On 25 June 2025, a scientific workshop was held at the premises of the FRI-CSIR, where researchers from FRI-CSIR, the Canary Islands Institute of Technology (ITC), and the University of La Laguna (ULL) —all of them project partners— shared experiences and knowledge in areas such as aquaculture, raw material processing, lipid metabolism, and the valorisation of local resources.
Following the opening remarks by the Director Prof. Charles Tortoe and Dr Charlotte Oduro Yeboah (FRI-CSIR), presentations were given by Dr Abenchara Betancor and Dr Marianna Venuleo (ITC); Dr Prof. Covadonga Rodríguez González and Dr Prof. José Antonio Pérez Pérez (ULL); and Dr Amy Atter and Mrs Winnifred Arthur (FRI-CSIR). The session concluded with a questions and answers session and closing remarks by Dr Hayford Ofori (FRI-CSIR).
After the scientific session, a technical visit was also organised, providing participants with first-hand insight into the FRI-CSIR facilities, including chemical-physical and microbiological analysis laboratories (the latter accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for 11 microbiological methods), as well as the fish processing unit. This visit highlighted the technological improvements introduced in drying ovens to reduce levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition, the centre has its own brand of products made from fish and other local raw materials.
A highly enriching experience that strengthens collaboration links between the European outermost regions of the Canary Islands, the Azores and Madeira, and Ghana, and opens up new opportunities for future joint work.
