24 September, 2026
By Mr Alejandro Tiana
Head of Fisheries and Aquaculture Projects at Incatema
The World Maritime Day 2026 brings a particularly timely message for a sector facing some of the greatest challenges in its history. Under the theme “From policy to practice: powering maritime excellence”, the International Maritime Organisation reminds us that true progress is not measured by the number of strategies adopted, but by the ability to turn them into tangible results.
In the field of fisheries and aquaculture, this gap between theory and practice is crucial. Public policies are essential to ensuring the sustainability of marine resources, but they only become valuable when they translate into better infrastructure, stronger institutions, efficient value chains, reliable certification systems and real opportunities for coastal communities.
This has been precisely the philosophy that has guided Incatema’s work for decades. Our experience shows that maritime excellence does not stem solely from good regulation; it arises when that regulation is implemented through technically rigorous, economically viable projects tailored to the reality of each country. In other words, when we truly are turning commitment into action.
In this regard, the fisheries and aquaculture projects we develop require a holistic approach. It is not enough simply to increase production. It is necessary to strengthen the sector’s governance, improve traceability, incorporate technology, ensure food safety, reduce post-harvest losses and facilitate access to international markets. Only in this way can fisheries and aquaculture become true drivers of economic development and food security.
At Incatema, we understand that the value chain begins long before the fish reaches the consumer. That is why we develop fisheries and aquaculture projects ranging from strategic planning and institutional strengthening to the supply of equipment, the creation of infrastructure, the cold chain, processing, value-added production and marketing. This holistic approach ensures that every investment generates a lasting impact on local economies.
Our international track record offers numerous examples of how to turn policies into results. In Cape Verde, we have collaborated on the development of certification schemes for the origin and sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture products – a vital tool for boosting the sector’s competitiveness and facilitating access to increasingly demanding markets. Similarly, we have participated in projects aimed at institutional strengthening, improving fisheries statistics , combating illegal fishing and developing technical capacities in various African countries, thereby contributing to a more efficient and transparent management of marine resources.
All these projects share a common thread: building capacities that endure once the technical assistance has ended. For the true success of a cooperation project lies not merely in carrying out activities, but in leaving behind stronger institutions, better-trained professionals and more competitive productive sectors.
The blue economy represents one of the great opportunities for sustainable development over the coming decades. However, its growth will depend on our ability to implement effective public policies, underpinned by technical expertise, innovation and close collaboration between government bodies, international organisations and specialist companies.
In this context, the theme of the World Maritime Day 2026 takes on enormous significance. Moving from policy to practice means recognising that maritime excellence is not an abstract goal. It is the result of thousands of well-executed technical decisions, smart investments and projects capable of transforming the potential of marine resources into well-being for people.
At Incatema, we believe that engineering, specialist consultancy and institutional strengthening are essential tools for achieving this goal. After more than twenty-five years of developing fisheries and aquaculture projects in various countries, we remain convinced that the future of the sector lies in combining sustainability, innovation and responsible resource management.
Because maritime excellence does not begin at sea.
It begins when policies cease to be mere declarations of intent and become projects that improve people’s lives.