The award, presented as part of the events program for the Arrain Azoka, scheduled from May 22 to 24, distinguishes individuals, companies, institutions, projects, or local groups that have contributed to enhancing the reputation of the seafaring town.
In a context where professionalization is key to ensuring the competitiveness and sustainability of fishing activity, the Nautical School has consolidated itself as a fundamental pillar in the training of generations of sea professionals.
The popular jury highlighted that, throughout its 50-year history, the Nautical School has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to adapt to sector changes, combining experience, innovation, and a vocation for public service. Furthermore, it has been a pioneer in the normalized incorporation of women into a historically male-dominated field, effectively and sustainably promoting equal opportunities.
Its diverse and specialized training offerings constitute a strategic asset for Bermeo, strengthening the local educational fabric and contributing to the rooting of sea-related knowledge. Its social dimension is also emphasized as an open, inclusive, and plural space that welcomes students from different backgrounds and life paths, often providing new opportunities for personal and professional development.
The connection between the Nautical School and the Arrain Azoka has also been constant, actively participating in its development and enriching its program with initiatives of informative and social value, such as the visit of the hospital ship Juan de la Cosa in previous editions. This recognition aims to highlight not only its trajectory but also its role in Bermeo's international projection as a benchmark in the fishing sector.
