Ensuring the sustainability of oceans and fishery resources requires solid, independent science capable of generating knowledge that is truly useful for public policy. In this context, the European Union and major international bodies rely on leading experts who can provide scientific rigour and an ecosystem-based perspective to support decision-making that will shape the future of fisheries and marine conservation.
The Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) — the advisory body to the European Commission — has renewed its membership for the 2025–2028 period, reaffirming its confidence in AZTI as an international reference in fisheries research.
Three AZTI researchers — Raúl Prellezo, Leire Ibaibarriaga and Elsa Cuende — have been appointed members of the committee, with Raúl Prellezo elected as Chair, in recognition of his career and scientific leadership in fisheries economics.
This level of representation makes AZTI one of the institutions with the strongest presence within the STECF, consolidating its role as a key scientific advisor underpinning the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
In parallel, Eider Andonegi has been appointed Co-Chair of the ICCAT Ecosystems Subcommittee, the international body responsible for the conservation of Atlantic tunas. From this position, she will co-lead the development of ecosystem indicators and regional studies to integrate the ecosystem approach into fisheries management, in line with the UN High Seas Treaty (BBNJ).
AZTI’s presence in ICCAT is further strengthened by Haritz Arrizabalaga (European scientific coordinator and Chair of the Albacore Working Group) and Naiara Rodríguez-Ezpeleta (Chair of the Bluefin Tuna CKMR subgroup). In addition, Gorka Merino serves as Chair of the FADs Working Group of the IOTC and as European scientific coordinator for both the IOTC and the IATTC, reinforcing AZTI’s international influence.
Furthermore, Dorleta García has been re-elected Vice-Chair of the ICES Advisory Committee (ACOM). This body translates ICES scientific evidence into advice on the sustainable use, services and protection of marine ecosystems. Several AZTI researchers also hold key roles within ICES assessment groups, coordinating the evaluation of species of major importance to the Basque fishing fleet.
Sectors: Fisheries and aquaculture sector
Research lines: Blue Economy, Efficient, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, Environmental resilience and global change
Research sublines: Sustainable fishery management