EU Inspects Ecuador’s Tuna Vessels And Plants ff

The Ecuadorian fishing sector is taking precautions to secure their entry into the European market. The tuna and seafood sector wants to ensure the permanence of Ecuadorian products in the European Union (EU). The EU is one of its main buyers where business has grown 60% during the last 10 years, when Ecuadorian fish has been entering on a duty-free basis.

According to the president of the Ecuadorian Chamber of Fisheries, Mr. Cesar Rohon, the Ecuadorian seafood companies have invested US 10 million during last years in order to reach this target.

EU technicians have commenced performing a health audit in Ecuador earlier this week. The commission consists of three inspectors from the EU General Direction of Health and Consumer Protection. Until next Thursday October 27^th, this commission will check the fishing vessels, the discharge locations and the processing plants. The inspections will take place mostly in Guayaquil, Manta and Posorja, the major production areas and discharging ports for the Ecuadorian tuna industry.

The objective is to evaluate the health conditions during the capture, discharge, processing and shipping of the products, as well as the control systems and quality certification.

The vice-president of the Chamber of Fisheries, Mr. Roberto Aguirre, explained that “Europe is important for the Ecuadorian fishing sector because 50% of the tuna exports are sent to this market. This represents 120,000 tons annually. In order to maintain the market share, there have been investments made in the technical development of the sector and the strengthening of the fleet that has currently a capacity of 55 million tons. The tuna fleet consists of 82 vessels and 12 of them are qualified by the EU. The sector is presently working on the renewal of the machinery, improvement of fishing nets and the fish detection equipments, among other measures.

The president of the Ecuadorian Tuna Boatowners Association (ATUNEC), Ms. Lucia Fernandez, indicated that the companies are seeking a head start to meet the new demands the EU is applying. “And as an example”, she added, “the Ecuadorian sector is already working to meet an EU regulation that will be implemented in 2007. The forthcoming norm will be aimed at increasing safety measures at high sea and improving the quality of life to those involved in the fishing activity”.

The Ecuadorian fishing companies have invested in regulations such as “traceability”, a requirement stipulated by the EU to be aware of the complete product-chain, starting from when the fish is caught until it is exported. The inspectors will also evaluate the controls made by the National Institute of Fisheries (INP). Mr. Luis Arriaga, INP director, explained that the entity has made technical innovations for ensure tests are accomplished within a shorter period of time and by more modern systems.

European technicians and inspectors arrived in Manta on October 23^rd and will visit 4 vessels and 3 processing plants.

Once these vessels and processing factories have been screened, the EU delegation will issue a report listing the names of the fishing companies that do not meet all the requirements. These companies will not be allowed to export to the EU.