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Comunicación CETMAR

Feb 26
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Esparde

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CETMAR assesses the effects of marine protection and planning on artisanal and coastal fisheries in the Cantabrian Sea

  • With funding from the Biodiversity Foundation, the Galician institution will work together with the Spanish Institute of Oceanography and the University of Oviedo on the development of the Esparde project, whose objective is to study the social, economic and environmental impact of the displacement of small-scale fishing fleets.
  • The initiative will analyze how restrictions on fishing grounds modify the activity of vessels based in Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria, with the aim of improving the design of marine policies.

The Marine Technology Centre (CETMAR) will work over the next two years on the project “Esparde – Effects of the Spatial Displacement of Artisanal and Coastal Fishing Fleets Derived from Marine Conservation and Planning”, an initiative that analyzes how marine protection and planning measures influence the displacement of artisanal and coastal fisheries in the Cantabrian Sea, as well as the sustainability of fishing communities.

Framed within the Pleamar Programme 2025, Esparde aims to gain a better understanding of the social, economic and environmental effects resulting from the relocation of small-scale fleets due to spatial restrictions on fishing grounds. The project focuses on vessels with home ports in Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria, especially those operating in areas subject to current or future limitations.

The initiative addresses one of the main challenges of current fisheries policy: how conservation measures modify fishing patterns and condition the activity of artisanal fleets. Traditionally, many environmental assessments have assumed that these vessels can relocate without significant consequences, an assumption that does not reflect the real complexity of the sector or its operational constraints.

To address this challenge, the project develops interdisciplinary methodologies that allow for a more accurate assessment of the territorial, environmental and socioeconomic impact of fleet displacement. The analysis of changes in fishing activity and the associated costs for sector professionals provides a more realistic understanding of the consequences of spatial restrictions.

Esparde is also conceived as an innovative project based on collaboration between the scientific community and the fishing sector. Its main lines of work include the application of econometric techniques to measure impacts, the use of high-precision data on the spatial activity of fleets, and the development of models to predict the effects of their relocation in different contexts.

In a pioneering approach, the project also analyzes the potential negative effects that vessel displacement may generate in new fishing areas, even when relocation responds to objectives of protecting marine habitats and ecosystems.

The researchers are confident that the methodologies developed can be applied to other areas of conservation and to the design of public policies, incorporating traditional practices, local knowledge and the limitations of artisanal fishing communities in a more realistic way. This approach contributes to a more balanced, sustainable and socially fair management of the marine environment.

In addition to the aforementioned research institutions, the project involves collaboration with the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, through the Pleamar programme, and is co-funded by the European Union through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).

Feb 24
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MAR de Piura

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CETMAR promotes the commercialization of women-led artisanal fisheries in Peru

CETMAR strengthens the role of women in artisanal fisheries in the Piura region through training actions and practical workshops aimed at improving commercialization, adapting to market standards, and accessing new commercial opportunities within the framework of the MAR De Piura project.

With funding from the Xunta de Galicia through Cooperación Galega, and with the support of Peru’s Ministry of Production via the General Directorate of Artisanal Fisheries (DGPA), the Marine Technology Centre – CETMAR Foundation will carry out two key activities under the MAR De Piura project (Women, Aquaculture and Institutional Strengthening for the Sustainable Development of the Blue Economy in the Piura Region). These activities are designed to strengthen the marketing and sales processes of products led by women from the artisanal fishing community of Sechura Bay, Peru.

These actions will be implemented by the centre’s International Cooperation Department and fall under Project Result 2. Their main objective is to contribute to climate change adaptation in artisanal fisheries and aquaculture in the Piura region, through a strategy focused on productive diversification, institutional strengthening, and the sustainability of the blue economy, with special emphasis on the role of women.

Technical training for compliance with market standards

Between 23 and 25 February, CETMAR will conduct a training programme with the Asociación de Mujeres Relaras de Constante, followed by sessions on 26 and 27 February with the Asociación Con la Bendición de Mi Padre – Mariscos Illescas Sechura.

