The International Sea Fair (Fimar) has opened its doors for its 15th edition, held at the Sanapú pier in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The event, which will run until Sunday, is presented as a key meeting point for the nautical and marine-maritime sector, combining business opportunities with scientific outreach and leisure activities.

The official inauguration was attended by authorities including the president of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Antonio Morales; the mayoress of the capital, Carolina Darias; the president of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Beatriz Calzada; and the councilor for Maritime Affairs, Pedro Quevedo. This year's theme is 'Outermost Regions and the Sea', with Martinique as the guest territory.

The venue hosts 53 exhibitors and offers a diverse program that includes technical conferences, scientific outreach talks, and a gastronomy area. Companies like Motonáutica Las Palmas, present since the first edition, highlight the fair as a fundamental showcase for customer loyalty, offering special discounts during the event.

The scientific outreach aspect is represented by entities such as Oceanográfica, a marine stewardship alliance between the Balearic and Canary archipelagos, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of citizen participation and management in coastal care.

Maritime training also has its space through the nautical academy Arcos, which has participated in Fimar for ten years to inform visitors about the necessary qualifications for operating vessels.

Authorities emphasized Fimar's importance for the 'sea-related economy'. Antonio Morales noted that the 'blue economy' represents 11% of the GDP in Gran Canaria, exceeding the Canary Islands' average. Meanwhile, Carolina Darias highlighted how Martinique's presence reinforces the tricontinental nature and knowledge exchange among outermost regions. Beatriz Calzada stressed that the fair showcases commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and the opportunities presented by maritime activity.