Eurofish Magazine 1 2024

FEBRUARY 2024/1 February 1 / 2024 Eurofish Magazine

Albania

ENCOURAGING BUSINESS IS KEY TO Eurofish International Organisation

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

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TÜRKIYE has an ambitious fish restocking programme

A POND FISH FARM in Ukraine perseveres despite the odds

GUEST PAGES: Katarina Sipic, Secretary General, AIPCE-CEP

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In this issue

Using industry as a vector for rural development Marine and freshwater capture fisheries as well marine and freshwater aquaculture are all represented in Albania.

Companies produce for the domestic market and for export and are largely small and medium-sized enterprises. The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development considers the development of business as critical for rural development and would like to create conditions that foster a culture of entrepreneurship. Reducing red tape and enabling easier access to support are among the initiatives she foresees to give industry a boost. This in turn should lead to the creation of jobs—often in remote areas that do not have many employment opportunities—and the development of value-added items for the domestic market and for export. A further benefit would be to increase the supply of healthful, tasty, and nutritious products that have a low carbon footprint in comparison to other animal proteins.

There are challenges to be addressed, including the impacts of climate change in the Mediterranean, such as warming waters, increasing salinity and acidity, and invasive species as well as technical issues that hinder trade with the EU. Read more from page 20 While aquaculture is a global success story the sector faces challenges in the European Union (EU), where growth has stagnated despite substantial funding. The EU has invested nearly three billion euros in aquaculture since the early 2000s through various funding programmes, with increasing complexity in goals and priorities. The aim is for more sustainable, economical, and environmentally friendly aquaculture, aligning with global trends. However, a report from the Court of Auditors reveals that the EU’s ambitious goals have not been met. Total EU aquaculture production in 2020 was only 1.1 million tonnes, less than 1 of the global production of 123 million tonnes. The number of aquaculture companies is declining, and employment in the sector has decreased from 40,000 to 35,000 full-time equivalents. The Court of Auditors’ report highlights that the EU left significant funding unutilised, leading to a 13 reduction in the total allocation for aquaculture by the end of 2022. Sustainability goals also face challenges, as the report states that “no consistent indicators have been found to assess the environmental sustainability of the industry.

Over-regulation, bureaucratic hurdles, and strict environmental regulations hinder the growth of aquaculture in Europe. The report concludes that the EU’s aquaculture policy needs a strategic realignment, emphasising sustainability without neglecting the goal of increasing production. Read Dr Klinkhardt’s article from page 37

Banga/Kaspars Porins

The FAO’s Subcommittee on Fisheries recently addressed key issues focusing on international fish trade developments. Discussions emphasised better market access for artisanal fishermen, small businesses, and developing countries, along with increased social responsibility in supply chains. Global seafood and aquaculture production reached a record 182 million tonnes in 2021, rebounding from stagnation in 2019 and 2020. Man-made obstacles in global fish trade were highlighted, emphasising the need for transparent, harmonised, and robust trading systems. Between 2012 and 2021, total aquatic animal production increased by 20, with aquaculture contributing 49.9 to global seafood production in 2021. Global fish and seafood trade, valued at $177 billion in 2021, experienced an average annual growth of 6.5 from 1976 to 2021. High-income countries dominate the market in value terms, but lower and middle-income countries are increasing imports to meet growing domestic demand.

China, a major player, became a net importer of seafood products in 2022. The FAO Fish Price Index, tracking monthly price fluctuations, exhibited a continuous upward trend, with seafood prices increasing by 4 in the first four months of 2023. Challenges, including geopolitical conflicts, climate disasters, and logistical issues, persist in the seafood trade, impacting global supply chains. Read more from page 49 Fisheries and aquaculture face significant losses in various regions due to inadequate refrigeration, processing issues, and delayed transportation. This not only impacts income but also threatens food security. In areas with poor infrastructure and unstable power supply, producers turn to smoking as a cost-effective preservation method for perishable foods like fish. Smoking combines salt, heat, and smoke to remove excess moisture, extending shelf life. Traditional smoking involves placing fish over smouldering flames, leading to limited control over the process.

Modern smoking, however, employs advanced technology with electronic controls, precise regulation of smoke, and constant monitoring for consistent, healthier results. Innovations, such as biomass briquette smokers, show promise in replacing traditional fuel wood, enhancing appearance and taste, and reducing health risks. Despite these developments, challenges persist, including the high cost of modern smoking technologies, resistance to change, and health risks for those involved in traditional smoking. Efforts are underway to disseminate knowledge and techniques through training programmes and the internet to promote sustainable and improved smoking practices in the future. Read more from page 55 EUROFISH Magazine 1 / 2024

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Table of

NO

EE

News 6 International News

Events

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DK

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14 State of the Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries (2023) IRtrends shows encouraging Overfished stocks drop to lowest level ever

UK

DE

BE

18 AlgaEurope Conference, 12-15 December 2023, Prague LU Highlighting the many uses of algae

FR

20 Business creation should be the motor that drives village development Alleviating poverty in rural areas through fisheries

BY

PL

16 EMODnet open conference 2023 Charting the course for a digital and green future inNL marine data

Albania

RU

UA CZ SL AU

CH

SI

MD

HU

RO

HR

IT

RS

BA

23 Lagoons are particularly vulnerable to climate change Building a market for new species takes time

ME

25 ThePT Shkodër lake fisheries management organisation ES of its members Shaping the mindset

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FYROM AL

27 Recreational and sport fishing thrive in Albania A fishing club that focuses on the environment

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30 Bighead carp is popular among fishers on lake Ulza Restocking efforts bring benefits 33 Family-run trout farm relies on imports for critical inputs Production unaffected by global warming 35 Albania has a small but growing production of farmed mussels MA template proves a success DZ Greek

