Product Offerings
Products:
Services: Fisheries Management, Aquaculture Development, Seafood Industry Promotion, Maritime Safety and Rescue Operations
The Consellería do Mar is the official maritime and fisheries department of the Xunta de Galicia, the autonomous government of Galicia, Spain. This government agency plays a pivotal role in the stewardship and development of Galicia’s maritime sector, with a specific focus on fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing, maritime safety, and the sustainable management of marine resources.
Core Responsibilities and Services
As a public institution, the Consellería do Mar oversees a comprehensive range of programs and regulatory frameworks that ensure the vitality and sustainability of Galicia’s blue economy. Its core areas of operation include:
- Fisheries Management: Regulation of marine and inland fishing activities, quota distribution, licensing, and sustainable stock management.
- Aquaculture Development: Policy support and financial incentives for shellfish and fish farming across Galicia, with a special emphasis on mussels, turbot, and sea bass.
- Seafood Industry Promotion: Branding and promotional campaigns for Galician seafood, such as “Galicia Calidade,” and facilitation of participation in international trade shows.
- Maritime Safety and Rescue: Coordination of maritime safety protocols, coastal surveillance, and emergency response through collaboration with Salvamento Marítimo and other agencies.
Specialization and Core USP
Galicia is one of Europe’s most important seafood-producing regions, and the Consellería do Mar serves as the linchpin for policy, support, and industry coordination. Its unique strengths include:
- Deep-rooted knowledge of traditional and modern fisheries
- Strong institutional ties with EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) bodies
- A robust network of cofradías (fishermen’s guilds) and producer organizations
- End-to-end regulatory coverage from catch to market, ensuring traceability and sustainability
The agency is also at the forefront of driving digitalization in fisheries, rolling out initiatives like electronic catch documentation systems and traceability platforms to enhance transparency across the value chain.
Budget and Financial Overview
According to the 2023 public budget records of the Xunta de Galicia, the Consellería do Mar had an allocated budget exceeding €190 million, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. Key budget allocations include:
- €74 million for aquaculture and seafood industry modernization
- €23 million for port and maritime infrastructure
- €20 million for fisheries inspection, safety, and training
- €12 million for scientific research and sustainability projects
These funds are co-financed in part by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), allowing Galicia to invest in technological advancement, environmental sustainability, and international competitiveness.
International Reach and Trade Support
Although not a trading entity itself, the Consellería do Mar plays an instrumental role in facilitating seafood exports from Galicia. Through promotional bodies and export agencies, the institution supports over 400 seafood companies that contribute to an estimated €2 billion in annual seafood exports from the region.
Primary international markets include:
- European Union countries (Portugal, France, Italy, Germany)
- United States and Canada
- Asia-Pacific (notably China and Japan for high-end shellfish)
The agency supports global trade participation by organizing Galician representation in major events such as Seafood Expo Global, Conxemar, and Boston Seafood Show.
Target Stakeholders
The Consellería do Mar serves a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Fishermen’s guilds (cofradías) and small-scale artisanal fishers
- Industrial seafood processors and exporters
- Aquaculture operators and mussel producers
- Maritime safety institutions and port authorities
- Research institutes and universities
- Consumers and international buyers via promotional campaigns
Capabilities
- Regulatory expertise in fisheries law and EU maritime policy
- Infrastructure development across 122 fishing ports in Galicia
- Research funding in marine biology, aquaculture, and fisheries science
- Training programs for youth and displaced workers in maritime trades
- Support for certifications such as MSC and Galicia Calidade
Certifications and Compliance
The agency mandates and supports numerous certification schemes including:
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
- Friend of the Sea
- Galicia Calidade – a regional quality label ensuring origin and sustainable practices
- Full compliance with EU CFP, HACCP, and ICCAT frameworks
These certifications enhance the credibility and traceability of Galician seafood in competitive global markets.
Testimonials and Industry Feedback
“Thanks to the support of the Consellería do Mar, our cooperative was able to upgrade equipment and open new markets in Northern Europe.”
— President, Fishermen’s Guild of Bueu
“Their promotional work has positioned Galician seafood as a premium product across Asia.”
— Export Manager, Galician Shellfish Exporter
Major Achievements
- Developed the Galician Shellfish Strategy 2030, a roadmap for aquaculture expansion and environmental resilience
- Enabled the adoption of electronic logbooks and vessel monitoring systems across over 90% of the fishing fleet
- Coordinated emergency responses and port resilience during storms and red tide events
- Led successful lobbying for increased EU fishing quotas and aquaculture funding
The Consellería do Mar remains a critical institution in safeguarding the ecological, economic, and social well-being of Galicia’s coastal communities while positioning Galician seafood as a global standard of quality and sustainability.