Line of action:

Marine ecosystems

Status:

Finalizado

Execution date:

2024

End date:

2026

Project web page:

https://www.programapleamar.es/proyectos/f4bac-fishmongers-4-blue-aquaculture-growth

The main objective of the Fishmongers 4 project is to encourage and promote sustainable activities in aquaculture. Specifically, to promote the marketing of aquaculture products, contributing to the food security of the European Union through the improvement of knowledge and awareness of key actors such as the retail sector of fish products and society in general.

The F4BAC project has made it possible to obtain a detailed diagnosis of the perception of the traditional fisheries sector in relation to sustainability, animal welfare and the healthy profile of aquaculture products, through the realization of six focus groups in three autonomous communities (Madrid, Valencian Community and Region of Murcia), with the participation of 35 professionals from the sector.

Based on the conclusions drawn, the technical study Cultivating the Future of the Sea: Guide to Sustainable Aquaculture from Production to Consumption has been prepared, a document that compiles contrasted scientific, regulatory and sectoral information, adapting it to the retail channel as a practical tool for consultation and marketing support.

Three face-to-face sessions have also been held to raise awareness and transfer knowledge aimed at the retail sector, with a total participation of more than 47 professionals, in which aspects related to sustainability, animal welfare and the healthy profile have been addressed in a practical way, resolving previously detected doubts and reinforcing the prescribing capacity of specialised trade.

In terms of equality, specific awareness-raising sessions have been held on gender perspective and female empowerment in the sector, which have been attended by more than 70 participants as a whole, contributing to the transversal integration of equal opportunities in the fishing and aquaculture commercial chain.

At the same time, the project has developed dissemination actions aimed at society as a whole, including informative videos on social networks, interviews on the street to find out if people know what aquaculture is, digital campaigns and a participatory online questionnaire to know and improve consumer perception of sustainable aquaculture, expanding the scope of the project beyond the professional sector.

As a result of the initiative’s actions, the retail sector now has technical tools, educational materials and scientifically based arguments that strengthen its role as a strategic channel in the promotion of sustainable aquaculture. The studies, training resources and digital materials generated remain available after the end of the project, guaranteeing the continuity of their impact over time.