The Port Authority of Vigo and the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) today presented the details of the FishConTech 2026 conference. This major event on technologies applied to maritime and fisheries supervision will position the city as the European epicenter of innovation, sustainability, and sea governance.
During the public presentation, the president of the Port Authority of Vigo, Carlos Botana, highlighted the key role of the EFCA and thanked its management for its continued commitment to Vigo as an international reference point. "Accompanying the EFCA in initiatives of this level reinforces Vigo's positioning not only as a leading fishing port but also as a leader in innovation, sustainability, and the fight against illegal fishing," said Botana.
For her part, the executive director of the EFCA, Susan Steele, underlined the strategic value of the institutional and technical cooperation that will be showcased during the event.
A cutting-edge technology showcase
The event will be held next Tuesday, October 21st, at El Tinglado in the Port of Vigo. The conference will combine industry presentations (Industry Pitch), exhibition areas, working meetings, and live technical demonstrations.
In this edition, the exhibition will focus on two fundamental technological areas for the supervision and protection of the marine environment:
Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM): Digital control solutions and onboard sensors for transparent fisheries management.
Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (Drones / RPAS): Use of advanced aerial technology applied to maritime inspection and resource conservation.
As a complementary milestone of the conference, the afternoon agenda includes the official inauguration of the new Satellite Hub at the EFCA facilities in the Odriozola Building, expanding the European agency's technological and satellite data processing capabilities.
Vigo, capital of European fisheries governance
The celebration of FishConTech 2026 reaffirms the close relationship between the Port Authority and the EFCA. Formally established by the European Council in 2005 and with its definitive headquarters in the Odriozola Building in Vigo since July 1, 2008, the agency has more than 18 years of experience in the city. The choice of Vigo by the European Union responded to the strategic relevance of its port as a leader in terms of landed fish volume, processing industry, and maritime infrastructure.
Currently, Vigo acts as a home port for the agency's ocean inspection vessels (Ocean Sentinel, Ocean Guardian, and Ocean Protector) and as a main hub for coordinating Joint Deployment Plans (JDP) in EU waters and international fishing grounds such as NAFO and NEAFC.
Under the executive direction of Susan Steele—who took office in September 2021 after heading the Irish Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA)—the EFCA has consolidated its digitalization, the use of artificial intelligence for risk assessment, and operational collaboration with European agencies such as Frontex and EMSA.
