Spain marks 25 years of the research vessel Vizconde de Eza as officials highlight the fleet’s role in science and call for stronger EU research funding.
Anniversary Event Highlights Role of Spain’s Research Fleet
Spain has marked the 25th anniversary of its oceanographic research vessel Vizconde de Eza with an event held in Vigo on 26 February.
The ceremony brought together representatives from government, the scientific community and the fishing sector.
Speaking at the event, Secretary General of Fisheries Isabel Artime said fisheries research must receive stable and sufficient funding, describing it as a strategic pillar for sustaining marine resources and ensuring long‑term food security.
Call for Stronger EU Support in Next Budget Cycle
Artime warned that the current proposal for the EU’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework does not allocate enough resources for key areas such as data collection and marine environmental knowledge. She said Spain considers the proposed funding insufficient and stressed the need for specific research allocations in the next framework.
She added that effective fisheries management depends on scientific evidence, stating that there can be no good management without science. Investment in research, she said, helps reduce uncertainty in stock assessments and improves decision‑making.
Vizconde de Eza Has Completed Over 200 Research Surveys
The Vizconde de Eza entered service in 2001 and has since carried out more than 200 research campaigns in European and international waters. Artime highlighted the contribution of the vessel and the wider fleet — including the Miguel Oliver and Emma Bardán — to scientific knowledge used to support fisheries policy.
The event also underlined the international dimension of Spain’s research activities, which continue to strengthen scientific cooperation and the country’s external presence in global fisheries science.
Today, in Vigo, at the ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the oceanographic vessel Vizconde de Eza
Roundtable Examines Future Research Challenges
A roundtable discussion at the event explored the challenges facing fisheries research in Spain, including funding needs, data requirements and long‑term scientific capacity. Participants included representatives from administration, science institutions and the fishing industry.
A video about the Vizconde de Eza was also presented during the anniversary event.
