Spain: Raul Villa Caro

Secretario de la Fundación “EXPONAV”

Since 1995, the Technical Fisheries Conference has been held in Celeiro (Vivero, Lugo), becoming a leading event in the sector in Spain. Held at the Santiago Apostol Fishermen's Association in this city in the province of Lugo, the conference brings together leading professionals in the fishing industry to exchange knowledge and experience. After 28 previous editions, this event has established itself as a leading national and international fishing event, offering an open, free, and mixed forum that can be attended in person or online. But this is not the only event in November. From the 24th to the 27th, the 9th Vivero Maritime History and Archaeology Conference will take place in the region; and from the 11th to the 13th, the International Maritime Conference on the Blue Circular Economy, "Blue Maritime Growth," will be held in Cádiz.

Innovative projects and practical experiences in the sector,

High-level specialists, the opportunity to learn about innovative projects and practical experiences in the sector, the chance to participate in discussions, and visits to facilities such as fishing grounds and ports. Over three days, topics of paramount importance to the fisheries sector will be addressed, including: the sustainable management of marine resources, progress in ecosystem conservation, technological innovation and digitalization applied to fishing, safety, training and generational regeneration in the sector, fisheries policies, the blue economy, and, of course, decarbonization. In short, a valuable and engaging event, committed to a healthy sea and a future for fishing, as this year's theme states.

The program

The program will feature leading experts, specialists, representatives from institutions, researchers, and other professionals from the fishing and maritime transport sectors, who will share their experiences and perspectives on the sector's current and future challenges. A total of 23 specialists will attend the event, 17 of whom will be participating for the first time, demonstrating that this conference will be dynamic and vibrant. These specialists represent the main fisheries administrations (regional, national, and EU), as well as various fisheries organizations and institutions (DGSE, CEPISCA, FIDEEPSA, FINAPA, EUFISH, AZTE, and others).

This 29th edition

This 29th edition will address key issues such as sustainability, marine conservation, fisheries governance, decarbonization, climate change, regulatory constraints, offshore wind energy, and fishing bans.

One of the main themes of this edition will be the balance between fishing and conservation. Environmental policies stemming from the Common Fisheries Policy, while necessary, are creating a crisis within the sector. This is exacerbated by problems such as generational depletion, high operating costs, regulatory bureaucracy, and a growing disconnect between the government and the public. All of this has caused considerable anxiety within the fishing community, with many professionals feeling their work is being questioned, threatened, and even restricted.

Opening of the conference activities

The event will be opened by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA), Isabel Artem, and closed on the 29th by the Minister of the Sea, Marta Villaverde. This year, a well-deserved tribute will be paid to Fernando González Laxe, Professor Emeritus at the University of A Coruña and former President of the Galician Regional Government (Xunta), a pivotal figure in the modernization of Spanish fisheries policy. His career, dedication to public service, and commitment to the Galician and national fishing sectors will be highlighted.

This three-day event 

This three-day event is designed to raise awareness, educate, and listen to fishermen, and is therefore free of charge. As its main coordinator, Máximo Díaz Méndez, points out, the event's appeal lies in its in-person format, allowing participants to experience a unique atmosphere of close interaction, direct dialogue, and personal connection. This human dimension is what makes Celero and its symposium a vibrant and distinctive forum compared to other events in the sector. It's worth noting that this city is a fishing port and a symbol of Galician maritime culture.

Thanks to all these advantages, this symposium has established itself as one of the most influential fishing forums in Spain and Europe. This is due to the excellence and expertise of its speakers, the diversity of their perspectives, their technical and scientific rigor, their close connection to the fishing sector, and their ability to have a real impact on industry policies and practices.

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EXPNAV -FUNDACIO

Raul Villa Caro , Fisheries Sector , 29th edition ,Technical Conference ,Galician maritime culture. Máximo Díaz Méndez, University of A Coruña و Celeiro و Santiago Apostol Fishermen's Association