These training sessions will focus on adapting criteria for the preparation, processing, preservation and labelling of hydrobiological products, in accordance with the requirements established by the World Food Programme (WFP) and other potential public or private buyers.

Workshops for the practical application of market studies

Additionally, on 2 and 3 March, two working workshops—one with each association—will be held, focusing on the analysis, interpretation and practical application of market prospecting studies previously developed within the project.

On 2 March, the workshop will be held with the Asociación de Mujeres Relaras de Constante, while on 3 March it will take place with the Asociación Con la Bendición de Mi Padre – Mariscos Illescas Sechura. During the sessions, participants will work hands-on to identify priority market segments, design differentiated value propositions, develop positioning and promotion strategies, and create basic commercial tools such as product sheets, catalogues and sales messages.

Through these actions, CETMAR continues its commitment to a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive value chain, promoting the economic and social empowerment of women in the artisanal fishing community and facilitating their access to new markets.

Feb 12
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Free LitterAT

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Fishing for Litter in the Framework of the PRF Directive: Experiences and Challenges in the Atlantic

On 6 February 2026, the Free LitterAT project organised the webinar entitled “Fishing for Litter in the frame of PRF directive: experiences and challenges in the Atlantic”, with the aim of exchanging experiences and identifying the challenges arising from the implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/883 on port reception facilities for waste from ships (PRF Directive) and its connection with Fishing for Litter schemes that have been developed for several years in European countries with the collaboration of fishers.

The event, moderated by UBS, served as a forum for knowledge exchange between representatives from the European Commission (DG Move), the OSPAR Convention, KIMO, competent administrations from Atlantic Area countries (Ireland, France, Portugal and Spain), ports and technological centres. It allowed participants to share perspectives on the current management of unintentionally caught waste, as well as on the progress achieved and the remaining challenges in aligning operational practices with the European regulatory framework.

Following a general presentation of the European Union legal context, the role of the PRF Directive in defining procedures for monitoring, reporting and managing marine litter passively caught by fishing vessels was addressed. In this regard, the importance of applying harmonised approaches to data collection and reporting was highlighted, as well as ensuring consistency between national practices and requirements established at European level. An overview was also presented of the actions promoted within the framework of the OSPAR Convention regarding Fishing for Litter schemes, including their level of implementation in the Northeast Atlantic, the obligations derived from the Convention and their alignment with the OSPAR Strategy 2030, particularly Strategic Objective 4 aimed at reducing marine litter. The main progress, challenges and opportunities identified were also discussed, with funding highlighted as one of the key factors for their long-term sustainability.

CETMAR presented the first results of the Free LitterAT project related to the theme of the seminar, offering an overview of the state of implementation of the PRF Directive, current waste management practices in ports and experience with Fishing for Litter schemes in the participating countries. The presentation emphasised the importance of building on the experience gained through these projects to address the Directive’s requirements. It also showcased the resources being developed by the project: guidelines for the implementation of the SUP and PRF Directives, an inventory of good practices, and a training package including a guide and infographics to strengthen the management of this type of waste. These resources will be available at https://goodpractices.freelitterat.eu/ and on the project website https://freelitterat.eu/.

KIMO shared its extensive experience in the field of marine litter, highlighting the Fishing for Litter initiative, launched in the Netherlands in 2004 and currently active in 11 European countries. Recognised as a best practice by the European Commission, HELCOM and OSPAR, KIMO coordinates projects in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Belgium, working closely with fishers to collect waste, provide guidance and educational resources and promote recycling, including pilot projects such as the Isle of Skye Fisheries Recycling Coalition in 2025.

