Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environmental Affairs presents Blue Growth Strategy in terms of fisheries to European Commission

As José Luis González Serrano explained, the oceans represent an enormous economic opportunity if we can develop the ability to combine traditional activities - such as fishing, shipbuilding, transport and tourism - with emerging activities - such as offshore fish farming, the exploitation of deep-water energy resources, renewable energy and the new bio-economic sectors. Nonetheless, it should always be remembered that the economic and environmental implications stemming from all these industries acting on the same environment should be considered when developing this potential.

The blue growth initiative presented by Spain is unique because it brings together the various approaches currently being taken by our society while also responding to the important challenges and commitments stemming from the European Union strategy. However, from a national perspective, it places particular importance on the existing geographic differences as one of the fundamental principles upheld by the blue growth concept.

This strategy will require a considerable effort to bring together policies that have been somewhat disperse until now, in order to better understand the impact on a certain geographic environment, when they all act at the same time. This understanding will lead to positive synergies between the various managers and will improve the ability to generate new ideas.

The document makes a series of proposals for the future. They include launching a new financing system for the fisheries sector, defining and launching multi-sector technology projects, developing the best fishing inspection and control system in the world, and a commitment to achieving 10% protected marine areas, together with the promotion of the aquaculture sector.