Spanish initiative aims to attract more young talent to the fishing industry

The Association of National Fisheries Producer Organizations, 'Pesca España', has participated in the AULA fair at the Education Week 2025 held in Madrid, Spain, to bring the fishing world closer to young talent.

The initiative Puerto Felicidad ("Port of Happiness" in English) aims to promote the economic and social importance of fishing among young people through new technologies.

The initiative, previously tested in Ribadesella (Asturias), involves an immersive experience with Virtual Reality headsets, giving attendees the chance to explore fishing from a closer perspective.

Participants can experience the daily routine aboard a fishing boat, explore its different work areas, and understand the tasks involved in bringing fish from the sea to the table.

In this regard, Antonio Nieto, manager of 'Pesca España', commented: "It is essential for young people and future professionals to understand the value of fisheries beyond the final product. Showing how fishermen work, the technologies they use, and the economic and social impact of the sector is key to ensuring its continuity and sparking interest in these professions."

Pásate al Mar

'Pesca España' has actively worked on this project alongside the 'Educación Azul' platform at their stand at the fair. Under the slogan Pásate al Mar ("Go to the Sea" in English), they brought together various entities from the maritime sector. This space allowed attendees to learn more about educational and professional opportunities in the fishing and maritime sectors.

Consequently, Mercedes Pardo, president of 'Educación Azul', explained: "With projects like Puerto Felicidad, we can attract young people to a sector full of opportunities. Through Virtual Reality, we have managed to bring the sea and its trades closer innovatively and dynamically, which is essential at such a crucial time for the maritime sector."

A challenging generational gap

According to the 'Pesca España' socioeconomic report of the fishing industry in Spain, only 27% of workers are under 40 years old, while 42% are over 50. In total, 65% of employees in the sector are approaching retirement age.

"Ensuring the generational transition is essential because the future of fishing depends on the young people who decide to join this ancient tradition and carry it forward, keeping alive the legacy of those who have worked in it over the centuries. It is our responsibility to provide the necessary tools and knowledge so that these future professionals can continue the work of their predecessors, ensuring the sector's sustainability and its relevance in the coming decades," Nieto alerted.