Bizkaia), the Bermeo Nautical School and businesses to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the Basque tuna sector.
At Bermeo Tuna, we have spearheaded the creation of this Bizkaia Tuna Sector Training and Innovation Committee as a collaborative working forum bringing together representatives from the public authorities responsible for fisheries, economic development and training (the Basque Government and the Provincial Council of Bizkaia), the fishing industry operating in international waters, and the Bermeo Nautical School. The aim of the round table is to analyse trends in the sector, identify medium- and long-term challenges, and define priority areas of action to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of the Basque tuna industry, which has its main hub in Bermeo.
The steering group’s inaugural meeting took place on 23 October and served to confirm the shared commitment of all stakeholders to improving maritime and fisheries training in the frozen tuna sector, addressing the generational transition and strengthening innovation and the sector’s reputation, under the coordination of Bermeo Tuna as the coordinating body.
Participants have described the initiative as very positive and important for driving the sector’s future sustainability.
“Turning Bermeo into a specialist centre for training and innovation serving the fishing industry and the sustainable processing of northern bonito and tuna is key to remaining leaders in an industry with local roots but a global impact. Furthermore, initiatives of this kind can and must also help to retain and attract people to the inshore fishing sector, which is vital for the local supply chain and for preserving Bermeo’s seafaring identity,” said Maitane Leizaola, managing director of Bermeo Tuna World Capital.
The Committee was established as a permanent working forum, bringing together around fifteen key stakeholders from the tuna value chain, including public authorities, shipowners and training centres.
The process will continue with two further working sessions over the coming months, during which the strategic challenges, priorities for action and the round table’s governance model will be finalised, with a view to strengthening the leadership of the Basque tuna sector and its contribution to global sustainability. Bermeo Tuna will act as coordinator and institutional focal point, channelling the round table’s conclusions and proposals to the relevant authorities in the fields of education, training and fisheries.
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