Comunicación CETMAR

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.

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

CETMAR promotes improved seed production and strengthened technical capacities of aquaculture producers in Peru

The Centro Tecnológico del Mar–Fundación CETMAR, within the framework of the Xunta de Galicia’s Galician Cooperation policy, is promoting in Peru the MAR Piura project, an international cooperation initiative aimed at increasing the sustainability of the value chain associated with fisheries and aquaculture activities in the Piura region. The programme is carried out in coordination with the Peruvian Ministry of Production (PRODUCE) and the National Fisheries Development Fund (FONDEPES), with the objective of strengthening business initiatives in the Bay of Sechura 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 work. The first focuses on improving the production chain of the Peruvian scallop (concha de abanico) in the Bay of Sechura by strengthening the technical capacities of the OSPAS for seed production and handling in laboratory settings, enabling progress towards more efficient and climate-resilient aquaculture systems.

The second line seeks to strengthen marketing processes led by women, supporting their professionalisation in order to reduce economic vulnerability. Finally, the third work line focuses 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 support the design of production models and experiential tourism initiatives aligned with environmental conservation and economic diversification in the region.

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

As the first operational milestone of the initiative, an intensive training activity will be held from 1 to 5 December for OSPAS technicians, covering protocols for maintenance, cleaning and optimisation of the scallop production cycle during the hatchery and pre-fattening stages. This action aims to reduce dependence on natural spat collection, which is increasingly affected by climate change.

Representatives from the OSPAS AREMAR, Sec Yurac and Aquaseed will take part, as well as students from the Ricardo Ramos Plata Institute in Sechura, selected for their strong interest in advancing towards a more sustainable seed supply system.

Throughout the sessions, participants will deepen their knowledge of broodstock selection and conditioning, phytoplankton cultivation and systematic water quality control. They will also work on cleaning, disinfection and sanitary prevention protocols, as well as larval and seed handling techniques.

Another important aspect will be the protocolisation of the different stages of laboratory cultivation and the proper recording and analysis of production data, with the aim of ensuring more efficient and standardised processes.

A Aixola Launches a New Training Cycle with Sixty Enrolled Participants and International Projects

• The A Aixola Training Centre offers free training in the areas of shipbuilding, fishing gear and equipment, sailmaking, and mechanics.

The A Aixola Training Centre, managed by CETMAR and dependent on the Consellería do Mar, has started a new cycle of courses that will run until December, with around sixty participants enrolled across four training areas. All courses are free of charge, as they are co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), and take place in facilities provided by the Port Authority of Marín and the Ría de Pontevedra.

One of the main novelties this term is the participation of students in the FAO’s FISH4ACP programme, an international cooperation project led by CETMAR aimed at improving the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Students from the Manual Polyester Lamination and Small Boat Restoration courses will take part, working on the construction of fibre and marine plywood models.

The results of this training will later be applied in São Tomé and Príncipe, where CETMAR experts will deliver workshops with local carpenters and professionals, culminating in the construction of two vessels. They will also provide short training sessions on fishing gear repair, nets, and engines, aimed at strengthening the skills of fishers and women traders.

Among the most notable courses is the one leading to the Professional Certificate in Manufacture and Maintenance of Fishing Gear and Equipment, with A Aixola being the only centre in Galicia permanently accredited to deliver it. This qualification responds to the demand of net-makers’ associations, who see this training as a key tool to ensure generational renewal in the sector.

Wooden boatbuilding remains a fundamental pillar at A Aixola. The centre keeps alive the tradition of carpintería de ribera (traditional Galician wooden boatbuilding), declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage Asset in 2017. A Aixola combines traditional techniques with innovation, preserving boats and materials while promoting new approaches to shipbuilding.

The training offer is completed with courses in Basic Marine Mechanics for Small Vessels, which has received strong demand, and Sailmaking and Rigging, highly valued by both professional technicians and sailing enthusiasts.

