The event brings together representatives and professionals from the maritime sector to discuss innovation in the competitiveness of the fish industry. Salvador Malheiro acknowledged the work of local authorities, thanking the Mayor of Viana do Castelo, Luís Nobre, and emphasized the importance of achieving practical results from the government's and the sector's good performance in recent years.
The official stated that Portuguese fish industry companies have risen to the challenge, focusing on exports and food safety, contributing to wealth generation and the success of the population. As an example, he mentioned the valorization of sardines: between May and October 2026, Portugal caught 1,000 fewer tons compared to the same period in 2025, but earned 20 million euros more, increasing revenue from 40 to 60 million euros. "We don't have to fish more, we have to fish better, sustainably," he stressed.
Luís Nobre described Viana do Castelo as "a community with a real and broad relationship with the sea and fishing" and presented the municipality's Agenda 20-30 for the Blue Economy. This agenda, developed in partnership with over 50 local stakeholders, is based on six fundamental pillars: an International Technological Center for Offshore Renewable Energies; an Integrated Platform for Sustainable Development and Blue Innovation Acceleration Anchored in the Maritime Port; a Lever for Blue Re-industrialization (shipbuilding, repair, and conversion); an excellence destination for high-value-added sustainable nautical experiences; a Marine Life Maternity with Sustainable Aquaculture and Fishing; and a Network of Blue Economy Promoters in Viana do Castelo. A seventh pillar was also incorporated: the Naval Support Base / Point of the Navy in Viana do Castelo.
Keynote speaker Miguel Marques, from Skipper & Wool, highlighted the sector as "a sector that Portugal must fully respect, a sector that has fed us for 900 years, which has never faltered, not even with COVID or wars".
The 2026 edition of Expo Fish Portugal, themed "From Sea to Market: Innovation as a Competitiveness Lever", addresses the impact of innovation throughout the entire fish value chain. The morning also included a roundtable discussion "From research to market: how to accelerate innovation in the Portuguese fish sector?", with the participation of Maria Ana Martins (Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere), Frederico Ferreira (Fórum Oceano), Diana Viegas (INESC-TEC.OCEAN), Manuel Tarré (National Association of the Food Cold Industry and Trade), and José Calheiros (Portuguese Aquaculture Association).
