The International Sea Fair celebrates International Oceans Day
with the guarantee of a loyal audience, combined with the blue economy and culture
oceanic
More than 14.000 people have visited the fair since last Friday until
this Sunday
The International Sea Fair – FIMAR 2025 concluded this Sunday with a day filled with emotion, symbolism, knowledge, and commitment to the oceans. Coinciding with World Oceans Day, the final day of FIMAR became a tribute to marine life and all those who, from science, leisure, and ocean culture, work for its conservation.
From early morning, Muelle Sanapú once again became the epicenter of activity, receiving more than 14.000 visitors this year. The public responded strongly to FIMAR's call on June 8th. The first groups of visitors were already awaiting the opening of the fair's doors, established as the major gathering for the blue economy in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island, and the Canary Islands. More than fifty nautical and marine-maritime sector companies and some eighty stands made up the event's exhibition offering. In addition to the constant flow of local visitors, cruise passengers from the Mein Schiff 6, docked at Muelle Santa Catalina, were also present. A TUI Cruises cruise ship with a capacity for more than 2.500 passengers, this crowd was able to immerse themselves in the program of FIMAR's final day in a pleasant atmosphere.
Informative Talks and World Oceans Day The International Ocean Fair also coincided with the celebration of World Oceans Day, this Sunday, June 8th: an event that fits perfectly with the fair's philosophy, built with a strong educational focus on the accumulated scientific knowledge about the oceans. This event not only invites reflection on the challenges facing our oceans, but also reinforces the collective commitment to their conservation through innovation, education, and responsible action.
In this regard, the more than fifteen informative talks held at FIMAR attracted numerous curious visitors and experts, with a program focused on marine health and its future challenges. On Sunday morning, researchers from Ecoaqua and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) offered insightful presentations on ciguatera, an emerging food poisoning linked to the consumption of fish contaminated with ciguatoxin, highlighting the need for effective control systems to protect consumers.
No less relevant was the focus on the challenges of reducing emissions from maritime navigation, and the progress made by IUSA, the so-called "CSI of the sea," whose research enables the resolution of complex environmental impact cases. An innovative talk was also held on the use of microalgae-derived fuels, already in the small-scale development phase, as a sustainable alternative for maritime transport.
This educational program was led by researchers from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, RedPROMAR, and the Canary Islands Association of Maritime Collectors. It was also accompanied by exhibits already on display at the fair's various stands, including the ULPGC, the Department of Primary Sector, Food Sovereignty, and Water Security of the Gran Canaria Island Council, the Canary Islands Ocean Platform (PLOCAN), and Poema del Mar. These exhibits, with an educational spirit, were aimed at the youngest children, who showed a keen interest in the learning activities.
FIMAR 2025 Attractions One of the major attractions of FIMAR 2025 was the innovative proposals from several exhibiting companies. Among them, Sugraher, a 3D printing specialist, stood out, showcasing pioneering applications in the maritime field. Also attracting great interest was the presentation of a prototype single-seat pedal-powered submarine, designed by students of the Naval Technology Engineering Degree at the ULPGC. Its innovation and maneuverability were highlighted, enabling it to participate in an obstacle course in the United Kingdom in 2026. This generated excitement both for its design and for the international challenge it will face.
Additionally, at the Elder Museum, fairgoers were able to enjoy a three-day FIMAR event at the Planetarium, featuring talks on "Navigating with the Stars."
Training and career development
One of the attractions of FIMAR 2025 was the exposure of this market, which also included the dissemination of sector-specific training offerings. The Canary Islands Maritime Cluster, along with public administrations such as the Municipal Employment and Training Institute of Gran Canaria, and academic institutions (led by the ULPGC) associated with the fair, played an active role in this.
In fact, the event has reinforced its goal of strengthening the opportunities for professional and employment growth within the blue economy on the island and in the city. It has promoted, for example, initiatives with the Portuguese city of Ericeira, this year's guest.
Three days of entertainment, water activities, and children's activities. The nautical area maintained its usual bustle. Hundreds of visitors enjoyed water activities, from traditional boat trips to Puerto de La Luz and the Bay of Las Palmas, to sea baptisms, dinghy sailing, mini-cruises, pedal boats, and the eagerly awaited optimist class parents' regatta, part of the Alejandro Da Silva Charity Trophy against leukemia. A charity event that once again demonstrated FIMAR's ability to unite sport and social causes.
One of the most popular spots was the SASEMAR Tugboat Miguel de Cervantes, where children and adults could learn about the functions of this impressive maritime rescue vessel up close.
In the children's area, creativity took center stage. Boys and girls participated in fun fish workshops using recycled plates, as well as enjoying giant games that turned the space into a haven of laughter and learning.
And as the icing on the cake, music took over. At the end of the morning, singer Carol Magagna, better known as Carol Singer, took the stage to bring rhythm and joy to the fair's closing. Her contagious energy and festive repertoire had the entire audience dancing, leaving an unforgettable taste in this edition.
With a perfect blend of science, education, sustainability, sports, and culture, FIMAR 2025 closed its doors at 15:00 PM, reaffirming its role as a major meeting point for the sea in the Canary Islands. A fair that not only celebrates the city's connection with the ocean, but also projects it into the future with awareness and enthusiasm.
The combination of all this offer, which has included educational activities aimed at younger audiences, a children's area and a gastronomic area with a large presence of seafood, has turned FIMAR into one of the great events at the end of this spring. Once again, with broad popular support.
Organization and collaborating entities: FIMAR is promoted by the Gran Canaria Island Council, the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, and the Las Palmas Port Authority. It is organized by the City of the Sea Department of the city and Infecar, the Gran Canaria Fair.
FIMAR is also being organized by the Department of Primary Sector, Food Sovereignty and Water Security of the Gran Canaria Island Council, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), the Canary Islands Maritime Cluster, Gesplan (RedPromar, Educaisla), and the Municipal Employment and Training Institute of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council (IMEF).