Aquaculture

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37 Europe’s aquaculture production is stagnating in spite of EU funding Lots of money, little impact

Türkiye 41 Regulations are compatible with scientific, environmental, and social considerations Fisheries management in Türkiye 42 The Turkish aquaculture sector has seen impressive growth in production and exports Future demand will be met from fish farming

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Contents

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43 Turkish fish breeding for restocking programme has evolved significantly over the years Fish restocking mitigates losses from biodiversity

KZ

Slovenia UZ

AZ

GE AM

IR TR IQ

(CC BY-SA 3.0) Map based on https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Location_European_nation_states.svg

by Hayden120 and NuclearVacuum

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45 Slovenian fish and shellfish breeding is environmentally sensitive High quality marine and freshwater products

SY CY

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49 High prices put a strain on global seafood trade Proportionately more fish for human consumption 53 A marketing strategy by the Latvian Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics Revitalising Latvia’s coastal fishing industry

Technology 55 Long shelf life vs colour and taste?

Innovation potential in smoking

Ukraine 58 Ukraine’s aquaculture business: Impacts of Russia’s war against Ukraine When an adventure becomes a life’s work and passion

Guest Pages: Katarina Sipic

IL EG

Trade and Markets

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62 AIPCE-CEP works to optimise condition for EU fish traders and processors EU fish and seafood import ratio creeps ever higher

SA

Worldwide Fish News

Service

Belgium

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7, 10

Denmark

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6, 8, 9

Estonia

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France

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Italy

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6, 12

Japan

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Türkiye

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United Kingdom page

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60 FISH Infonetwork News 65 Diary Dates 66 Imprint, List of Advertisers

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Denmark: Fisheries Agency gets a new director

While industry reaction is still being formed, Joensen’s appointment has been welcomed in government circles. Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, stated that he was very pleased that Kenneth Joensen had agreed to become the new director of the Fisheries Agency. “Fishing is one of the oldest professions

in Denmark, which is currently in a period of upheaval with fewer quotas and declining fish stocks in our waters. At the same time, the agency is working on recommendations for the future of Danish fisheries. So, there is plenty to be done, and Kenneth Joensen is the right person to continue and strengthen the important work that the agency must deliver every day.”

The Danish Fisheries Agency operates within the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries and has headquarters in both Copenhagen and Southern Jutland, and regional offices around the country. It operates three fisheries control vessels, implements the government’s fisheries policy, and is responsible for rule and policy preparation, case processing, and participation in international cooperation. The agency is

Skattestyrelsen

Kenneth Joensen takes office on 1 January 2024 as the new director of the Danish Fisheries Agency.

He replaces Nanna Møller, who becomes the new director of the Danish Transport Agency.

Joensen, age 50, has a degree in law and has held a series of senior positions in government, most recently as director for business taxation at the Danish Tax Agency, where he headed a department with about 950 employees. Before that he was legal director at Finans Danmark from 2015 to 2018.

Kenneth Joensen, new director of the Danish Fisheries Agency.

EU-accredited as a paying body for EU support schemes and thus has responsibility both for the areas of control and of subsidies.

A forerunner in devising simple

digital solutions for the sectors it manages, the agency is characterised by its professional support for sustainable commercial and recreational fishing.

Italy: This year’s government budget includes extra support for fishing and aquaculture The government of Giorgia Meloni prepared—and Parliament approved—the 2024 annual budget, which includes 100 million euros for an emergency fund for fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry. Willingness to expand the fund for fishermen and boat owners, at a time of tight government budgets, follows pressure on the government from an industry facing threats from blue crab invasions along much of Italy’s coast. A new share of the National Solidarity Fund extends compensation previously limited to natural disasters and exceptional events, to include the spread of invasive species.

Fishing is now included in compensatory interventions that

previously applied to agricultural and livestock farms. This extends the contribution relief to fishermen as long requested by the sector. A major change in the budget is a EUR30m provision for a daily allowance for workers linked to the period of fishing closures. The industry is working to stop the Mediterranean invasion of blue crab but without much success, said Senator Maria Nocco of Meloni’s political party Brothers of Italy, and the fishing sector needs added financial support to stave off bankruptcy.

The Senator said that in the past year fishermen have battled the blue crabs from north to south. The government’s expansion of support funds to include fishermen and farmers is a concrete response to

Italian legislation which originally applied to agricultural and livestock farms, now includes compensatory interventions for fishers and fulfills a longstanding request from the fishing sector.

the emergencies that these sectors have been experiencing in recent times. With the substantial equalisation of fishing and aquaculture

to agriculture the government will be able to ensure a structural guarantee for these realities, restoring equality and dignity.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Belgium: New year brings new control system for EU fisheries After five years of discussions, the European Parliament and the European Council have agreed on and formally approved a deal in which rules on monitoring and control of fishing activities, including discarding at sea, are revised and simplified to encourage Member States to better carry out their control responsibilities to comply with the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) more fully. EU fisheries suffer from many problems, including overfishing, at-sea discards, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU), and other unlawful actions in every sea under EU jurisdiction, as well as an “uneven playing field” between different seas, fisheries and fleets that result from unequal application of the responsibilities and obligations of different Member State authorities.

To harmonize the application of the CFP across the EU, the new

control rules announced by the Parliament and Council modernise the controls used to monitor fishing, incorporating modern technological developments. In addition to monitoring fleets, the revised rules improve traceability of vessels’ catches “from the net to the plate” and sanction violators along the supply chain. The revisions of the rules include full digitalisation, new technologies and modern data management. Control of fishing will be expanded by obliging geo-localisation of all vessels regardless of their size, and mandating catch records in recreational fisheries.

