More than 400 students from different educational levels across the Region of Murcia have taken part this year in a new edition of the School Trips, an educational initiative promoted by the Spanish Aquaculture Business Association (APROMAR), as part of the Strategic Communication Plan for Spanish Aquaculture (PLECA), and carried out in Águilas with the support of Cooke Spain.
Held during the months of April, May, and June, this campaign gave secondary school, vocational training, and university students the opportunity to experience firsthand the role of aquaculture as a sustainable food source, as well as the work Cooke carries out along the Murcian coast, particularly in Águilas, the hub of its operations.
“Initiatives like School Trips are essential for bringing younger generations closer to the marine environment and aquaculture,” said Javier Ojeda, Managing Director of APROMAR. “They offer a hands-on experience that goes beyond the classroom, allowing students to discover the importance of this sector —so close to home— for sustainable food and coastal development”.
Ojeda emphasized that “real contact with the environment and industry professionals can be crucial for young people to appreciate the origins of what they consume, awaken vocations related to biotechnology, marine sciences, or sustainability, and understand the environmental commitment behind this activity”.
This year, seven educational institutions took part:
- IES Rambla de Nogalte (Puerto Lumbreras)
- Cáritas Hospitality School (Murcia)
- Master’s in Aquaculture – University of Murcia
- Colegio Ciudad del Sol (Lorca)
- IES Rey Carlos III (Águilas)
- IES La Flota – Murcia School of Hospitality and Tourism
- CCT – Center for Tourism Qualification (Murcia)
During the visits, students enjoyed an immersive experience that combined technical insights on marine farming, tours of aquaculture facilities, and interpretation of the natural and cultural environment of Águilas.
“The added value of these encounters is tremendous,” Ojeda added. “Visiting facilities like those of Cooke Spain allows students to see both the technical and environmental dimensions of aquaculture, as well as its positive impact on the local economy, employment, and marine resource conservation. These experiences open up professional pathways and connect students with an activity that blends innovation, tradition, and commitment”.
APROMAR highlights that this initiative is part of a broader strategy that includes educational materials, guided tours, workshops for teachers, collaborations with universities and vocational training centers, and participation in educational fairs.
“Our goal is to facilitate access to practical knowledge about aquaculture and to showcase its strategic value as a source of sustainable food, a generator of employment, and an ally in the fight against climate change,” Ojeda concluded.
Finally, from Cooke Spain, we would like to thank all the participating schools, teachers, students, and partner institutions, as well as APROMAR, for making this edition of School Trips 2025 possible. We will continue working to bring the value of aquaculture closer to new generations, convinced that education is a key tool in building a more sustainable, fair, and prosperous future.
