Sociedad Atlántica de Oceanógrafos (SAO), the Spanish society for Marine Sciences, has recognised the MSC with the "Oceans Award" (Galardón Océanos). This award recognises work by individuals, companies, communities, associations or institutes in support of oceans and the life they maintain. It also merits individuals and organisations for the the promotion of marine sciences.
The MSC was recognised in the "Collective" Category at a ceremony in the Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. Acknowledgement was given to the MSC's environmental benefits to species and ecosystems, environmental awareness campaigns, and innovation and creativity.
Laura Rodriguez, MSC Manager for Spain and Portugal, said: "It is a great honour to receive this award in the name of the MSC. It encourages us to continue working to make our certification program maintain its scientific credibility and transparency and enables all parties to actively participate. We are particularly proud to receive this award in the Canaries, where we are working closely with the Deputy Ministry of Fisheries and Water, with the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the artisanal tuna fleet."
Other winners of the Oceans Award were Professor Carlos Bas i Peired and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).