At Cooke España, we are convinced that the future of the sea is cultivated with science, commitment, and collaboration. That is why we have signed an agreement with the Murcian Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Development (IMIDA), a body under the Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the Region of Murcia (CARM), to jointly advance research projects that promote a more sustainable, innovative, and high-quality aquaculture.

The signing of this agreement, which took place at our facilities in Águilas, strengthens a shared vision: to develop solutions that enhance seafood production and support the farming of high-value aquaculture species.

During her visit, Minister Sara Rubira highlighted the relevance of aquaculture in the Region of Murcia—not only due to its privileged marine environment, but also because of its strategic potential within the blue economy. The work of IMIDA’s Marine Resources Center in San Pedro del Pinatar has been key to this progress, conducting research in animal welfare, nutrition, and species diversification.

At Cooke España, we bring to the table our experience, our network of farming and processing centers across the Mediterranean, and our mission to feed the world through a model that respects the environment. We actively participate in regional, national, and international projects—such as ThinkinAzul and NPower—focused on developing more sustainable feed and building a more resilient aquaculture sector.

“This agreement reinforces our commitment to responsible aquaculture—rooted in knowledge, environmental respect, and support for the communities where we operate. We are proud to collaborate with IMIDA in this shared vision for the future.” — Regis Philippe, CEO of Cooke España

Murcia Region: Aquaculture Leadership with a Global Vision

According to data from CARM, the Region of Murcia leads national aquaculture in production per kilometer of coastline and ranks first in volume of sea bass and bluefin tuna. In 2024, production reached 13.350 tonnes of sea bass, gilthead bream, meagre, and bluefin tuna. This sector directly employs over 500 people, in addition to a network of indirect jobs spanning from naval maintenance to fish processing and marketing.

This leadership is also reflected in specialized vocational training, with institutions such as IES Hespérides (Cartagena) and IES Manuel Tárraga (San Pedro del Pinatar) preparing new generations of sea professionals.