A specific part of the seminar was devoted to presenting practical experiences in Fishing for Litter and in the management of fisheries and port waste in Portugal and Spain, Ireland and France. Representatives from public bodies and management entities such as DOCAPESCA, MITERD, MTU and Repechon les Oceans shared their experience and different organisational models and operational solutions to facilitate the reception, characterisation and appropriate treatment of waste landed in ports, as well as the resources developed to support its management. This includes the document “General Criteria for the Implementation of Fishing for Litter Schemes” developed by MITERD within the LIFE IP INTEMARES project. These contributions highlighted the importance of cooperation between fishers, port authorities, waste managers and competent administrations.

The Port of Vigo highlighted improvements in reception facilities and its experience in projects involving incidentally caught waste and harbour cleaning, emphasising the importance of having efficient infrastructure and protocols. AIMPLAS contributed its experience as a technological centre with extensive expertise in the development of recycling processes, as well as its perspective on the main challenges associated with the valorisation of waste from Fishing for Litter. These include the low quality and high heterogeneity of these materials, the high management costs compared with their limited market value, existing technological limitations and the lack of a clearly defined regulatory and responsibility framework. The need for greater coordination among the different actors in the value chain was also stressed in order to move towards technically and economically viable circular economy solutions.

The discussion also analysed the main challenges associated with implementing the management of incidentally caught waste and ensuring the continuity of Fishing for Litter schemes. These include infrastructure needs, maintaining fishers’ engagement, proper use of containers, traceability of waste streams, data quality and, particularly, achieving long-term operational and economic sustainability through the identification of financing mechanisms. The importance of having clear procedures and adequate coordination of responsibilities among the different actors involved was particularly emphasised.

The seminar concluded by highlighting the added value of transnational cooperation and knowledge exchange, reaffirming the role of projects such as Free LitterAT as key tools to support the coherent implementation of the PRF Directive and contribute to the reduction of marine litter in the Atlantic region.

Feb 10
0

Formación

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A Xunta avanza no deseño do procedemento de acreditación por competencias de titulacións marítimo pesqueiras

  • A Consellería do Mar e o CETMAR traballan nun modelo formativo máis flexible que recoñeza a experiencia profesional e responda ás necesidades reais do sector

A directora xeral de Desenvolvemento Pesqueiro, Ángeles V. Suárez, visitou hoxe o Centro Tecnolóxico do Mar- Fundación Cetmar, e mantivo un encontro coa súa directora, Rosa Chapela, na que se avanzou no deseño dun procedemento de acreditación por competencias para determinadas titulacións marítimo-pesqueiras, unha demanda histórica do sector e unha ferramenta fundamental para facilitar o acceso á profesión e garantir o relevo xeracional.

Durante o encontro, ambas responsables abordaron as liñas de traballo necesarias para artellar un sistema que permita recoñecer oficialmente a experiencia profesional acumulada polos traballadores do mar, adaptando a formación ás necesidades reais do sector e reforzando o compromiso do Goberno galego cun modelo formativo máis flexible, moderno e eficaz.

A reunión serviu tamén para avanzar no reforzo da colaboración entre a Consellería do Mar e o Cetmar, así como para seguir traballando de maneira conxunta co propio sector na definición de novas medidas formativas que dean resposta ás súas demandas actuais e futuras, tanto no ámbito da pesca como da acuicultura e da cadea mar-industria.

Neste contexto, púxose en valor o papel do CETMAR como entidade adscrita á Consellería do Mar, destacando a súa intensa actividade no eido formativo a través do centro de formación Aixola e doutras accións orientadas á capacitación, actualización de coñecementos e mellora da empregabilidade dos profesionais, contribuíndo de xeito decisivo ao fortalecemento e á sustentabilidade do sector pesqueiro galego.

Feb 10
0

Equality Plan

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CETMAR presents its Equality Plan to the staff

  • The new CETMAR Equality Plan, presented on January 30, transforms the analysis of the internal reality into concrete measures to advance equal opportunities between men and women within the organization.

The Marine Technology Centre (CETMAR) presented its new Equality Plan to its staff last Friday, January 30. This document defines the lines of action for the next four years, with the aim of continuing to advance effective equality between women and men in the workplace.

