Report: The CDTI Innovation accelerates with FEMPA funds the technological transformation of fishing and aquaculture in Spain with more than 73 million
Innovation also sails in Spanish waters. Driven by the CDTI Innovation and co-financed with European FEMPA funds, the technological transformation of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, as well as the production and conservation of food of marine origin, is progressing strongly thanks to the mobilisation of 73 million euros in 91 projects. The result: more competitiveness, more sustainability, more skilled employment and more opportunities for SMEs looking to the blue economy as a source of future
Since 2014, the CDTI Innovation has approved 91 projects in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture and the production, processing and conservation of food of marine origin, with the cofinancing of the European funds FEMPA, mobilizing more than 73 million euros. Of this figure, the CDTI has contributed almost 57 million euros — 77% of the total — to support 61 entities, of which almost 80% are SMEs. Thanks to this aid, the sector has created 140 new jobs, of which 51% are skilled jobs and 26% are occupied by women.
In global terms, the CDTI has approved 135 R&D projects in the fisheries and aquaculture sector alone since 2014, mobilizing a total budget of 85 million euros, of which some 60 million (71%) correspond to aid committed by the entity. As for the business fabric, 86 entities have been supported, with a prominent weight of SMEs, accounting for 74% of the total. The impact is also reflected in the workplace: 233 jobs have been created, 61% qualified and 30% occupied by women, which represents a notable advance in a traditionally masculinized sector.
By geographical distribution, Galicia, the Valencian Community, Andalusia and the Balearic Islands are the autonomous communities that have concentrated a greater volume of aid, reflecting the strategic relevance of the marine-aquaculture sector in key regions of both the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean.
Spain, European leader in the blue economy
Spain is moving forward in the construction of a blue economy —understood as the set of activities that depend on the sea and aquatic resources— that is increasingly innovative and sustainable, positioning itself as one of the strategic engines of growth in Europe.
The seven consolidated sectors of the blue economy—living marine resources, non-living marine resources, renewable marine energy, coastal tourism, port activities, shipbuilding and repair, and maritime transport—directly employed about 4.82 million people, generated more than 890 billion euros in turnover, and contributed more than 250 billion euros in gross value added (GVA), according to the Blue Economy in the EU 2025.
At the European level, Spain occupies a prominent position: it is the largest provider of employment in the blue economy of the EU and, together with Germany, Italy and France, it concentrates 60% of the VAB of the sector. It also excels in strategic segments such as coastal tourism and living marine resources.
A new direction for fisheries and aquaculture
The various activities that make up the blue economy —such as fishing, aquaculture or the production of food of marine origin— have a high potential for innovation and transformation towards more sustainable and competitive models, capable of responding to global challenges such as climate change, food security, energy transition or the regeneration of coastal and marine ecosystems.
Digital twin for a more efficient fishing in Galicia. Projects such as that of the Galician company Cabomar demonstrate how innovation can improve the sustainability of the fishing sector at all levels. With the support of CDTI and FEMPA funds, the company has implemented a digital twin that transforms the management of its production plant. “This tool has redefined decision-making, improving traceability, performance and operational efficiency,” the company explains. Twinfish, as the project has been named, allows to simulate production lines, anticipate peaks in demand and optimize human and material resources. “The impact extends to the environment: it improves the use of raw materials, reduces waste and promotes efficient water and energy management,” they stress. “This aid has facilitated not only the modernization of our facilities, but also the improvement of jobs, consolidating local employment and strengthening our network of suppliers in Galicia”, highlights from Cabomar.
Advanced genetics for resilient aquaculture in the Mediterranean. In the Balearic Islands, the company AQUICULTURE BALEAR, S.A.U leads a pioneering project in genetics applied to aquaculture. Gen6 introduces advanced genomic selection in gold and sea bass enhancement programs. “Thanks to high-density molecular tools, we can identify genes related to disease resistance and tolerance to climate change,” says the company. This knowledge improves the biosecurity and efficiency of farms, reduces the pressure on wild populations and favors the diversification of cultivated species. “The support of FEMPA and CDTI has allowed us to incorporate scientific talent, collaborate with research centers and access cutting-edge technologies,” they say.
Food of marine origin and blue employment from Cadiz. The Gaditana company Petaca Chico, specialized in the transformation and marketing of marine products, has opted for innovation to improve its competitiveness and reinforce its commitment to sustainability. With the support of CDTI Innovation and the cofinancing of FEMPA funds, the company has developed the Thunnus and Octopus projects, focused on optimizing tuna processing and modernizing octopus processing to strengthen its international positioning. “We changed the form of the tuna cutting process, eliminating intermediate steps and saving energy. We were able to use 100% of the organic waste for animal feed”, they say from the company. Their model, they say, is based on respect for the marine environment and the creation of local employment: “Generating almost 200 direct jobs from the start of the projects.” In addition, the role of public support is highlighted: “In our case it was decisive to be able to grow and create stable employment.”
The Spanish marine-aquaculture sector is advancing thanks to the innovation-financing binomial, aligning itself with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda, the European Green Pact and the future European Pact for the Oceans. With the promotion of European funds such as FEMPA, channeled through the CDTI Innovation, a blue ecosystem is consolidating capable of generating qualified employment, accelerating the ecological transition and improving the competitiveness of key sectors. An opportunity not only to modernize the Spanish industry, but also to connect science, technology and sustainability around seas and oceans.
Bibliography
European Commission. (2025). The EU Blue Economy Report 2025. Publications Office of the European Union.
European Commission. (2025). European Ocean Pact. Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/european-ocean-pact_en
European Commission. (2019). The European Green Deal. Publications Office of the European Union.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52019DC0640
CDTI Innovation
The Center for Technological Development and Innovation, CDTI E.P.E. It is a public company dependent on the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, whose objective is the promotion of technological innovation in the business environment. The mission of the CDTI is to ensure that the Spanish business fabric generates and transforms scientific and technical knowledge into globally competitive, sustainable and inclusive growth. In 2024, within the framework of a new strategic plan, the CDTI provided more than 2.3 billion euros of support to Spanish companies and startups.
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