The EU’s Fisheries Scientific Committee renews its trust in AZTI with the appointment of three researchers, one of them as Chair

• Elsa Cuende, Leire Ibaibarriaga and Raúl Prellezo will join the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) for the next three years. Prellezo, now serving his fifth term, has also been elected Chair of the committee.

Sukarrieta, 8 September 2025.

The Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF), the European Commission’s advisory body on fisheries sustainability policies, has renewed its membership for the 2025–2028 term, once again placing its trust in AZTI researchers. This strengthens the institute’s scientific leadership in Europe.

In this new term, three AZTI researchers have been appointed as committee members: Elsa Cuende, Leire Ibaibarriaga and Raúl Prellezo. In addition, Raúl Prellezo has been elected Chair, a significant recognition of his scientific career and his standing as a European reference in fisheries economics.

This collective appointment positions AZTI as one of the institutions with the highest representation in the committee: three of its 35 members come from the Basque centre. A milestone that consolidates AZTI as a benchmark in the scientific advice underpinning European Union fisheries policies.

“This renewed trust from the European Commission is not only a recognition of the excellence and independence of our research team, but also an opportunity to continue contributing rigorous, applied science to the sustainability of fisheries, marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them,” said Rogelio Pozo, CEO of AZTI.

Scientific leadership and expertise at the service of Europe

• Raúl Prellezo, PhD in Economics and specialist in fisheries management, brings more than two decades of experience and begins his fifth consecutive term as a committee member. His election as Chair reflects both his international reputation and his ability to generate impact in decision-making.
• Leire Ibaibarriaga, PhD in mathematics, is starting her third term. An expert in statistical modelling applied to fisheries, she has played a key role in developing scientific tools for the sustainable management of marine resources.
• Elsa Cuende, PhD in fishing gear selectivity and fishing technology, joins the STECF for the first time. Her technical background will provide innovative perspectives in designing sustainable solutions for the sector.

A strategic committee for fisheries sustainability

The STECF is composed of 35 independent experts in disciplines such as marine biology, fishing technology, economics, governance and data analysis. Its mission is to provide the European Commission with robust scientific advice to guide the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the sustainable development of aquaculture.

Since 2007, AZTI has maintained uninterrupted participation in this body, reaffirming its commitment to applied, rigorous and independent science in the service of marine sustainability.

“The continuity and growth of this presence is no coincidence, but the result of sustained, multidisciplinary work committed to the common good. At AZTI, we congratulate Elsa, Leire and Raúl on this well-deserved recognition and for representing the values of our organisation: scientific excellence, integrity and commitment to a more sustainable future for oceans and people,” added AZTI’s CEO.