The plan is based on an internal diagnosis that provides an overview of the centre’s situation in terms of workforce composition, recruitment, training, work-life balance, and work organization. It represents a snapshot that serves as a technical starting point to identify areas for improvement and design measures adapted to the organization’s reality. On this basis, the Equality Plan focuses on proposing actions for continuous improvement to be implemented.

One of the key pillars is the incorporation of equality into recruitment processes, through the development of a best practices manual and a commitment to ensuring equality from the outset. Equality criteria will be integrated from the staff onboarding stage. At present, CETMAR’s workforce is clearly feminized, with 75% women. Of the 52 employees at the centre, 39 are women and 13 are men.

The plan also seeks to strengthen training, both in equality and in the prevention of harassment and respect for diversity, with actions aimed at the entire workforce and with special attention to positions of responsibility. The prevention of harassment and gender-based violence, as well as the promotion of occupational health, are the main objectives of these measures. In this regard, internal protocols are also updated and the equality perspective is integrated into the assessment of the work climate through a specific survey.

Work-life balance is another major milestone of the Equality Plan. Measures are introduced to increase working time flexibility, improve and extend leave entitlements, and provide a suitable space for pregnant employees and breastfeeding women. Awareness-raising actions are also planned to ensure that all staff are aware of and can make use of these rights under equal conditions.

Finally, the plan includes actions aimed at promoting inclusive communication and language, through the review of institutional documentation and awareness-raising initiatives that contribute to consolidating an organizational culture based on respect and equal opportunities.

Jan 26
0

Xira Galicia El Salvador

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Galicia comparte o seu modelo de xestión marisqueira con profesionais e mandatarios de El Salvador

  • Unha delegación de El Salvador visita Galicia para coñecer a experiencia galega en xestión pesqueira
  • O Centro Tecnolóxico do Mar-Fundación CETMAR acompañará do 26 ao 30 de xaneiro a unha delegación institucional de El Salvador nunha visita técnica a Galicia centrada no intercambio de experiencias en xestión e ordenación pesqueira, con especial atención á regulación do sector marisqueiro.

O Centro Tecnolóxico do Mar-Fundación CETMAR acompañará do 26 ao 30 de xaneiro a unha delegación institucional de El Salvador nunha visita técnica a Galicia orientada ao intercambio de coñecementos e experiencias en materia de xestión, ordenación e gobernanza pesqueira, con especial atención ao sector marisqueiro.

A delegación, integrada por catro persoas, está composta por representantes da Dirección General de Desarrollo de la Pesca y la Acuicultura (CENDEPESCA), do Comité Directivo do Fideicomiso PESCAR e da Confederación Salvadoreña de Pesca, Acuicultura y Agropecuaria en Pequeña Escala (CONFESPESCA de R.L.).

A visita enmárcase no servizo técnico promovido pola Asociación para a Cooperación pola Paz (ACPP) “Deseño e implementación dunha xira internacional de intercambio en Galicia, para coñecer experiencias relevantes en xestión e ordenación pesqueira”, coordinado e desenvolvido por CETMAR, e impulsado polo Programa Abraza tu Mar, que nace como continuidade do Plan Integral de Apoio ao Sector da Pesca Artesanal Salvadoreña, financiado por la Xunta de Galicia desde 2019, que ao mesmo tempo se enlaza coa estratexia da AECID no marco do Convenio Manos que Alimentan.  

O obxectivo desta visita é promover unha visión compartida sobre sustentabilidade, inclusión social e fortalecemento institucional no ámbito pesqueiro artesanal. O programa está especialmente focalizado na mellora da regulación do sector marisqueiro en El Salvador, a partir do coñecemento de modelo galego.

Ao longo da semana, a delegación salvadoreña manterá encontros con diferentes entidades públicas e privadas vencelladas á cadea mar-pesca. As actividades previstas inclúen encontros coa directiva de CETMAR e a Consellería do Mar da Xunta de Galicia.

