On December 4th and 5th the FAO GFCM Conference “Shaping the future of sustainable aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea” took place in Heraklion, Greece. Organised with the support of FEAP, this event was an important milestone in the future of aquaculture in the Mediterranean and BlackSea region, building on a decade of progress since the last 2014 Bari Conference.

But beyond the Mediterranean and Black Sea, this event aimed also at pushing for the right conditions and highlight the urgent needs for aquaculture to unleash its full potential in Europe. On this, our Secretary-General Javier Ojeda shared important messages from FEAP during the panels on Climate Change and BlueTransformation at this exceptional conference:

“Climate change is restarting the paradigms of fish farming”. The Mediterranean and Black Sea which are exposed to intense risks in ecosystem health and production capacity, are at the forefront of the fight with increasingly complex climatic situations which will impact every species, threatening the sector welfare and survival of the activity. We must be extremely careful and make sure that all segments of the sector receive the proper support to adjust and improve resilience.

“Collaboration between farmers, researchers and public administrations is essential”. Only through better knowledge management, better connections between research, production and policy, more investment in training, skills and capacity building will we able to achieve the target of continuing to provide food to the global population in a sustainable and profitable way. FEAP believes that this target can be met by Fish Farming like no other food producing sector. So let’s work together to make it happen.

“The EU is missing the train of the BlueTransformation instead of leading it”. Policies and funding opportunities must be aligned with FAO guidelines, particularly when it comes to food security and primary production in waters and oceans.

“Carbon footprints are not the only criteria to guide customers in their choice of food”. Authorities should recommend diets considering the broader nutritional values and the whole environmental impacts. Also, plant-based diet has little scientific backing from a nutritional perspective; the only sound and proven diet is the Mediterranean diet.

“By focusing on low trophic aquaculture, the EUMissionOcean is neither in line with the FAO Blue Transformation, nor with the United Nations SDGs”. Sustainable intensive finfish farming in Europe, powered by technological innovation, circularity and resource efficiency, is the backbone of a new paradigm for global food security, qualified jobs for local communities, and healthy diets for European citizens.

FEAP will promote these messages and hopes to attract as many partners as possible who share these views. Together, we can turn this into reality in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and beyond!

More on FAO GFCM:
https://www.fao.org/gfcm/news/detail/en/c/1729069/ 

More on FEAP activities supporting the GFCM strategy:
/feap-activities-supporting-the-gfcm-2030-strategy/

The transformative training program for young women in aquaculture from countries around the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, was initiated by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), and organised together with the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP)and its member, the Spanish Aquaculture Association APROMAR. The initiative brought together aspiring female students, researchers and entrepreneurs  from across the Mediterranean region, aiming to enhance their skills and knowledge in sustainable aquaculture practices.

Over the seven-day training, the 12 participants  from 11 countries engaged in hands-on workshops, immersive learning experiences, interactive sessions, and expert-led discussions across Spain, covering a range of topics, including sustainable fish farming techniques, environmental management, and entrepreneurial strategies in aquaculture. This program not only focused on technical skills but also emphasized the importance of leadership and empowerment, encouraging young women to take active roles in their communities and the broader aquaculture sector.

The training was a collaborative effort among GFCM, FEAP,  APROMAR and local Spanish aquaculture stakeholders, with special emphasis given to gender equality in fisheries and aquaculture. By fostering an inclusive environment, the initiative aimed to break down barriers and promote equal opportunities for women in this traditionally male-dominated field.

As the aquaculture industry continues to grow, the need for diverse perspectives and innovative solutions becomes increasingly critical. Programs like the GFCM Young Women Aquaculture Training are vital in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for aquaculture, ensuring that young women are equipped to lead the way.

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This training not only provided valuable skills but also created a network of empowered women ready to contribute to the advancement of the aquaculture industry. The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) supports these initiatives, recognizing the crucial role of women in driving sustainable practices and innovation within the sector.

The program offered:

• Visits to Leading Aquaculture Facilities: Participants toured shrimp, trout, sturgeon, and spirulina farms, in addition to a feed factory and research center, gaining in-depth insights into sustainable practices in seafood production and innovation.
• Interactive Workshops and Cultural Experiences: The agenda featured workshops on aquaculture practices, Mediterranean cooking, communication strategies, and Spanish culture, including a Mediterranean dance session.
• Networking Opportunities: The participants connected with industry leaders, professionals, and local markets, fostering valuable networks for career development.

FEAP remains dedicated to empowering young women in aquaculture, equipping them with skills, confidence, and community connections to drive innovation and leadership in the sector.

FEAP remains dedicated to fostering skills, confidence, and community among young women in aquaculture, empowering them to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions to the sector.

Read more about this initiative from the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) and the Hellenic Aquaculture Producers Organization (HAPO).