All fishermen will need the ability to record and report their catches electronically, such as by userfriendly apps on mobile devices to minimise burdens. Vessels over 18 m in length will be required to have on-board cameras to eliminate the practice of discarding

In 2020, the EU fleet comprised 73,716 vessels, employed 124,636 fishers, spent 5.3 million Days at Sea (DaS), consumed almost 1.9 billion litres of fuel, and landed 3.94 million tonnes of fish and seafood worth EUR5.76 billion.

unwanted catches at sea, which is illegal.

At first, traceability rules will apply to fresh or frozen fishery and aquaculture products, and later to processed products until they reach the consumer who will be better informed. Traceability rules also apply to imported products.

Importers will be required to use an IT tool called CATCH, which

enables a simpler and faster exchange of information between the different stages of international product supply. This will help eliminate IUU-sourced products and improve fishery management. While the EU regulation entered into force on 9 January 2024, the phase-in of some new rules will take up to five years to allow for adjustment, especially for smaller enterprises.

Türkiye: Fishery industry, managers, battle invasive pufferfish Another invasive marine species is threatening the eastern Mediterranean and Black seas, this one carrying weapons more toxic to humans than cyanide.

Lagocephalus sceleratus, or silvercheeked toadfish, is a member of the pufferfish family that is native to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. However, it made its way through the Suez Canal, most likely stowed away on merchant vessels, and in the last decade has established a new home in the waters off Türkiye, the Balkans, and nations in the eastern Mediterranean region.

The greatest threat this species poses is not the native fish species it eats, mostly shellfish— although that is a significant problem that will worsen if its

population grows. Rather, it is the risk this 40 cm fish poses to fishermen and anyone else who comes in contact with it. This species of pufferfish has iron-like jaws that can snap hooks, hands, or other means used to capture it, but more important is its extremely deadly poison, tetrodotoxin, which is also common in other pufferfish species around the world. This neurotoxin can injure or kill those who handle or consume the fish.

The Iskenderun district of Türkiye has stepped up its action to eradicate this species with a campaign to fund fishermen’s and aquaculturists’ efforts to find and catch them, with a support payment plan of TL 12.50 per specimen, up to the plan’s

current funding of TL 200,000.

The campaign in this pufferfish battle is part of its broader goal of safeguarding marine ecosystems

and fostering sustainable utilization of marine resources, said the Iskenderun District’s director of Agriculture and Forestry.

The pufferfish, characterized by its aggressive predatory behavior, powerful teeth, poses a significant threat to the balance of the Mediterranean ecosystem. Moreover, unlike some invasive alien species, such as the blue crab, the pufferfish can be fatally poisonous if consumed.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Denmark: Educational event focuses on managing active sludge and disease control in farming What to do about removing sludge and controlling fish diseases in an aquaculture facility was the topic of a recent day-long event, attended by about 30 fish farmers, politicians, company CEOs, and scientific researchers in Sønder Felding, Denmark. The theme of the meeting was water purification and disease control, a topic always on the minds of aquaculturists. The meeting was held at FREA, co-organized with KD Group, Aquamind, the University of Copenhagen, Aquapartners, and Eurofish.

After a welcome and registration, attendees were given some background information on equipment for water purification, informed about FREA’s own experience with technology for managing sludge, and were shown the results from Copenhagen University’s work

on the development of chips used for disease surveillance in aquaculture.

One challenge with sludge is water flow: with proper flow, sludge almost takes care of itself.

Therefore, much of the work to solve the problem is optimising water flow, which is straightforward (if not easy) with recirculation systems. Biofiltration with algae/plant lagoons is another efficient technology for water purification. But local communities or natural environments often cannot absorb sludge from a fish farm, so the water must be purified before release. Much of the discussion at the event revolved round purification technologies, which differ by type of farm (e.g., intensive or extensive) but all types can be improved by these technologies. Fish farms

The participants were invited to tour FREA’s rainbow trout production site, gaining first-hand insights into the challenges and solutions related to active sludge management and disease control.

can greatly reduce the amount of nitrogenous and phosphorous waste, reducing their environmental footprint.

The University’s work on chip technology focuses on important fish

pathogens in Danish aquaculture.

The chip is used to identify through DNA the level of the pathogens in the sludge, and by initiating water treatment diseases can be inhibited before they appear as clinical symptoms or mortality in the fish.

France: Government temporarily bans Bay of Biscay fishing to protect Atlantic porpoises Following a surge in deaths of porpoises in French waters off the Atlantic coast, the government has taken the advice of environmentalists and other marine mammal stakeholders to temporarily ban commercial fishing in the Bay of Biscay, a body of water centred on the port of Bordeaux and extending from the Breton port of Finistère in the north to the Atlantic border with Spain. The month-long ban will last from 22 January to 20 February, covering all French and foreign fishing vessels longer than 8 meters in overall length. This will directly affect some 450 French-flagged vessels and an uncertain number of foreign ones.

Environmental interests have long argued for a winter ban on fishing, at a time when porpoises are in the bay in higher numbers and get caught or tangled in fishing gear or fatally struck by boats.

