Aquaculture sector in Spain employs around 12,500 workers.
Spain Government
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food in Spain, Luis Planas, highlighted at the general assembly of the Spanish Aquaculture Business Association (Apromar) the importance of aquaculture and fishing activity for the development of rural communities.
In this regard, Planas emphasized how this sector can drive the blue economy and create job opportunities for coastal and rural communities. Therefore, depopulation risk can be mitigated in specific areas. In more detail, aquaculture in Spain employs around 12,500 workers.
Additionally, the meeting helped to recall the XXIII edition of the 'Jacumar' Award that promotes aquaculture research and strengthens relationships between the scientific community and the production sector.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, is promoting the development of the industry through the strategy Spain's Contribution to the Strategic Guidelines for a More Sustainable and Competitive European Union Aquaculture 2021-2030. This initiative aims at activity consolidation, competitiveness, sustainability, and generational renewal.
In the last few years, commercial breeding systems for 45 species have been developed in marine, maritime-terrestrial, and inland areas. For this reason, Planas confirmed: "Spain has excellent conditions for aquaculture."
Also, according to the Minister, Spain is the leading aquaculture producer in the EU with a production of 272,985 tons in 2022 corresponding to sales of more than €809.3 million.
Finally, the Ministry confirmed in February that the fish canning industry will have access to European Next Generation funds for circular economy and digitization projects.