At the time, we were talking about an ambitious project, a differentiating technology and an opportunity that could position Portugal at the forefront of the European Blue Economy. Less than a year later, this vision is no longer just a project. Portugal has issued a permit for an offshore aquaculture facility in the open sea for the first time in its history. And this moment deserves to be highlighted, not only for the success of Mariculture Systems, but for what it represents for the future of the country.

At first glance, it may seem like just another administrative license. But those who follow this sector know that we are facing a real milestone. The Coralis project, located about 15 kilometres off the Algarve coast, will have the capacity to produce up to 8,000 tons of fish per year in the middle of the Atlantic. More important than the numbers is the signal that Portugal sends to the international market: the country is prepared to develop a new generation of projects related to the sea, based on technology, innovation and sustainability.

This step becomes even more important when we look at the European reality. About 85% of the sea bass and sea bream consumed in the European Union are imported and, in Portugal, approximately 20,000 of the 25,000 tons consumed annually come from abroad, mainly from Turkey and Greece. This shows that food security is no longer just an agricultural or fishing issue. It has also become a strategic issue for Europe.

It is precisely here that Portugal can play a much more relevant role than we often imagine. We have one of the largest exclusive economic zones in Europe, research centers of excellence, technological companies linked to the sea and unique natural conditions to develop offshore aquaculture solutions. For years we have talked about the Blue Economy as a huge potential. Now we are finally starting to see it come to fruition through projects that move from theory to practice.

Of course, this is just the beginning. As Peter Beringer himself has said, the great challenge now is to access the necessary financing to accelerate the growth of this industry. The technology exists, the knowledge exists and the regulatory framework has finally begun to keep up with this evolution. The next step will be to ensure that financial instruments and public policies can also keep pace with innovation.

Over the last few years I have argued that Portugal should not look at the sea only as a historical heritage or tourist destination. The Atlantic can be one of the largest economic platforms of the 21st century, through offshore energy, underwater robotics, ocean monitoring, marine biotechnology, submarine cables and, of course, aquaculture in the open sea.

Therefore, this news goes far beyond the success of Mariculture Systems. It represents an important moment for the Portuguese Blue Economy and deserves a word of recognition to Peter Beringer and his entire team. Entrepreneurship in areas where there is still no path means facing challenges that few know about. When the first project manages to overcome these barriers, it opens doors for many others.

In my opinion, this is one of those pieces of news that passes discreetly, but that in a few years we will be able to remember as one of the moments when Portugal truly began to transform the potential of its sea into a new industry. Because some licenses authorise projects. Others inaugurate the future.