Such incidents are accidental, as there is no significant market for porpoise meat, but they are avoidable, researchers say, by measures that temporarily lower harvesting activity. Reports indicate that as many as 9,000 porpoises die from vessel harvesting activity each year. The industry opposes the ban, arguing that the stock or population of porpoises is not low enough to be classified as endangered in any way, and that the industry could suffer a loss of 60 million euros

Porpoises reach lengths of 1.5 to 2 meters and weigh between 50 and 120 kilograms. They dwell in social groups referred to as shoals, which can range from just a few members to thousands.

from the ban. The French government has promised aid to the affected fishermen, in the form of “partial unemployment measures and specific aid, if necessary,”

which industry leaders denounce as insufficient. They blamed “extremist NGOs” for any “social problems” that might arise and threatened to ignore the ban.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Denmark: Fisheries Agency refines methods for selecting which boats need to be monitored

According to the Danish Fisheries Agency, changing conditions in recent years such as greater closures of allowed areas and tighter quotas on catches have led to increased industry circumvention of rules governing fishing activities. For example, some vessels have changed the ports where they

land their fish to ones where they perceive a smaller chance of being monitored. While the overall volume of fish landed in Denmark is expected to decline because of Brexit’s impact in the North Sea and tighter EU quotas in the Baltic and Kattegat, the problems with circumvention and misreporting are expected to rise. The problems are reportedly greatest in the northeast areas of Denmark.

Therefore, the Fisheries Agency has introduced a new method for choosing which vessels to carefully watch, or as the agency diplomatically explains, “vessels that have a challenge in complying with the EU Common Fishery Policy.” Vessels that are

thus “challenged”, as evidenced by past behavior, will be singled out for monitoring, including by estimating when and at which port, they are expected to

land, so that they are greeted by Fisheries Agency officers who promise to help the fishing vessel captain accurately report his/her activities.

Eurofish

Fishermen are the butt of many jokes about “the size of the fish that got away!” But when the honesty (or lack of it) with which fishermen report their catches becomes a fleetwide concern, fishery managers with only limited resources at their disposal must pick and choose which vessels they can trust and which need a watchful eye kept on them.

Danish fishing vessels in the harbour of Gilleleje.

2024 Defining a Resilient Future

28-29 June 2024 Megaron Athens International Conference Centre Athens, Greece Organized by

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Tel. +30 210 9219 948 EUROFISH Magazine 1 / 2024

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Belgium: AEIDL unveils ambitious strategy to reinvent Europe In Brussels, the European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL) marked a significant milestone in December, when it celebrated its 35th anniversary with a gathering of cooperation partners and individuals who have played pivotal roles in the organisation’s journey. As AEIDL reflected on its remarkable past, it also laid out a bold vision for the future, unveiling a strategic plan aimed at reinventing Europe through innovative initiatives. The event brought together witnesses from various stages of AEIDL’s development, sharing compelling stories about the organization’s transformative impact on Europe. From pioneering animation information and networking services for local employment to introducing

the LEADER approach, and ultimately committing to the Rural Pact and providing essential services through EU-funded projects and the FAMENET network (Fisheries and Aquaculture Monitoring, Evaluation, and Local Support Network), AEIDL has been at the forefront of driving positive change.

Looking forward, AEIDL is poised to build on its rich legacy with a strategic roadmap designed to address the evolving challenges faced by Europe. The organisation’s strategic goals focus on scaling up innovative solutions, delivering robust policy analyses and evaluations, and advocating for evidence-based policies.

These pillars will serve as the foundation for AEIDL’s commitment

to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for the continent. One of the standout initiatives within AEIDL’s strategic plan is the European Local Innovation Forum (ELIF). ELIF is envisioned as a collaborative space, bringing together experts and organisations operating in both urban and rural settings at the local level. This platform aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas, allow stakeholders to learn from shared experiences, and draw valuable lessons to boost innovation in local communities across Europe.

ELIF is particularly significant as it opens up a dialogue accessible to a wider audience, including the general public and industry players. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, AEIDL

intends to create a dynamic ecosystem where innovative solutions can thrive, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of reinventing Europe through localised initiatives. For those interested in learning more about AEIDL’s strategic plans and the European Local Innovation Forum, detailed information is available on the organization’s official website: https://www. aeidl.eu/. As AEIDL embarks on the next chapter of its journey, the organisation remains committed to innovation, local development, and the pursuit of a more vibrant and resilient Europe. The celebration of 35 years is not just a reflection on the past but a testament to AEIDL’s unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for the continent.

Netherlands: Survey reveals general industry optimism for 2024, caution about global economy market conditions worldwide.

Production in Asia is likely to end its 2023 decline—the first drop in a decade—as suppliers in India and Vietnam turn their US- and Europe-bound exports around.

Among farmed finfish, salmon is the leading species group by value.

Industry participants and observers expect the end of a two-year global production lull, and assuming there are no disease outbreaks or other supply-side disasters, output is expected to recover slightly. Norway, the global leader, is expecting moderate growth in output in both 2024 and 2025, while production in second-place Chile seems less certain with continuing biological threats as well as potential impacts from El Niño. World production of tilapia is likely to continue its moderate growth in recent years. The largest

Topntp26 on Freepik

The latest aquaculture industry survey by Amsterdam-based Rabobank, this time in conjunction with the Global Seafood Alliance, reveals an optimistic outlook for 2024 in many major industry sectors, including shellfish and finfish. However, there are some worries about the state of the global economy which could dampen industry plans for big expansion in production and trade. In particular, industry players in the largest shellfish sector—shrimp—expect a global production turnaround from recent lows, led by Ecuador. This turnaround depends in large part on price strength with continued demand in China, which is not 100 certain. Ecuadorean supply growth also depends on any impacts of El Niño in 2024, currently unknown, adding some more uncertainty to future shrimp

Survey participants anticipate a recovery in global shrimp production, although it is projected to remain below the 10-year historical average. Additionally, there is uncertainty among respondents regarding the extent of the recovery in global demand.

producers, China and Indonesia, have the potential to shift their species focus from tilapia, so production depends on trends in relative finfish prices.

All these forecasts depend on global “macro-events” such as recessions and recoveries and the factors that cause them, such as

wars, energy shocks, and so on.

