Preventing illegal fishing focus of Conxemar

The 12th International Fair of Frozen Seafood Products, Conxemar, concluded on Thursday in the port of Vigo in Galicia.

Led by Elena Espinosa, Spain’s Ministry for Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs hosted a 100-square-meter pavilion alongside the National Association of Canned Seafood Manufacturers (ANFACO), the National Association of Wholesale Fish Markets (ANMAPE) and the Regulation and Organization Fund for Fish and Marine Culture Markets (FROM).

In her opening address earlier this week, Espinosa praised Conxemar for its ability to overcome challenges within the industry in an increasingly globalized market. She also emphasized the need to strengthen the leadership of the Spanish fishing industry and the transformations it’s undergoing to improve product differentiation and quality “regardless of whether it is a Spanish product or from third countries.”

Espinosa spoke of the industry’s future, alluding to reform of the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy, which she defined as a “strategic challenge,” while defending new rules against “the scourge of illegal fishing.”

She also appealed to the industry to collaborate with controls throughout the seafood supply chain, from harvesting to marketing, re-emphasizing Spain’s commitment to environmentally, economically and socially sustainable fisheries.

Alberto Núñez Feijoo, president of the regional government of Galicia, welcomed 553 exhibitors from 49 countries to the three-day event, praising the optimism and good practices of its promoters in an industry that accounts for 8,000 jobs in Galicia, with more than 100 companies producing EUR 3 billion (USD 4.2 billion) in turnover annually.

This year, Conxemar’s exhibition space was increased to 31,500 square meters, with Sweden, Taiwan and Mexico in attendance for the first time.

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