Tenerife to Host Eighth 'Meeting of the Seas' Focused on Blue Natural Capital

Tenerife will once again become the hub for marine conservation when it hosts the eighth edition of the "Meeting of the Seas" (Encuentro de los Mares) from May 3 to 6, 2026. Centered on the theme "Blue Natural Capital," the event aims to bridge the gap between scientific research, fisheries management, and fine dining to rethink how we balance economic growth with ocean preservation.

Organized by the Cabildo de Tenerife and Turismo de Tenerife, this year’s event features a new approach. For the first time, the opening ceremony will be held in the northern town of Garachico. The public is invited to the Plaza de la Libertad for an opening day that uses local cuisine to connect residents with ocean culture and regional products. Benjamín Lana, General Director of Vocento Gastronomía, says this change is designed to make the forum more accessible and engaging for the local community.

The technical program will tackle both global and local issues, including the importance of seagrass meadows, EU fisheries policies, and the link between healthy oceans and food security. The Canary Islands will be a major focus, with sessions dedicated to managing marine reserves, addressing the impact of ciguatera, and promoting the archipelago’s unique maritime heritage.

Local officials view the forum as a vital part of the island’s strategy to diversify its economy. Lope Afonso, Vice President and Minister of Tourism, highlighted the event as a model for innovation and environmental awareness. Meanwhile, Valentín González, Minister of the Primary Sector, emphasized the importance of combining traditional fishing practices with modern science to build a competitive "blue economy."

By bringing together experts from ten countries, the meeting serves as a laboratory for new ideas. The organizers believe that sustainability should not be seen as a limitation, but as the foundation for the future of coastal communities. The full schedule of presentations will be released in the coming days, reinforcing the core message: the ocean is both a precious living resource and a vital economic asset.