The director of CETMAR takes part in Foro Empresa Pontevedra to discuss coastal management in Galicia

• Rosa Chapela, director of CETMAR, presented the Galician Blue Economy Strategy as a roadmap for a sustainable and competitive sea. She highlighted its alignment with the new Coastal Law and its support for emerging sectors.

O Liceo Casino de Pontevedra acolleu hoxe a VI Xornada Triple Hélice. Foro Empresa Pontevedra, un encontro organizado por Foro Empresa Pontevedra coa colaboración e o patrocinio de Santander España, que reuniu representantes da administración, do sector empresarial e do ámbito científico para analizar a nova Lei de ordenación e xestión integrada do litoral de Galicia. A xornada, celebrada en formato xantar-coloquio, centrouse nos retos e oportunidades do novo marco normativo, aprobado pola Xunta de Galicia e recentemente avalado polo Tribunal Constitucional, tras facerse efectivo o traspaso das competencias do litoral á comunidade autónoma o pasado 1 de xullo.

The Liceo Casino of Pontevedra hosted today the 6th Triple Helix Conference – Foro Empresa Pontevedra, an event organized by Foro Empresa Pontevedra with the collaboration and sponsorship of Santander España. The meeting brought together representatives from public administration, the business sector, and the scientific community to analyze the new Law on Integrated Coastal Management and Planning of Galicia.

The conference, held in a lunch–colloquium format, focused on the challenges and opportunities of this new regulatory framework, approved by the Regional Government of Galicia (Xunta de Galicia) and recently endorsed by the Constitutional Court, after the transfer of coastal management powers to the autonomous community became effective on July 1st.

Rosa Chapela, director of the Centro Tecnológico del Mar – Fundación CETMAR, took part with the presentation entitled “The Galician Blue Economy Strategy: a new framework for the marine economy in Galicia”, in which she highlighted that the Galician Blue Economy Strategy (EGEA) defines Galicia’s path toward 2030 within a sustainable growth model based on the responsible use of marine and coastal resources.

The director underlined that the EGEA is structured around three main pillars —environmental sustainability, economic competitiveness, and social and territorial cohesion— and aims to consolidate Galicia as a European leader in sustainable blue economy, drawing on its fishing tradition, scientific and technological potential, and the strong capacity for cooperation between public administration, industry, and civil society.

Among the main opportunities provided by this framework, she mentioned fleet decarbonization, the promotion of marine renewable energies and biotechnology, coastal and maritime tourism, and the development of blue skills and talent. The Strategy also does not overlook traditional activities such as fishing, shellfishing, and aquaculture, which are considered essential both in the EGEA and in the new Coastal Law.

Chapela recalled that the Strategy has a budget of 114 million euros until 2027, allocated to actions such as the Blue Economy Observatory, training programmes, and participatory coastal governance projects. She also highlighted the consistency between the Strategy and the new Coastal Law, which establishes a governance framework for a balanced development of the coastal area, resolving use conflicts and promoting collaboration between traditional and emerging sectors.

Rosa Chapela concluded her intervention by stating that the Galician Blue Economy Strategy represents “a national commitment that combines tradition and innovation to make the sea a space of sustainable, competitive, and inclusive future.”

ReMAP presents ten new tools in Finland to improve European marine spatial planning

• ReMAP is a maritime traffic project involving CETMAR’s Fisheries Socioeconomics Area.
• The project, funded by EMFAF, showcased its results in Helsinki: open and interoperable tools for more sustainable marine management.

The ReMAP project, dedicated to developing digital tools to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), presented on October 14–15 its ten modules designed for European MSP specialists during the ReMAP Hands-on Conference, held as part of the MSP Data Week in Helsinki (Finland).

During that week, ReMAP’s tool developers conducted workshops that gathered over 90 participants, with representation from nearly all EU Member States, as well as intergovernmental authorities such as HELCOM-VASAB and PAP/RAC. Also present were the Assistance Mechanism, the Baltic Sea Region Working Group (BSR WG), and the Technical Expert Group on MSP Data (TEG).