Galicia advocates considering fisheries and aquaculture central pillars of the European Oceans Pact
- During an event at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels, the managing director of CETMAR, Rosa Chapela Pérez, claims that these sectors are essential allies to ensure the balance and sustainability of the seas.
Galicia reaffirmed today its full support for the European Oceans Pact as a fundamental platform to unify its governance and align environmental protection with sustainable use, and called for the full integration of fisheries and aquaculture as central pillars of the agreement
During an event at the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels, Rosa Chapela Pérez, managing director of CETMAR, argued that sustainable fisheries and aquaculture ‘do not represent a threat to the health of our oceans.’ On the contrary, she said, ‘they are essential allies to keep the balance.’
The head of CETMAR spoke on behalf of the Consellería do Mar at a high-level conference organised by the European Office for Conservation and Development in collaboration with the European Economic and Social Committee. It intended to explore how the next European Oceans Pact will contribute to their global sustainability. This happens in the run-up to the third United Nations Conference on the Oceans (UNOC-3), to take place in Nice in June.
In this context, Rosa Chapela remarked the importance of the pact recognising and supporting artisanal and small-scale fisheries, sustainable shellfishing and aquaculture as ‘key’ factors. They contribute to coastal resilience, food security and cultural heritage. Moreover, recognising their role in the fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), climate resilience and food sovereignty.
The managing director of CETMAR reviewed Galicia’s contributions to the European Oceans Pact, summarised in four basic pillars: ‘strong governance and integrated maritime spatial planning; people-centred ocean governance; sustainable and inclusive blue food systems; and investment in science, innovation and capacity building.’
She recalled that Galicia is working closely with the Spanish government on maritime spatial planning to ensure a fair balance for all uses of the ocean. It is an integrated vision that ‘minimises conflicts and maximises synergies,’ while defending the sea as a cultural, social, and economic pillar. “We advocate a Pact that places coastal communities at the centre, ensuring decent work, generational renewal and recognition of the role of women in the blue economy.
The managing director of CETMAR also referred to the Local Fisheries Action Groups (FLAGs), members of a wider European network and which, ‘offer a proven model of bottom-up EU governance’ and ‘can help to implement this Pact on the ground.’
Aligning blue growth with climate action, ensuring equitable access to EU funding and policy approach for coastal regions like Galicia, and investing in science, innovation, and training to support the management and resilience of a changing ocean were other commitments Galicia suggested to include in the Oceans Pact.