These events can affect fish production, consumption, transport, etc., but are completely out of the control of the industry and market. Nevertheless, there is ample optimism indicated by industry respondents to Rabobank’s survey for this year’s global aquaculture outlook.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Japan: Advances being made in full-cycle onshore farming of oyster and eel Industry and researchers in Japan have recently made promising breakthroughs in full-cycle, landbased farming of oyster and eel, both species notoriously difficult to raise from larvae to market size. The Tokyo-based producer General Oyster had been faced with declining productivity in raising oysters in inshore operations due to warming waters and shrinking availability of healthy (non-poisonous) plankton to feed oysters, both problems caused in part by climate change. So, the company invested in a worldfirst on-land oyster farm, which is supplied with offshore water (from depths of 200+ meters) that is free of viruses and bacteria. In addition, algae for oyster food is now produced separately, using mass cultivation technology. The operation is still at an experimental stage but shows promise because onshore farms allow greater control over the factors influencing oyster growth and product quality.

The latest news for eel full-cycle farming is even more exciting. Eels are famously hard to farm fullcycle, as European aquaculturists know all too well. From birth to death eels do not simply grow, they undergo a multi-stage metamorphosis from larvae to adult, and then undertake a long migration to spawn, experiencing conditions which are difficult to artificially reproduce on a farm. Enter Japan, where eels traditionally have been farmed (more accurately “ranched” after capture as young eels) in the usual way from slender glass eels to nice fat adults ready for market. Japanese eels, like European eels, are on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Natural Resources) Red List of threatened species, and their scarcity is turning kabayaki, or grilled eel, from a traditional dish to an expensive luxury. But a different way to farm eels is emerging thanks to research by specialists at Kindai University’s Aquaculture Research Institute (which has

Kabayaki, especially when made with freshwater eel (unagi), is considered a seasonal delicacy in Japan. There are cultural beliefs that consuming eel can help people endure the summer heat, and the fish is often linked to superstitions related to health and well-being.

already developed techniques for full-cycle farming of tuna).

In the summer of 2023, the university’s researchers announced that they managed to successfully raise eels from larvae all the way to adults in an onshore site.

The commercialisation of this technological advance will not

be immediate, however. Early in their lives farmed eels need large volumes of expensive fish meal treated with enzymes. Costs for labour and complicated temperature and quality control systems are also high, making entry into this new segment of the industry risky for now. But many had said tuna would never be farmed, too.

UK: Researchers say warmer water will slowly force bluefin tuna from Mediterranean The Mediterranean Sea spawns much of the Atlantic Ocean’s population of bluefin tuna, which like many species return in maturity to the waters in which they were born to spawn again. After a long period of stock decline, a combination of improved fishery management and reduced IUU fishing in the current century has allowed the gradual recovery of this overfished species, lending optimism to all those interested in this valuable resource.

However, a recent scientific study finds that the effects of worst-case

climate change on temperatures of Mediterranean waters will probably harm juvenile bluefin growth and drive Atlantic population distributions and spawning grounds northward. The study, “Thermal sensitivity of field metabolic rate predicts differential futures for bluefin tuna juveniles across the Atlantic Ocean” published in the journal Nature communications, reports the results of a new scientific technique for analysing metabolic rates for bluefin in their first year of life, to find their preferred water temperature versus actual temperatures in the Mediterranean.

Though all tuna family members are warm-blooded, bluefin tuna has a superior ability to thermoregulate compared to other tunas. This allows bluefin tuna to swim at high speeds for extended periods and cover large distances in search of prey.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] The findings are not favorable for bluefin starting life in those waters. The “cut-off” temperature of 28ºC—above which juvenile bluefin metabolism is damaged—will be reached in the Mediterranean Sea within a few decades at current trends (global policies to address climate change could reduce this negative impact). At and above that temperature, young bluefin experience reduced growth, and

increased mortality, with consequent reductions in overall bluefin stock size.

While some individuals will adjust by spawning in northerly waters, most will return to the Mediterranean to spawn with diminishing success, shrinking the long-term fishery stock size.

If populations move elsewhere, they may mix with other species such as sardines or herring,

complicating the management of mixed fisheries.

The research project leader Clive Trueman, Professor of Geochemical Ecology at the University of Southampton, says that drawing on compilations of global climate model projections, the results show that most of the Mediterranean Sea will exceed that 28-degree threshold within 50 years under current predictions

of climate change, making it too warm for juvenile bluefin.

We would, therefore, expect the tuna to move their nursery areas, potentially into the Bay of Biscay or other cooler regions—which would place juvenile tuna within other existing fisheries.

The scientific article, with an easy-to-read summary, is available at https://www.nature.com/ articles/s41467-023-41930-2 .

Italy: New report provides comprehensive information base for eel recovery The numerous lagoons and estuaries that surround the Mediterranean Sea form an important resource in the lifecycle of the European eel. A new report gathers all available information about the Mediterranean life of eels and should prove very useful to fishermen and other stakeholders fighting for recovery of this critically endangered species. The report, “European Eel in the Mediterranean Sea: Outcomes of the GFCM Research Programme,” was produced by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean and the Food and Agriculture Organization, with funding from the EU. It contains information collected over two years about eel biology and habitat, its exploitation in the Mediterranean, the many and sometimes conflicting management measures used by different authorities, and insights into the bioeconomic status of European eel. Information was gathered from Albania, Algeria, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, and Türkiye.

