The Sea Technology Centre is taking part today in Vigo in the meeting of the Fisheries Ccience Committee, assuming its role as a new member
- CETMAR’s managing director, Rosa Chapela, will represent the foundation, dependant of the Regional Ministry of the Sea, on this scientific advisory body for decision-making within the sector
The Centro Tecnolóxico do Mar-CETMAR took part today in Vigo in the meeting of the Fisheries Science Committee. It has been a member since September, when it was agreed to create five new seats.
The secretariat of the committee is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food through the General Secretariat for Fisheries. The committee has reinforced its role as a scientific advisor for decisions affecting the industry and confirms its position as a dialogue forum between science, industry and civil society.
The meeting took place this morning at the Zona Franca in Vigo and marked its fifth meeting since its creation in 2022.
CETMAR played a leading role with the presentation by Jose L. Santiago, head of CETMAR’s Fisheries Socio-Economics Unit, who highlighted the progress made by the Socio-Economic Working Group of the Committee. The expert emphasised the need for information and data providing an overview of the state of fishing communities, as well as indicators for the analysis and measurement of their context with a view to proposing policies that improve their conditions.
He also remarked the need of decision-makers for tools allowing to assess the current situation — for example, maps showing fleet behaviour or scenario-prediction tools — and to generate evidence for implementing realistic solutions. On the one hand, for ensuring viability and, on the other, avoiding harm to the environment or its resources
During the meeting, other issues relevant to the fisheries industry were also discussed, such as the scientific challenges for the sustainable management of mixed fisheries and the role of fisheries producers’ organisations in science and innovation.
The Fisheries Science Committee was established in 2022 in Vigo as a participatory forum for the fisheries industry, the scientific community and various social stakeholders. Set up on the initiative of the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and Science and Innovation, its purpose is to strengthen collaboration between researchers and the industry, which is key to fisheries management, the progress of the blue economy and helping local, national and international authorities make informed decisions.
