Biscay, Spain-based marine technology company Zunibal – which is owned by Nazca Capital – has celebrated its 30th anniversary.
CEO Ibone Rodríguez de Pablo said that the milestone "reflects the joint effort, determination, and commitment shared by all the people who are part of Zunibal."
"Our evolution from a local company to a global benchmark is the result of the talent of our team and the trust of our clients and collaborators," she said. "Everything we have achieved so far inspires us to keep moving forward, turning challenges into new opportunities and ensuring that our essence, based on proximity, technological excellence, and sustainability, continues to lead the way."
In a release about the anniversary, Zunibal added that it was proud of its history as a technological innovator for tropical tuna fishers. The company reflected on key milestones, including the first ever satellite buoy and biodegradable fish aggregating devices (FADs) that lowered fisheries’ environmental impact.
The company also highlighted its work on digitizing the tropical tuna sector via artificial intelligence through a collaboration with Cambrian Intelligence, which included the acquisition of a 20 percent stake in the company. The partnership uses “predictive algorithms capable of identifying, in real time, the buoys with the highest probability of capture and generating daily maps of recommended zones, optimizing fleet efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.”
Zunibal also noted that it had recently published its first sustainability report for 2023-2024, which showcases a 38.8 percent reduction in energy intensity and 91 percent consumption of renewable energy sources.
“For three decades, we have shown that true innovation is not just about creating cutting-edge technologies but developing them with soul," Zunibal Chief Commercial Officer Ángel Martínez said. "At Zunibal, we learn from tradition, respect the ocean, and move forward with the conviction that the way we do things – collaborative, responsible and honest – is as important as what we achieve."
In recent years, the company has been recognized with a 2023 Quality Innovation Award for Advanced Management, a 2024 Best ESG Initiative of SPAINCAP award, and a 2025 ODS Planet Award for its biodegradable FAD.
