The Technological Center for the Sea (CETMAR) introduced fishing and marine conservation to over a hundred schoolchildren from the 5th and 6th grades of the Alba and Lar Schools in Vigo. The activities took place in recent weeks at the A Aixola Training Center, managed by CETMAR for the Consellería do Mar.
The students traveled on two occasions to the center, located in facilities of the Port Authority of Marín and funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). There, they learned about the center's training work in maritime-fishing trades, such as fishing gear, mechanical repairs, and shipbuilding.
The visit included a workshop on responsible fishing, where a participatory game fostered reflection on fisheries management based on scientific knowledge. The participating schools had already developed blue school projects last year and are currently working with the Research Boxes from the CIBBRiNA project, funded by the European Union's LIFE program.
The CIBBRiNA project aims to reduce accidental catches of threatened marine species during fishing activities. The research boxes are designed to raise awareness about this issue and propose practical activities for students to investigate fishing gear, affected species, and potential solutions.
This initiative fosters critical thinking and the relationship between fishing activity and marine conservation, highlighting collaboration between the sector and the scientific community. The visit to the A Aixola center provided a more direct approach to the world of fishing.
The Galician Network of Blue Schools (Rede Galega de Escolas Azuis) integrates educational centers that promote ocean and aquaculture culture, connecting the educational community with its marine environment. The network offers support for projects, materials, and funding information, aiming to foster critical learning about aquatic ecosystems and the importance of the ocean.
