This afternoon, the 6th Edition of the World Fishing Exhibition officially opened in front of ministers from 45 countries, representatives from the fishing industry, from businesses, scientists as well as hundreds of people linked to the sea.  This Exhibition opens, in the words of the Minister of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, Elena Espinosa, a “new stage” of fishing for the 21st century, which will advocate the responsible management of our fishing resources and a future based on the sustainability of the sector.

In her speech, Espinosa stated that “our duty and obligation is to contribute to establishing sustainability within the management and structure of the fishing industry and its businesses”.  Henceforth the Spanish government would push for a “joint effort” in management in order to build up a comprehensive strategy for sustainable fishing economies.

Also attending the event was the president of Xunta de Galicia Alberto Núñez Feijóo who was one of the key note speakers at the opening ceremony.  In his speech he emphasized the role of the World Fishing Exhibition as “a compass that determines the way forward in fishing”, adding that the Galician government “would take good note of it”.  Núñez Feijóo also stressed the important links that Galicia holds with the sea, from a historical, social and economic perspective, encouraging all those present to “regain their hopes and enthusiasm for the sea.”