Madrid will host the first National Fishing Congress on December 16th, an event promoted by the producers' association to calmly discuss challenges and opportunities . In a single day, diverse professionals will gather to study, using data and experience, the present and future of the industry—a meeting with a technical and sectoral focus.
The event coincides with the third anniversary of the association's official recognition, which took place in October 2022, and follows several years of work in outreach and sustainability . The organization, known as Pesca España (Fishing Spain ), aims to bring seafood products closer to the public and combat misinformation through educational initiatives.
Date, venue and objectives of the meeting
The event is scheduled for Monday, December 16th in the capital, with a program focused on sustainability, innovation , and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. The congress is intended to be a permanent fixture and aims to foster dialogue between the industry and institutions.
Those who participate
The lineup of speakers and attendees will include representatives from the European Commission, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), as well as voices from across the value chain: fishing fleet, producer organizations, industry, marketing, and the scientific community. Nutrition experts will also be present to address the role of fish in a balanced diet.
An association with three years of history
Pesca España has solidified its role as a voice for the fishing sector since its inception, aiming to highlight the value of fishing , promote responsible practices, and make knowledge accessible to the public. This work has been recognized with the Spanish Food Award in the Promotion category, granted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA).
According to the management team, fishing is an economic, cultural, and social engine that forms part of the country's identity, and it is essential to continue moving forward with commitment. The manager, Antonio Nieto , emphasized the need to raise awareness of this ancient profession and its contribution to a varied and healthy diet.
Boosting consumption and ongoing projects
Looking to the short term, manager Antonio Nieto and president Javier Garat have detailed initiatives aimed at reviving consumption, with special attention to young people, combining outreach, gastronomy and food education.
One of the new features will be the Fishing Guide Spain , a resource for travelers and consumers that will explore species, recipes and restaurants linked to ports and fishing towns along the Spanish coasts, with the aim of highlighting the culinary diversity and the work of the fleet.
In terms of communication, the 'Fishing That Knows' campaign highlights the knowledge and experience of trawling professionals and explains, in an accessible way, how to choose, prepare, and enjoy common market species . The approach aims to debunk myths with clear and practical information for everyday use.
Meanwhile, 'The Brand That Matters' uses humor to remind us that the true value of fish lies not in its packaging, but in its origin, its properties, and its nutritional benefits. The central message is that authenticity and quality outweigh any branding strategy.
Who is part of Pesca España?
The association brings together nine fishing producer organizations from ports in Galicia, the Basque Country (Ondarroa), Mallorca, and Andalusia (AlmerÃa and Punta del Moral, in Huelva). Its members also include the tuna vessel owners' organization, Opagac, which strengthens its national representation.
As explained by its president, the entity was created with the idea of ​​multiplying every euro invested in promotion and optimizing the resources of the European Maritime Fund for Fisheries and Aquaculture ( EMFFA ), aligning efforts to gain impact.
Sector expectations
Looking ahead, the sector faces the challenge of innovating in processes, ensuring the sustainability of fishing grounds, reinforcing its strategic role in the economy, culture, and gastronomy, and guaranteeing quality products for future generations . The congress aims to serve as a valuable forum for sharing analyses and solutions.
The event on December 16th in Madrid aims to become a regular fixture on the calendar. With an agenda that combines sustainability, science, nutrition, and the value chain, the event is intended to frame key debates and provide a shared vision on how to advance competitiveness, transparency, and responsible consumption.
