The International Sea Fair (Fimar 2026), taking place at the Sanapú dock in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, offers a rewarding experience through its thematic exhibitors: scientific-educational, training, commercial, and leisure. The event underscores the vast possibilities offered by the sea, especially the Atlantic Ocean, and the paradox that many islanders live with their backs to it.

Scientific dissemination projects, driven by researchers, professors, students, and volunteers, aim to bring knowledge of the marine environment to the general public. Daniel Herrera, a wildlife fauna researcher at the Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety of the ULPGC, emphasizes the importance of showcasing the science being done and fostering greater public involvement in ecosystem conservation. He points out that ignorance can lead to harmful actions, such as feeding fish at Las Canteras beach, and stresses the need for information to assess the impact of our actions.

The general message of the fair is positive, indicating that we still have time to protect the natural and marine environment through individual effort. Lucía Marrero, a predoctoral student at the same institute, confirms that knowledge is fundamental and highlights children's curiosity as a receptive audience for fostering science.

The Ilustra Canarias project, represented by Leire García and Alex Basha, combines art and science through original watercolor scientific illustrations of Canarian botany and zoology. Their goal is to disseminate and protect the natural richness of the islands, also functioning as a documentation agency for scientific projects.

Participation in Fimar 2026 serves as an advertising platform, although the main work focuses on collaborations with scientific associations and institutions. The fair, promoted by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Ports of Las Palmas, and organized by Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria, and the Department of the Sea, features the active participation of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and 61 exhibitors.

Héctor Toledo, a technician from RedPromar (Canary Islands Government Network for the monitoring and surveillance of marine life in Macaronesia), highlights that the aware citizenry is actively contributing to the conservation of the marine environment.