[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Bulgaria: Dynamic programme of activities at European Maritime Day draws record numbers
From left, Valentina Sannino and Diletta Rainone, COGEA; Commissioner Karmenu Vella; and Neli Madzharova, EuroďŹ sh, at the EUMOFA stand at the European Maritime Day in Burgas, Bulgaria.
One of the highlights of this year’s event was the approval of a Declaration towards a Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea, confirming the commitment of the riparian countries to work together more closely. Another valuable aspect was the 18 stakeholder workshops, organized to discuss the challenges in the marine and maritime sector, exchange experiences and good practices, and develop common visions and actions. Among the topics discussed were the landing obligation and the EMFF Programmes, where legal and practical aspects of implementation of the landing
obligation were brought up. Discharges of waste at sea and enhanced protection of the marine ecosystems, the importance of collection of ship-generated waste and cargo residues were also in focus. The latter workshop, attended by representatives from the European Commission and the Bulgarian port authorities, debated both political and practical perspectives to better tackle ship-generated waste in ports. A new directive on Port Reception Facilities for the delivery of waste from ships was proposed in order to replace the current Directive 2000/59/EC. This will contribute to the better alignment
Stefan Nedelchev
European Maritime Day (EMD) was held this year on 31 May and 1 June in Burgas, Bulgaria – the first time it has taken place in the Black Sea region. The event, organized by the European Commission together with the Bulgarian EU Presidency and the Municipality of Burgas, was one of the most popular ever attracting more than 1,000 participants from the marine and maritime sector to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the sector. Dedicated to crossborder cooperation around the Black Sea, the forum also gathered ministers from Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.
of the EU with The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). In addition, three info sessions organized by DG MARE focused on high priority topics for the development of the marine and maritime sectors in Europe, such as the challenges and opportunities in the financial strategic cooperation for Blue Growth in the Black Sea. The session gave an overview of the financial sources available to support innovation in the Blue Economy. The discussions contributed to the better understanding of the funding
opportunities and increased the awareness of local beneficiaries and the managing authorities. In parallel with the EMD conference, an exhibition with 28 exhibitors was organized in the premises of the Free University of Burgas, where the conference took place. Organizations and institutions working in the marine and maritime sector across Europe were represented, but also various EU programmes and projects such as EUMOFA, the European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products; EMODnet, the European Marine Observation and Data Network; INTERACT, The Life Programme and others.
Booming amberjack industry leads to major Spanish investment Spanish fund, Everis, will commence to work closely with the development of aquaculture technologies to acquire the best products and maximize efficiency in the market. The engineering firm has invested an undisclosed amount of money in the Spanish 6
aquaculture company Futuna Blue in the commercial form of their corporate venture fund FiTalent. Futuna Blue and Everis have partnered in the development of aquaculture systems and improved technology. Through their cooperation, Everis, the
current shareholders of Futuna and a local public fund that is run by the Andalusian government, invested 1.2 million euros (1.4 million USD) to finance aquaculture projects that have been planned by Futuna. The company is currently expanding
its already large amberjack RAS farm in Southern Spain. The firm hopes to increase the site and its capacities for the production of greater amberjack and also be able to promote its technology to other interested customers.
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