Last May the 18th, in the context of the XXIV. edition of the Arrain Azoka (Fish Fair), the tuna purse seine companies of Bermeo (including Albacora) were awarded with the XXII. Hegaluze Prize.
The mayor and chairwoman of the Arrain Azoka Elkartea (Fish Fair Association), Idurre Bideguren, presided the award ceremony. She congratulated the companies and acknowledged their work, while also emphasizing their commitment to sustainable fisheries.
The Arrain Azoka of Bermeo, an annual festival that celebrates the maritime tradition of this town, has taken place for twenty-four years. In this festive atmosphere, due to a close collaboration between the local radio station Itsuki Irratia and the Fair organizers, the Hegaluze Prize awards people, associations, companies or projects from different fields, who have acted to spread the reputation of Bermeo, or developed projects to improve its community.
In regard to this year’s award, the jury explained that “all these years, tuna companies have demonstrated their ability to face new challenges. They have been able to adapt themselves to the new needs of the market, both technologically and environmentally. These tuna purse seine companies count with modern technology which is nowadays demanded and, compared to other competitors, their vessels mark a reference in terms of sustainability. ”
In addition, the jury emphasized that these companies are part of the fishing tradition of Bermeo. In other words, “they are companies founded by people of this town, entrepreneurs who were related to the sea, who sailed to the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, and whose businesses are still family owned today.”
In Albacora we are especially grateful for a recognition that hits so close to our roots. Initiatives like this strongly encourage us to continue walking the path of sustainability.