A key phase in eel life is their migration from saltwater to fresh or brackish water along the coasts of the Mediterranean, North, and Baltic Seas. But these inland waters are dwindling in quantity and quality, threatening the

Despite export restrictions and a zero-export quota by the EU in 2011, an estimated 20 to 40 percent of the total glass eel trade was attributed to unlicensed fishers and poachers. The trade in glass eels further escalated to 100 tonnes during the 2017–2018 fishing season, indicating persistent challenges despite regulatory efforts (Europol, 2021).

future stock of mature eels that are crucial for fisheries and for future reproduction. Climate change impacts on water temperatures and more immediate human-driven causes such as pollution and overfishing are creating red flags for all stakeholders in eel fisheries—industry, consumers, and managers.

The challenges uncovered in the report’s analysis range from repairing or offsetting the impacts of climate change, to eliminating

IUU fishing, to restoring habitat loss in rivers and estuaries. The last is a local problem with local solutions, and the others require international cooperation.

Another challenge that emerges from the report is how possibly to coordinate the many different countries encircling the Mediterranean. All want to save the eel but few have the means or willingness to join forces with everyone else in a single management entity. Some

countries have limited data collection capability (some did not join in this GFCM/FAO effort at all) or they have data in a form that cannot be combined groupwide. But coordinated, common efforts by all involved are necessary to tackle the problems of a single, shared, geographically expansive fishery facing risks.

The GFCM/FAO report can be read at https://www.fao.org/3/ cc7252en/cc7252en.pdf.

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[ EVENTS ] State of the Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries (2023) shows encouraging trends

Overfished stocks drop to lowest level ever Fish and seafood production from the Mediterranean and Black Sea amounted to about 2m tonnes in 2021 of which output from capture fisheries was 55%. Catch volumes exceeded those of farmed products, but in value terms this relationship was reversed with revenue from aquaculture amounting to USD5bn (EUR4.6bn) against USD3bn from fisheries.

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ogether the two activities employed over 600,000 people along the value chain. Production trends are falling for capture fisheries and increasing impressively for cultured species. Since the 80s wild catches have dropped significantly while fluctuating widely from year to year. Farmed seafood production, on the other hand, has almost doubled in the last decade.

Management plans, fisheries restricted areas contribute to overfishing reduction These are just some of the highlights of the latest edition of the State of the Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries (2023), the flagship publication of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. Launched

by Miguel Bernal, GFCM Executive Secretary, at a webinar in December 2023, the report celebrated the fact that overfishing in the Mediterranean and Black Sea had dropped to its lowest level in a decade with the percentage of overfished stocks falling to below 60 for the first time following a trend that began a decade ago.

This positive development can be attributed at least in part to expanding management plans and technical and spatial measures for key commercial species.

Common sole in the Adriatic Sea, for example, and turbot in the Black Sea have seen a 77 and a 73 reduction in fishing pressure since 2011 and 2013, respectively.

Another factor contributing to the reduction in fishing pressure is the delineation of ten fisheries restricted areas covering 1.75m square kilometres in the Mediterranean and Black Sea. However, Mr Bernal cautioned, on average fishing pressure in this region is still twice what is considered sustainable, and more than half of the assessed stocks are still considered over exploited.

The report consolidates work done by more than 600 experts across the region collaborating

with GFCM working groups. This cooperation between scientists has resulted in several important documents and papers, said Mohamed Malouli Idrissi, Director, Tangier Regional Center from the National Institute of Fisheries Research, Morocco. As newly appointed chair of the GFCM’s Scientific Advisory Committee on Fisheries, he encouraged scientists to devise stricter measures to bring about further reductions in the proportion of overfished stocks. Bringing this ratio down to 58 is progress, he acknowledged, but the figure is still very high. He pointed to factors such as climate change and invasive species that influenced the stock situation and urged scientists in

the working groups on stock evaluation of different species to propose new management measures and solutions that also consider the evolution of different types of fishing methods and technologies over the last 20 years.

Technology could mitigate aquaculture’s impact on climate Aquaculture production from marine and brackish water in the Mediterranean and Black Sea amounts to about 30 of total farmed seafood production (the balance coming from freshwater) or 870,000 tonnes. Mariculture generates some 100,000 jobs, but opposition to this activity is on the

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[ EVENTS ]

increase. Farmed fish and seafood offer a consistency and reliability that capture fisheries cannot match, said Ismini Boudanou, the Director of Communications and Public Relations of the Hellenic Aquaculture Producer Organisation of Greece. In addition, production from aquaculture is perceived as environmentally friendly with a low carbon footprint and a source of sustainable protein. Growth in the sector translates into more jobs and higher earnings for all involved.

At the same time improvements in technology can reduce environmental impacts, boost yields, and improve product quality.

Ms Boudanou warned that climate change presented the greatest threat to the sustainable growth of the sector in the region. She noted the importance of striking a balance between industry expansion and the need for increased fish production with environmental

sustainability. The increasing sophistication of technology calls for training and educational opportunities for all workers to equip them with the skills that the sector needs, she said.

Diversity characterises the sector The Mediterranean and Black Sea area stands out for the diversity of its fisheries and aquaculture sectors. In 2022, fishing vessels numbered over 84,000 with a total capacity of 867,000 gross tonnes representing a small decrease in number and a slight increase in tonnage compared to the year before. The fleet is further grouped into small-scale vessels, trawlers and beam trawlers, purse seiners and pelagic trawlers, and other fleet segments. The small-scale sector dominates in terms of vessel numbers accounting for over four fifths of the fleet,

over half the total on-board employment, and a quarter of the revenue. The main commercial species include the pelagics, sardines, anchovies, sprats, and sardinella, the demersal deepwater rose shrimp, common cuttlefish, rapa whelk, red mullet, surmullet, European hake, and whiting. Aquaculture technologies include marine cages, ponds, bottom culture, suspended culture, among others, that are used to cultivate a variety of species though seabass, seabream, and Mediterranean mussels dominate. Both fisheries and aquaculture are affected by the ageing of the workforce as young people put off by the often demanding work, irregular hours, remote workplaces, red tape, and uncertain or inadequate income seek employment in other sectors.

