December 2025

Galicia Promotes Its Blue Economy Strategy at the Blue Atlantic Forum in Baiona

Baiona will host the fourth edition of the Blue Atlantic Forum (BAF) from November 12 to 14, the leading blue economy event in the Atlantic Arc. The forum will bring together European experts, institutions and companies to discuss innovation, sustainability and the development of the sea as an economic driver. As a major highlight, the 1st Forum of the Galician Blue Economy Strategy will be held, promoted by the Regional Ministry of the Sea.

From November 12 to 14, 2025, Baiona will become the meeting point for the Atlantic blue economy with the celebration of the 4th edition of the Blue Atlantic Forum (BAF) at the Parador de Baiona. This event, now established as a European benchmark, will bring together institutions, companies, researchers and students committed to the sustainable development of marine and coastal resources.

As a key new feature, this year’s edition will host on its first day the 1st Forum of the Galician Blue Economy Strategy, promoted by the Regional Ministry of the Sea of the Government of Galicia and CETMAR. This new space aims to strengthen the governance of sea-related activities in the region by fostering cooperation between public policies, scientific research and the private sector. The forum includes an opening keynote by expert Ernesto Penas Lado on international ocean governance, two round tables dedicated to traditional and emerging blue economy sectors—with representatives from fisheries, aquaculture, biotechnology and ports—and a participatory session organized by CETMAR to promote the creation of the Galician Blue Economy Network.

The opening session will be attended by the Regional Minister of the Sea, the President of the Government of Galicia, the Mayor of Baiona and representatives of the Port of Vigo, and will focus on the progress and priorities of the Galician Blue Economy Strategy. Galicia, with its strong maritime tradition and marine-based productive fabric, presents itself as a reference territory and a living laboratory for blue development.

The Blue Atlantic Forum has become a key platform for interregional cooperation within the Atlantic Arc, addressing the challenges and opportunities of a sector ranging from fisheries and aquaculture to marine biotechnology, renewable energies, coastal tourism and maritime transport.

International recognition also supports this event: the previous edition was distinguished by the organization Green Destinations as one of the Top 100 Responsible Tourism Initiatives worldwide, for its contribution to sustainable tourism and the promotion of Atlantic values as a space of innovation and environmental respect.

BAF 2025 combines in-person and online formats, facilitating the participation of speakers and attendees from different countries and sectors.
More information and registration: www.blueatlanticforum.org

Galicia Promotes Its Blue Economy Strategy at the Blue Atlantic Forum in Baiona

Baiona hosted the fourth edition of the Blue Atlantic Forum (BAF) from November 12 to 14, the leading blue economy event in the Atlantic Arc. The forum brought together European experts, institutions and companies to discuss innovation, sustainability and the development of the sea as an economic driver. As a major highlight, the 1st Forum of the Galician Blue Economy Strategy was held, promoted by the Regional Ministry of the Sea.

From November 12 to 14, 2025, Baiona became the meeting point for the Atlantic blue economy with the celebration of the 4th edition of the Blue Atlantic Forum (BAF) at the Parador de Baiona. This event, now established as a European benchmark, brought together institutions, companies, researchers and students committed to the sustainable development of marine and coastal resources.

As a key new feature, this year’s edition included on its first day the 1st Forum of the Galician Blue Economy Strategy, promoted by the Regional Ministry of the Sea of the Government of Galicia and CETMAR. This new space aims to strengthen the governance of sea-related activities in the region by fostering cooperation between public policies, scientific research and the private sector. The forum featured an opening keynote by expert Ernesto Penas Lado on international ocean governance, two round tables focused on traditional and emerging blue economy sectors—with representatives from fisheries, aquaculture, biotechnology and ports—and a participatory workshop organized by CETMAR to promote the creation of the Galician Blue Economy Network.

The opening session was attended by the Regional Minister of the Sea, the President of the Government of Galicia, the Mayor of Baiona and representatives of the Port of Vigo, and focused on the progress and priorities of the Galician Blue Economy Strategy. Galicia, with its strong maritime tradition and marine-based productive fabric, presents itself as a reference territory and a living laboratory for blue development.

The Blue Atlantic Forum has become a key platform for interregional cooperation within the Atlantic Arc, addressing the challenges and opportunities of a sector that ranges from fisheries and aquaculture to marine biotechnology, renewable energies, coastal tourism and maritime transport.

International recognition also supports this event: the previous edition was distinguished by the organization Green Destinations as one of the Top 100 Responsible Tourism Initiatives worldwide, for its contribution to sustainable tourism and the promotion of Atlantic values as a space of innovation and environmental respect.

BAF 2025 combines in-person and online formats, facilitating the participation of speakers and attendees from different countries and sectors. More information and registration: www.blueatlanticforum.org

CETMAR promotes in Peru the improvement of seed production and the strengthening of technical capacities among aquaculture producers

The MAR Piura project is funded by Galician Cooperation and implemented by CETMAR in coordination with PRODUCE, FONDEPES and the Social Organizations of Fishers and Aquaculture Producers (OSPAS) of Sechura.
The first training course will take place from December 1 to 5 at the La Arena Aquaculture Center, in Casma, Peru.

The Marine Technology Center – CETMAR Foundation, within the framework of the Galician Cooperation policy of the Xunta de Galicia, is promoting the MAR Piura project in Peru, an international cooperation initiative aimed at increasing the sustainability of the value chain associated with fisheries and aquaculture in the Piura region. The program is implemented in coordination with the Peruvian Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) and the National Fisheries Development Fund (FONDEPES), with the aim of strengthening business initiatives located in Sechura Bay and reinforcing governance mechanisms to enhance their capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change.

The project is structured around three main lines of action. The first focuses on improving the scallop production chain in Sechura Bay by strengthening the technical capacities of OSPAS for seed production and management in laboratories, enabling progress towards more efficient and climate-resilient farming systems.

The second line focuses on strengthening women-led marketing processes, supporting their professionalization in order to reduce their economic vulnerability. Finally, the third line of action is centered on institutional strengthening, promoting the training of technical staff from public entities linked to aquaculture and marine tourism, as well as fostering coordination spaces that enable the formulation of production models and experiential tourism initiatives consistent with environmental conservation and the economic diversification of the region.

First project action: technical training for OSPAS in Casma from December 1 to 5

As the first operational milestone of the intervention, an intensive training course will be held from December 1 to 5 for OSPAS technicians on protocols for maintenance, cleaning and optimization of the scallop production cycle during the hatchery and pre-grow-out phases. This action seeks to reduce dependence on natural seed collection, which is increasingly affected by climate change.

Representatives from the OSPAS AREMAR, Sec Yurac and Aquaseed will participate, along with students from the Ricardo Ramos Plata Institute of Sechura, selected for their strong interest in moving towards a more sustainable seed supply system.

Throughout the sessions, participants will delve into broodstock selection and conditioning, phytoplankton culture, and systematic water quality control. Protocols for cleaning, disinfection and health prevention will also be addressed, as well as techniques for handling and managing larvae and seed.

Another key aspect to be addressed is the standardization of the different stages of laboratory cultivation and the proper recording and analysis of production data, with the aim of ensuring more efficient and standardized processes.

Photo album update of the training