The sector calls for early planning of fishing days, greater coordination among Producer Organisations (OPPs), technological innovation, and stronger efforts in marketing and communication of fishery products.

More than 70 experts, industry professionals, and representatives from public administrations, fishing guilds, and Producer Organisations gathered last Thursday at the Casa del Mar in Palamós for the 1st OPP91 Conference: Challenges and Opportunities for the Mediterranean Fishing Sector.
The event, organised by the Palamós Fish Producers’ Organisation (OPP-91), aimed to analyse current challenges and debate the immediate future of Mediterranean fishing.

The day was structured around six thematic blocks focusing on fisheries management, Mediterranean regulation, marketing and added value, the role of OPPs within FEMPA, technology applied to fishing fleets, and science as the foundation of sustainability.

Opening session

The conference opened with the participation of Miquel Mir, President of OPP-91; Juan Manuel Elices, Deputy Director General for the National Fishing Grounds and Community Waters at Spain’s General Secretariat for Fisheries; and Maria Puig, Mayor of Palamós.

“The future of Mediterranean fishing depends on collective and intelligent management of resources. Only by joining forces can we keep the sector alive, ensure sustainability, and defend the value of our product in the market.”
— Miquel Mir, OPP-91

OPP91, a benchmark in innovation and sustainability

During the event, Cristina Mañas, Managing Director of OPP91, highlighted the projects that position the organisation as a leader in management, digitalisation, and added value within the Mediterranean fishing sector.

Key initiatives include:

  • The inclusion of Palamós prawn in the MSC improvement programme, a decisive step toward international sustainability certification.

  • The digitalisation of fishery management, through in-house applications that enhance traceability and communication among members.

  • Innovation projects focused on improving fishing and marketing processes.

“At OPP91 we work every day to transform the way we fish and market our products. We are committed to innovation, technology, and sustainability to increase the value of our catch.”
— Cristina Mañas, Managing Director of OPP-91

In terms of marketing, the organisation promotes new sales and outreach formats such as the Palamós prawn carpaccio, the sales point at the Palamós Hospital, and the seaside kiosk near the fish market, which offers tastings and showcookings at the Espai del Peix to bring local seafood closer to consumers.

Fisheries management

After the opening session, the first discussion block focused on fisheries planning and management.
One of the key points agreed upon was the need to plan fishing days in advance, allowing better coordination of catches, crews, and sales.

From the General Secretariat for Fisheries, Juan Manuel Elices reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving predictability and providing the sector with earlier information on operational fishing days, while maintaining the technical and objective criteria set by EU regulations.

The debate also highlighted the importance of data-driven management.
Several projects were presented that use artificial intelligence and computer vision to automatically assess the size and condition of fish at auction, as well as digital tools to enhance traceability and operational planning.
These initiatives, promoted by OPPs in Motril, Santa Pola, and Gipuzkoa, demonstrate that technology can be a direct ally of both sustainability and profitability.

Marketing and added value

The second session focused on cooperation among OPPs and the commercial value of fishery products.
Participants agreed that coordination between organisations is key for the future of the sector, suggesting shared strategies and common quality standards to strengthen market positioning and optimise resources.

Miren Garmendia (OPEGUI) posed a thought-provoking question:

“Do we sell, or are we being bought?”
Highlighting the need for the sector to take a more proactive role in sales and promotion.
She advocated for professional commercial roles within fish markets and product transformation (filleting, packaging, ready-to-eat formats) as ways to bring seafood closer to consumers and increase its added value.

Science and sustainability applied to fisheries management

The scientific debate focused on the importance of continuous data collection and analysis as the basis for management decisions.
Experts Julio Agujetas (MSC), Raúl García (WWF), and Joan Batista (ICATMAR–CSIC) stressed that science-based management is effective and that the positive results observed confirm that this is the right path.

They also called for stronger links between science and administration and for management measures better adapted to the realities of each fishing ground, ensuring a balance between sustainability and socio-economic viability.

Generational renewal and social dimension

The conference also addressed the sector’s structural challenges, such as generational renewal and greater inclusion of women in fishing.
Several speakers agreed on the need to make female professionals more visible, improve on-board conditions and spaces, and promote marine education among children and young people to foster new vocations.

Closing session and future outlook

The closing remarks were delivered by Antoni Espanya, Director General for Maritime Policy and Sustainable Fisheries of the Catalan Government, who thanked both the organisers and the sector for their active participation.
He described 2025 as:

“A year to endure, but also to move forward with determination.”

Espanya called for continued joint efforts to ensure a dignified and sustainable future for the fishing sector and coastal communities.

The event concluded with a lunch at the Espai del Peix and a guided visit to the Palamós fishing port, where participants learned first-hand about the operation of the fish auction and processing facilities—living examples of a fishery rooted in the territory yet open to innovation.

Palamós, a meeting point for fisheries dialogue

With this first edition, OPP-91 consolidates Palamós as a hub for debate on the future of Mediterranean fisheries, laying the groundwork for new conferences and collaborative projects among public administrations, the sector, and scientific institutions.

“With this gathering, we’ve opened a space to listen, debate, and build new strategies that strengthen sustainability and enhance the value of our products.”
— Cristina Mañas, OPP-91

Discover the video summary of the day here.