O programa complétase con visitas a confrarías de pescadores e lonxas, onde se abordarán aspectos como a organización do marisqueo, os procedementos de control e venda, a trazabilidade e a valorización do produto; a empresas da cadea de valor pesqueira e da transformación, para coñecer experiencias en manipulación, elaboración e comercialización; así como a iniciativas vinculadas á conservación e restauración de bancos marisqueiros, á cultura marítima e ao turismo pesqueiro como ferramenta de diversificación económica.

Ademáis, o programa da visita incorpora aspectos relacionados coa innovación tecnolóxica a partir do deseño e construción de embarcacións, adaptadas ás necesidades do sector pesqueiro artesanal de El Salvador.  

Con esta acción, CETMAR reafirma, a través da área de Cooperación Internacional, o seu papel como entidade de referencia na cooperación técnica, facilitando espazos de transferencia de coñecemento e contribuíndo ao fortalecemento das capacidades institucionais e sectoriais en países socios.

Dec 18
0

Marine Sciences Programme

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The Marine Sciences Programme faces its final phase with a commitment to ensuring the continuity of scientific cooperation

  • The final phase of the programme opens a process of reflection on how to keep alive the scientific network created around the sea in Galicia.
  • The continuity of the programme, which is funded by the Consellería do Mar, includes, among other avenues, the creation of a Scientific Reflection Forum on Marine Sciences in Galicia.

The Marine Sciences Programme of Galicia, one of the most ambitious research and innovation initiatives related to the sea developed in the region in recent years, is entering its final phase with the aim of preserving and strengthening the network of scientific and technical cooperation generated during its implementation. To this end, the programme’s coordination team met this Tuesday at the Marine Technology Centre – Cetmar Foundation to reflect on its impact and on possible ways to ensure the continuity of the collective effort driven from Galicia.

Framed within the Complementary Plans of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, in the context of the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (Next Generation EU), the Marine Sciences Programme of Galicia is part of the national Joint Marine Sciences Programme, involving collaboration between Galicia, Andalusia, Cantabria, the Region of Murcia, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands and the Valencian Community. The Consellería do Mar of Galicia financed CETMAR’s coordination responsibilities with €4,000,000.

Since 2022, the programme has helped to structure the Galician scientific and technical ecosystem linked to the sea through collaboration among universities, research centres, technological institutes and public administrations, as well as through continuous dialogue with the marine and coastal sector. The aim is to deploy a coordinated research and innovation strategy to address key challenges such as marine monitoring and observation, climate change, aquaculture and other areas of the blue economy. In total, 363 researchers and technical staff took part, belonging to 82 research groups from 13 institutions.

The results achieved are reflected in 184 scientific and technical solutions and advances, with direct or potential application in the sustainable management of the marine environment and resources. One of the most notable elements of the programme was its contribution to strengthening human capital. A total of 117 people were directly hired, incorporating new PhD holders who worked collaboratively and across institutions—an experience that is expected to continue in future dynamics of scientific cooperation in Galicia.

During the meeting held at Cetmar, those responsible for coordination agreed that an effort of this scale should not fade once the programme ends. The networking work carried out over these three years has contributed to a more efficient system, capable of responding to the country’s needs without giving up on fundamental research, whose results may materialise in the medium and long term.

In view of the current uncertainty regarding funding mechanisms that would allow both the work and the collaborative structure itself to be maintained, participants committed to meeting again in the short term to design, as a legacy of the programme, the creation of a Scientific Reflection Forum on Marine Sciences in Galicia. This forum is conceived as a consultative and coordinating space to facilitate systematic information exchange among specialists, joint action planning and the preparation of coordinated responses to strategic calls, with the aim of attracting resources to ensure continuity and strengthen links between the research community and other organisations with interests in the sea, promoting a sustainable relationship with the marine environment and its resources.

Dec 15
0

1st Forum of the Galician Blue Economy Strategy

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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

Dec 15
0

Blue Atlantic Forum

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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

Dec 15
0

Training in Peru

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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