Photo: Balfegó Group

Balfegó Kicks Off Bluefin Tuna Fishing Campaign with 3,700-Tonne Quota

SPAIN
Friday, May 23, 2025, 00:50 (GMT + 9)

Spanish Fleet Anticipates 20% Job Growth and Adapts Operations to Climate Change, Upholding B Corp Commitment.

L'AMETLLA DE MAR – Grup Balfegó, a leading name in Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna (Thunnus Thynnus) fishing, is set to commence its annual fishing campaign on May 26. The company has until July 1 to capture its allocated quota of 3,700 tonnes, distributed among various Spanish, French, and Italian vessels that supply Balfegó. The operation will be led by Balfegó, commanding a fleet of 13 European vessels, including its own Frau II and Tio Gel Segón, supported by 26 auxiliary boats.

This campaign is not only crucial for bluefin tuna production but is also expected to generate over 350 direct jobs, representing a significant 18% to 20% increase compared to positions created in 2024. The company remains optimistic about favorable weather conditions to ensure smooth operations without interruptions.

Adapting to Climate Change and B Corp Sustainability

Balfegó has once again observed an earlier arrival of bluefin tuna to the Balearic fishing grounds this year, approximately two to three weeks ahead of schedule. This shift is a direct consequence of the warming waters in the Mediterranean. In response, the company emphasizes the critical need to consider climate change's impact on the species' behavior and to explore the possibility of advancing the campaign's start to ensure more efficient and effective fishing.

This marks the second campaign for Balfegó operating under the prestigious B Corp¹ sustainability certification, which it obtained in March 2024, making it the first Spanish fishing company to achieve this recognition. This certification is largely underpinned by the "Balfegó protocol," a set of pioneering practices applied throughout their fishery that ensure animal welfare and crew safety.

The Balfegó protocol includes strict measures such as a maximum of three catches and transfers per day, immediate transfer of catches to transport pens, and avoiding the capture of overly large schools. These practices not only safeguard the welfare of the tuna but also lead to a tangible increase in the fleet's eco-efficiency and a reduction in its environmental impact.

Transparency and Scientific Oversight

As in previous years, Balfegó's fishing campaign will be overseen by thirteen independent observers from the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Furthermore, all fishing operations and the transfer of captured tuna between pens will be monitored by stereoscopic cameras, allowing for precise determination of the average weight of catches and ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance.

1 "B Corp" refers to a certification issued by B Lab, a non-profit organization. It's a global movement that recognizes companies meeting high standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. These businesses aim to balance profit with purpose, using business as a force for good.

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