According to Ibtissem Gobbaa, President, Al Baraka Agricultural and Fishing Development Group,

Tunisia, some of the challenges for the small-scale fleet have to do with competition from industrial vessels, the use of unsustainable fishing techniques and marine pollution all of which limit the profitability of small vessels. Young fishers, she says, encounter increasing production costs, and a lack of support which may force them to take on additional jobs to supplement their income. If administrative procedures were simplified, earnings could be better matched with social security so that fishers do not experience violent fluctuations in income, she suggested.

The webinar concluded with questions from some of the 400 attendees that were addressed by the executive secretary and the other panel members. The complete report is available for download at https://www.fao.org/documents/ card/en/c/cc8888en.

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[ EVENTS ] EMODnet open conference 2023

Charting the course for a digital and green future in marine data In November 2023 the EMODnet open conference and jamboree were held in Brussels, Belgium. The event marked a significant milestone for the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet).

O

data to international standards, and provide freely accessible marine data across seven themes.

Providing universal access to standardised marine data The collect once and use many times approach benefits various

users, including policymakers, scientists, industry, and the public. Standardised data on EMODnet’s themes—bathymetry, biology, chemistry, geology, human activities, physics, and seabed habitat—are accessible through discipline-specific gateways. The initiative aims to stimulate innovation, growth,

and cost savings in marine data management.

The EMODnet partner jamboree 2023 held on 28 and 29 November preceded the EMODnet open conference and served as a platform for extensive in-depth discussions, partner meetings, and the development of new Serena Vittorini

ver 340 partners, associated partners, and stakeholders attended the event providing a comprehensive overview of EMODnet’s role in shaping the European marine data ecosystem for a digital and green future.

EMODnet is a collaborative effort among EU-supported organisations to observe the sea, process

The EMODnet open conference 2023 was testimony to the network’s growth, achievements, and its crucial role in advancing marine data initiatives.

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[ EVENTS ] collaborations among EMODnet partners and associated partners.

This exclusive pre-conference event involved consortia meetings, cross-thematic dialogues, and partner presentations. Key topics included EMODnet’s vision for 2035, communication strategies, cross-thematic data products, citizen science integration, coastal initiatives, the blue economy, and a dedicated session on the EMODnet central portal. The jamboree also featured a presentation on the EU Digital Twin Ocean. During the event Kestutis Sadauskas, Deputy Director-General of EC DG Mare and Kate Larkin, Head of the EMODnet Secretariat, acknowledged the collective efforts of the EMODnet community.

A network with connections to all things marine The EMODnet open conference 2023, featured over 75 speakers and emphasised EMODnet’s role in the European marine data ecosystem and its focus on a digital and green future. The conference addressed the evolution of EMODnet into the operational European Commission in situ marine data service. Charlina Vitcheva, Director-General of DG MARE, highlighted EMODnet’s growth and its integral role in supporting sustainable marine policies. The conference covered topics such as the EMODnet unified service, joint communication with the Copernicus Marine Service, and EMODnet’s contribution to

the European Digital Twin Ocean.

Community townhalls explored EMODnet’s role in EU policy, best practices, blue economy, and contributions to Mission Ocean and wider society. A call to action was launched by Kate Larkin, urging engagement from the marine knowledge community to shape EMODnet’s evolution. The event also showcased the EMODnet virtual exhibition, including community posters and perspectives.

Sessions delved into EMODnet’s position in the marine knowledge value chain, its impact on society, and its role in the global ocean data ecosystem. The conference highlighted global partnerships, including a collaboration with the National Marine Data and Information Service (NMDIS), China.

Event outlines the network’s direction in the future The closing session featured a panel reflecting on EMODnet’s achievements and its future evolution. As EMODnet looks towards 2035, the call to action echoes a collective commitment to a sustainable and impactful future for the European marine data ecosystem. The conference served as a collaborative platform, fostering connections and knowledge exchange, and ensuring EMODnet continues to steer towards a digital and green maritime future.

Francesca Barazzetta, Eurofish francesca@eurofish.dk

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[ EVENTS ] AlgaEurope Conference, 12-15 December 2023, Prague

Highlighting the many uses of algae Jointly organised by EABA (European Algae Biomass Association) and DLG Benelux, AlgaEurope 2023, the annual conference highlighting breakthroughs and trends in the algae biomass sector, gathered 407 delegates from 40 countries and 221 organisations.

H

AlgaEurope

osted in Prague, Czech Republic from 12-15 December, the event unfolded over four days featuring a curated program delivered by 112 expert speakers. The content spanned scientific, technological, and business dimensions within the global algae biomass sector.

The reference event for the algae sector Exploring an array of subjects, AlgaEurope is one of the most comprehensive conferences in its field. More than 20 plenary sessions covered physiology, biorefining, food, feed, biostimulants, bioremediation, and biomaterials among others. The conference featured distinguished keynote speakers, including Sónia Ventura (Portugal), Susana Coelho (Germany), Angela Wulf (Sweden), and Robert Henrikson (USA), offering profound insights and expertise. One of the highlights of the conference was the poster presentation area, providing researchers with a platform to present their work. Some 136 scientific authors presented their work. The introduction of a poster presentation award this year recognized outstanding contributions.

Not just a conference Beyond the informative sessions, attendees engaged in various networking components, such as the Algae Happy Hour and the conference dinner. A notable addition this year was the AlgaEurope app,

Susana Coelho from Max Planck Institute for Biology, Tübingen unveiled the private life of seaweeds in her presentation.

providing enhanced connectivity.

