The fifth edition of the Sea Gathering Congress, titled “Conserve,” will kick off on Sunday, July 16, with a public gastronomic event in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. This congress, held across multiple venues on the island, will feature lectures, culinary demonstrations, roundtable discussions, and gastronomic activities.
Taking place from July 16 to 19, Tenerife will become a global hub for territories committed to ocean and ecosystem conservation. The event will bring together renowned chefs such as Ángel León (Aponiente**), Quique Dacosta (Quique Dacosta**), Albert Adrià (Enigma), Andoni L. Aduriz (Mugaritz*), Rui Paula (Casa de Chá da Boa Nova*, Portugal), Lorna Muñoz (Travesía, Chiloé), and Luigi Pomata (Luigi Pomata, Cagliari, Sardinia). They will be joined by leading scientists such as Carlos Duarte, a world leader in oceanography, Alexandra Cousteau, a third-generation ocean advocate, Minna Epps, director of Oceans at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Ralph Chami, former Assistant Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and co-founder of Blue Green Future and Rebalance Earth.
A Global Event Rooted in Sustainability
The Sea Gathering, organized by Vocento Gastronomía and supported by the Tenerife Island Council, through the Fishing and Tourism Department, will commence on Sunday, July 16, in Puerto de la Cruz and extend across various locations on the island until Wednesday, July 19. The event will take place at venues including Auditorio de Tenerife, Club Náutico de Puerto Colón, southern waters of Tenerife for sustainable whale watching, Poseidón Restaurant at Hotel Iberostar Selection Anthelia (overlooking Fañabé Beach), and La Calabacera, an organic banana plantation in Guía de Isora.
For the fifth consecutive year, this congress will bring together marine biologists, oceanographers, world-class chefs, and fishing experts to address pressing challenges in ocean conservation, following the historic United Nations agreement on the High Seas Treaty reached in March 2023.
Key Topics at This Year’s Congress
The main themes of this edition will include:
- Ocean and marine food conservation
- Protection of whales and tuna species
- Gastronomic tourism
- Sustainable fishing models
- Marine ecology
- Traditional food preservation techniques such as salting, smoking, and pickling
One of the most anticipated participants is Ralph Chami, an American financial economist, who left his career as an Assistant Director at the IMF to focus on natural capital conservation. Chami advocates for companies to invest in nature for economic benefits and argues that whale conservation is crucial for both biodiversity and planetary sustainability. According to his research, each living whale generates an economic benefit of two million euros. During the congress, he will engage once again with the cetaceans he has championed through his research.
Scientific Leaders Driving Conservation Efforts
Carlos Duarte: Director of the Sea Gathering Scientific Program
One of the most recognized oceanographers, Carlos Duarte, will lead discussions on marine conservation. Currently spearheading Project 2050, a global initiative aimed at ocean recovery, Duarte has conducted groundbreaking research, including the Malaspina Circumnavigation Expedition, which assessed the state of the world’s oceans. His work focuses on coral reefs and leading marine research centers in the Red Sea and Western Australia. Together with scientist Susana Agustí, Duarte is laying out a roadmap for global marine life recovery by 2050.
Minna Epps: A Marine Conservation Authority
Swiss scientist Minna Epps is one of the world’s leading marine biodiversity experts. As the Director of the IUCN Global Marine and Polar Program, she oversees conservation strategies and forges new strategic alliances. She plays a key role in the Global Ocean Agenda, influencing high-level environmental policies.
Eline Van Onselen: Innovating Marine Biodiversity
Dutch marine ecologist Eline Van Onselen is part of The Rich North Sea Project, focusing on offshore conservation efforts. She collaborates with scientific institutes and stakeholders to enhance marine life around offshore wind farms, balancing risks and opportunities in these environments.
Jesús M. Arrieta: The Role of Microbial Life in Climate Regulation
Biologist Jesús M. Arrieta, a PhD graduate from the University of Groningen, will contribute insights into marine microbial diversity. Having participated in oceanographic expeditions, including the Malaspina Expedition, his research explores the critical role microbes play in regulating climate and marine ecosystems.
Gastronomy Meets Science: Sustainable Cooking for the Future
World-renowned chefs will also take part in culinary demonstrations to showcase how marine products can be sustainably prepared.
Among the featured cooking techniques are:
- Salting
- Smoking
- Pickling (escabeche)
A Dialogue for Change
The Sea Gathering Congress serves as a platform for global dialogue between scientists, chefs, and fishing experts. Its mission is to raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation and promote sustainable fishing and culinary practices.
The fifth edition of the Sea Gathering in Tenerife reaffirms the island’s commitment to marine conservation, sustainability, and the promotion of responsible gastronomy. Through conferences, roundtables, and culinary workshops, the event will foster collaboration and inspire innovative solutions to protect our oceans and their ecosystems.
By uniting top experts from diverse disciplines, this congress aims to catalyze action and ensure a sustainable future for our seas and marine biodiversity.
