APROMAR
- Founded
- 1986-01-01 in Spain
- Headquarters
- Camino de Leche Santa nº 2, 266 11130 Chiclana (Cádiz), Spain
APROMAR, the Spanish Aquaculture Business Association, is a national non-profit producer organisation founded in 1986 that represents the vast majority of Spain's marine fish farming industry. With around 60 member companies covering about 95% of the country's finfish production, the association serves as the unified voice for producers of species such as seabream, seabass, turbot, meagre, sole, trout, Atlantic bluefin tuna, mussels, oysters, and caviar. Headquartered in Chiclana de la Frontera (Cádiz), APROMAR works to defend member competitiveness, promote social and environmental responsibility, and ensure quality and food safety. Beyond advocacy and representation at national and EU levels, the association drives innovation through its REMA research network and runs the consumer-facing communication platform Acuicultura de España, which has significantly raised public awareness of Spanish aquaculture. APROMAR is recognized as a Producer Organisation (PO No. 30) and is a key source of market intelligence and technical guidance for its members.
Detailed Review
Representation & Advocacy
APROMAR defends the sector's interests before Spanish and European authorities. It has been active in shaping the National Strategic Aquaculture Plan and filed a complaint with the European Commission against Turkey over alleged subsidies for seabass and seabream, supporting more than 60% of European producers of these species. The association also works to streamline administrative procedures for aquaculture operations and to secure EU funding from instruments such as the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
Services for Members
Members receive market intelligence, including production and price data often shared via the EU's EUMOFA database, technical guidance, and access to a collective brand that identifies Spanish farmed fish. APROMAR also organizes meetings, general assemblies, and sector events.
Innovation & R&D
APROMAR coordinates the Red de Experimentación en Acuicultura Marina (REMA), a network that brings together partner companies and research organisations to avoid duplication and accelerate practical solutions. REMA focuses on issues such as fish welfare (e.g., electric stunning alternatives), feed efficiency, and disease management.
Public Communication: Acuicultura de España
Launched in 2020, this initiative aims to close the knowledge gap about Spanish aquaculture. A 2019 study commissioned by APROMAR found that fewer than 30% of Spaniards could properly identify the sector. Through a dedicated website, social media, influencer collaborations, and television advertising, the campaign raised awareness to 55% by 2025, with 74% of respondents holding a positive view. The platform publishes science-based, accessible content covering nutrition, regional diversity, and environmental benefits.
Key Recent Initiatives
In 2020 APROMAR launched the Acuicultura de España communication plan, and in 2025–2026 it expanded into TV advertising with targeted campaigns for young people and women. Ongoing activities include annual production surveys, collaboration with banks such as ABANCA on sustainable financing, and participation in EU research calls.
Market Position & Challenges
APROMAR's strength lies in its unity: with near-total coverage of Spanish finfish production, it can negotiate from a position of strength. Challenges include regulatory complexity, competition from Turkish imports, and the need to modernise public perception. The association's lean structure (likely fewer than 10 staff) relies heavily on member engagement and external project funding.
Key Products
Acuicultura de España
A public communication initiative launched in 2020 that includes a website, social media, and TV spots to promote Spanish aquaculture and its benefits, raising awareness from below 30% to 55% by 2025.
REMA (Red de Experimentación en Acuicultura Marina)
A member-driven innovation network that coordinates research and development to improve production efficiency and sustainability, avoiding duplication of efforts.
Annual Aquaculture Reports
Comprehensive statistical analyses of Spanish, European, and global aquaculture production, value, and trends, published since at least 2014.
Best Practice Guides
Species-specific operational standards developed in partnership with technology providers, such as electric stunning protocols for sea bass, sea bream, and gilthead.
Collective Quality Brand
An implied branding effort to help consumers identify farmed fish of Spanish origin, though the brand name is not specified in available sources.
Collective Brand
Promotes farmed fish of Spanish origin at markets, helping consumers identify domestically produced aquaculture products.
Annual Report on Spanish Aquaculture
Comprehensive report on the evolution of the sector in Spain, Europe, and the world, published regularly by APROMAR.
Fish Welfare Guide (2022)
Two‑volume guide on fish welfare concepts and practices, developed to promote high standards in Spanish aquaculture.
Collective Brand (Productor de Acuicultura Española)
A label or certification mark that helps consumers identify farmed fish of Spanish origin.
Market Intelligence Services
Production and market data reports (often shared via EUMOFA) to help members make informed business decisions.
Representation & Advocacy
Lobbying at national/EU level on regulatory, trade, and funding issues.
Key Persons
- Garazi Rodríguez
Production & Marketing Plans Coordinator / REMA Coordinator