A representative from TUNACONS said that NIRSA has achieved global certifications, actively participates in fisheries improvement projects, and promotes responsible sourcing, positioning it as a leading sustainable fishing company in the Americas.
"Has shown a commitment to environmental and social sustainability," said . "Positions it as a relevant competitor in the field of sustainability in the fishing industry in the Americas. NIRSA has consolidated its position as a leader in sustainability and responsible industrial practices in the region."
According to Business Daily, NIRSA is a vertically integrated seafood company based in Guayaquil. It supplies canned tuna, shrimp, and other products to major U.S. grocery chains. As a founding member of TUNACONS, a coalition dedicated to responsible tuna fishing, NIRSA is also affiliated with the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation. The company operates one of the most advanced seafood processing facilities in the region located in Posorja, Ecuador. This facility processes approximately 250 metric tons of seafood daily and plans to expand to 300 metric tons. Additionally, NIRSA maintains the largest Ecuadorian-flagged tuna fleet with 19 main vessels and additional support craft.
As per their 2024 sustainability report, NIRSA has implemented a comprehensive sustainability strategy aligned with regional and international regulations. This strategy focuses on responsible fishing practices and marine conservation. The company complies with all Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) resolutions, prohibits at-sea transshipment, minimizes bycatch through training and gear innovation, and maintains a moratorium on fleet growth. It has developed proprietary bycatch reduction technologies such as the Arrue Excluder and conducts regular environmental training for vessel crews to reinforce conservation practices at sea.
Despite these efforts, NIRSA remains barred from entering the United States due to unexplained visa revocations issued during the Biden administration. Despite making over 220 verified shipments to the U.S. between June 2023 and April 2025, the company's executives are still unable to travel for business without formal charges or public justification provided. According to American Greatness, this ban has disrupted U.S. supply chains and strained trade relations with one of Latin America's largest sustainability-certified seafood producers.
Roberto Aguirre has led NIRSA for 47 years after taking over as General Manager at age 22 following his father's passing—company founder Julio Aguirre Iglesias—according to the company. Under his leadership, NIRSA has expanded its market share significantly within Ecuador's domestic market while exporting products globally across five continents. Known for his rigorous work ethic involving ten-hour workdays, Aguirre attributes sustained growth through strategic planning focused on diversification.
TUNACONS (Tuna Conservation Group) is a public-private foundation formed in 2016 by leading tuna companies in the Eastern Pacific aiming towards advancing sustainable fishing practices through Fisheries Improvement Projects (FIPs), promoting Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification alongside supporting environmental protection via scientific research initiatives coupled with training programs along policy advocacy efforts.
