BALFEGÓ ETHICS

Sustainability

Balfegó's philosophy is rooted in sustainability and stems from the sea and a particular way of understanding life. It reflects a family that has made respect for the marine environment, transparency, and sustainability a way of life. We believe in the constant pursuit of excellence based on a balance between economic activity, environmental sustainability, and social well-being.

Commitment to the Sea

Our philosophy stems from a deep respect for the marine ecosystem. Every decision reflects our commitment to conservation and responsible development.
It represents a way of doing business where family tradition is combined with science, innovation, and collective responsibility to ensure a sustainable future for bluefin tuna and for the communities that depend on it.

  • Deep respect for the sea
  • A firm commitment to the conservation of bluefin tuna
  • Family tradition combined with science and innovation

CERTIFICATION

We are a B Corp

In 2024, we became the first Spanish company in the fishing industry to join the B Corp movement because of our commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and making a positive impact on the environment and the community.

"The B Corp certification reaffirms our commitment to giving back to the ocean everything it gives us."

IMPACT

Building a Responsible Business Model

At Balfegó, this certification recognizes our efforts to ensure and integrate sustainability into everything we do: from responsible fishing and full traceability of bluefin tuna to the social policies embedded in our business model.

COMMUNITY

Together Toward a Common Goal

Connecting with the global ecosystem We are part of an international network committed to sustainability. Together, we make a significant impact.

AENOR and Environmental Sustainability

Certification and monitoring at the various stages of the process, such as capture fishing, the feeding stage, the marketing stage, and environmental monitoring of the activities carried out.

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AENOR and Environmental Sustainability

Certification and monitoring at the various stages of the process, such as capture fishing, the feeding stage, the marketing stage, and environmental monitoring of the activities carried out.

FISHING

Selective Tuna Fishing

We use the purse seine technique for targeted and responsible fishing. Our method allows us to select adult specimens, thereby protecting the species' reproduction and survival.

SINGLE-SPECIES FISHING

Selective fishing that respects the natural cycle

We fish using the purse seine technique, which allows us to conduct targeted single-species fishing and even release fish that are smaller than the minimum size limit—30 kg—which we at Balfegó have raised to 60.

ADULT SPECIMENS

Responsible fishing that protects the species' reproduction

Our fishery targets adult tuna, with an average age of 10 years; they reach sexual maturity at age 4, allowing for at least 6 years of reproduction.

REGULATION

International Fisheries Management

The bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) fishery is the most studied, monitored, and regulated fishery in the world, by any scientific standard.
The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) is the regional fisheries organization under the UN and the FAO that manages this fishery. Its management policies are based on periodic reports on the status of the fishery issued by the Scientific Committee (SCRS).

  • Global Oversight

    Allocated quotas (TACs), based on the Maximum Sustainable Yield established by SCRS.

  • Ban on Fishing for Juvenile Fish

    The minimum size is 30 kg, while sexual maturity is reached at 25 kg.

  • EBCD

    Electronic Tuna Catch Document (eBCD).

  • Ship and Port Registry

    Bluefin tuna may only be caught by licensed vessels and may only be unloaded at authorized ports.

  • Complete transparency

    The presence of international and independent ICCAT observers at the time of capture during the fishing season and every day at aquaculture facilities.

Scientific Collaboration

We collaborate with ICCAT, the Government of Spain, and organizations such as the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), AZTI, the Institute of Research and Technology (IRTA), and the University of Cádiz, among others, with the goal of improving our understanding of bluefin tuna as a species and implementing projects and initiatives that enhance its sustainability.

logos-scientific-collaboration
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TRANSPARENCY

Comprehensive Traceability

fishing, but throughout the entire marketing chain in an efficient and easily manageable way. We work to promote responsible consumption and complete transparency so that both chefs and diners have all the information, piece by piece.

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EFFICIENCY

Sustainable Fleet

Our fleet is one of the most eco-efficient fleets in Spain when we consider its CO₂ emissions per kilogram of fish caught.

INNOVATION

We are pioneers in ...

Our vision goes beyond traditional fishing. We have revolutionized the industry with methods that set a new standard for responsibility and efficiency.

  • Reproduction

    Verify the reproduction of bluefin tuna.

  • Management and Control

    Propose measures for the management and control of the fishery.

  • Electronic Traceability

    Electronically track each individual tuna and each and every one of its parts.

  • Electronic Management

    Electronically manage catch documents at all stages of fishing, transfer, processing, and feeding.

  • Comprehensive Marketing

    Market every single part of the bluefin tuna (full utilization).