Roberto Alonso, Secretary General of the Spanish National Canned Fish Association and Marine Research Center (ANFACO-CYTMA), stated in his conference summary that despite the uncertain global market environment, the tuna industry is sufficiently competitive to face challenges while achieving recovery and diversified development. He emphasized, "China and Latin America are our future."
It is reported that most global tuna fisheries have now achieved sustainable management, thanks to the collaboration of regional fishery management organizations (RFMOs) and scientific conservation policies. Meanwhile, consumer purchasing habits are changing, with health, convenience, and ethical production becoming core drivers of demand. The industry is positioning tuna as a "nutritional superfood" rich in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins to further enhance market recognition.
Addressing social concerns about mercury content, Alonso cited the latest scientific findings, emphasizing the antagonistic effect of selenium in the human body against mercury, which helps alleviate related health concerns. This scientific evidence supports the position of tuna in global diets.
Moreover, technological innovation is seen as the new engine for industry development. Artificial intelligence and digital traceability technologies will gradually become important tools to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. In particular, the new regulations planned by the European Union to be introduced in early 2026 will impose higher requirements on the transparency of the global supply chain.
Alonso also focused on labor rights issues, welcoming the upcoming EU regulations against forced labor, considering it an opportunity to demonstrate the industry's ethical leadership: "We do not see this as a threat, but as a chance to strengthen the value chain and gain consumer trust."
The conference ultimately called for enhanced global cooperation to promote fair trade and unified sustainable standards, ensuring that the tuna industry steadily advances on a path of innovation and responsibility. It is known that the next International Tuna Conference will continue to be held in Vigo in 2027.