The general manager of Pesque Ancora, owned by Dutch seafood giant Parlevliet and van der Plas (P&P), is the new chair of the International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA), a global organization that represents the international fishing industry.

The appointment of Ivan Lopez, who is also vice president of the Spanish Confederation of Fisheries (CEPESCA), was announced by the ICFA at its general assembly in Rome, Italy, on Dec. 4.

The ICFA, formed in 1988, has 25 seafood association members worldwide, representing 85% of global fishery landings. According to the ICFA website, members are committed to the sustainable use of marine resources and science-based fishery conservation and management practices.

ICFA is also an accredited observer for United Nations (UN) events and is a regular interlocuter with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. 

Ivan Lopez. Photo from Ivan Lopez Twitter/X

Lopez replaces Canadian Paul Lansbergen, former executive director of the Fisheries Council of Canada, who chaired the ICFA for 2024, as previously reported by Undercurrent News.

Lansbergen left the Fisheries Council of Canada in September.

Lopez, a seasoned leader with 25 years of professional experience in the fisheries sector, holds a degree in international affairs and economics. He is also chairman of the European Union's Long Distance Advisory Council and leads the European Bottom Fishing Alliance (EBFA), the ICFA noted in its press release.

"It is an honor to have been chosen to lead this incredible organization," Lopez said in a statement. "I have a firm commitment to advancing ICFA's mission and ensuring a sustainable future for our industry worldwide. By working together, we can meet the challenges ahead and continue to provide essential contributions to global nutrition and livelihoods." 

Fiona MacMillan. Photo from Fiona MacMillan LinkedIn page

In addition to Van der Veen's election, Fiona MacMillan, general manager of communications and marketing for Seafood New Zealand, was named chair of the Global Seafood Communicators (GSC). This forum, dedicated to advancing effective communication within the seafood sector, plays a critical role in shaping public understanding of the industry's contributions to sustainable food systems, the ICFA noted.

"I'm thrilled to lead the Global Seafood Communicators at a time when the seafood industry is increasingly recognized for its importance to global food security and as a source of healthy and sustainable protein," said MacMillan. "I look forward to collaborating with communicators from around the world to share the positive stories of our sector and amplify the voice of seafood as a solution to many global challenges."

At its meeting this week in Rome, the ICFA discussed seafood and fisheries-related issues like decarbonization, climate change, food security, nutrition and how to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.