Moreover, the trade show aspect of the conference drew substantial interest, with a record-setting 25 companies that showcased their products and services, further highlighting the industry’s growth and innovation.

Expressing his satisfaction with the event, Kuno Jacobs, Managing Director, DLG Benelux, described AlgaEurope as the leading event in Europe and beyond for the algae community, drawing together 407 delegates from 40 countries, supported by 13 sponsors, and featuring the participation of two dozen trade show exhibitors. AlgaEurope becomes more and more a

platform where science, technology and industry meet, he said, and it is our ambition to further develop and strengthen the position of AlgaEurope in the coming years. The organisers would like to thank all sponsors for their contributions and support.

Sponsors of this year included

A4F, Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, Microphyt, SCHOTT, Q.ANT, Brightwave, Lgem, Photon Systems Instruments, Algaia, Algama, Carniolus and Protinext.

The next AlgaEurope conference will be held in Athens, 10–12 December 2024.

Organisers: DLG Benelux B.V. Amalialaan 43 3740 AG Baarn The Netherlands Tel.: +31 85 401 73 97 info@dlg-benelux.com www.algaeurope.org

EABA Viale Belfiore 10 50144 Florence Italy Tel.: +39 055 3241132 info@eaba-association.org www.eaba-association.org

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ALBANIA

Business creation should be the motor that drives village development

Alleviating poverty in rural areas through fisheries Anila Denaj, Albanian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, has a long history of supporting small and medium enterprises.

Her ministry includes the fisheries and aquaculture portfolio, where SMEs are a significant source of livelihoods. Her interest and experience in facilitating and developing entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector and her understanding of the challenges faced by small and medium businesses will therefore stand her in good stead when designing policies to govern the sector. In this interview she emphasises the importance of a new approach that focuses on the creation of economic activity to spur rural development.

Before your current appointment as minister for agriculture and rural development you were the minister of finance and economy, and you have extensive experience in international finance including stints in other parts of the world. Where do you see this background offering the greatest benefit to the fisheries and aquaculture portfolio that you now hold?

Firstly, thank you for this opportunity to provide information about Albania’s business and policy-making structures in the area of agriculture in general and in fisheries, in particular.

My professional life started and developed with the international consulting company IPC GmbH and then ProCredit Holding, based in Frankfurt. PCH Group developed and implemented best practices for financing small and medium businesses in 21 countries.

In Albania, I started at Procredit Bank and then moved to PCH Group banks in Latin America, Africa (Mozambique), and Central Europe (Romania), among other countries. After more than 18 years in this field, I firmly believe that a development concept that focuses on strengthening SMEs can also be applied to the field of agricultural

development. But the most direct connection with the sector, where today I serve as a policy maker, is the Albanian Government project and the AZHBR (Agricultural and Rural Development Agency) with its guarantee fund for the agricultural sector in Albania. As part of GFA Consulting Group, a Hamburg-based consulting company, I gained the confidence to promote entrepreneurship and access to finance from this guarantee fund. Since my time as Minister of Finance, and currently, as Minister of Agriculture, supporting access to finance for entrepreneurs has been a continuous effort. We encourage banks to lend to vital sectors, where our international partners, in addition to know-how, support them with financing to mitigate risks.

Support funds for the rural sector from institutions such as the KfW Development Bank and the EBRD, together with the guarantee fund of the Albanian government, foster entrepreneurship in the field of agriculture development in Albania. These funds, together with support from the European Union, will contribute to achieving the ambitious objectives that Albania has for this sector.

So, I have many years’ experience of using entrepreneurship

Anila Denaj, Minister (right), Roland Kristo, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Albania

and measures based on analyses of the sector’s needs to further agricultural development. Today I can use this rich background to influence policymaking and create a new approach to agriculture and rural development in the country. One which relies on investments, the dynamism of the sector, and on the participation of farmers to enable a more prominent presence on national and international markets. This will ensure the current and future economic and social sustainability of

agriculture, livestock, agro-processing, fishing, and aquaculture.

Although in its first steps, the work of strengthening the aquaculture sector in Albania promises to be very fruitful. The Albanian government has approved the necessary legal framework to help the sustainable development of this sector. We remain aware of the need to implement the rules and directives of the European Union, not only as part of our accession negotiations with the EU, but also to develop an environmentally

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A fish processing plant is sometimes the only source of employment in a small coastal community. Here, an Albanian factory where anchovies are processed for export.

sustainable sector offering highvalue products for Albanian and international consumers now and in the future.

Fisheries and aquaculture are a small though important part of your responsibilities as minister for agriculture. Briefly, what are your immediate priorities for this sector? What do you see as the biggest challenge facing Albanian fisheries and aquaculture respectively?

Fishing and aquaculture remain important sectors in the Albanian economy and in our work in the Ministry of Agriculture. The strategy drawn up for the years 20212027, on which our work is based, gives equal importance to agriculture, rural development, and the fishing & aquaculture sectors.

The fishing, fish processing, and aquaculture industries play an important role in employment, especially for women, give added value, and diversify fishing products for the domestic market as well as for export. The potential of this sector starts with the abundant Albanian waters, from marine water and coastal lagoons to freshwater natural lakes, artificial lakes (for hydropower purposes), and agricultural reservoirs. These

are used for extensive and semiintensive aquaculture activity and contribute to the reduction of poverty in rural areas. The development of this sector is strategic not only for its contribution to GDP but for increasing the economic and social stability of local and rural communities.

Fish consumption in Albania is below the average in the Balkan area and in 2019 fell to its lowest level in four years. What efforts are being made to increase fish and seafood consumption given the health and environmental benefits?

Annual consumption of fish and fish products per capita is still low in Albania (8.6 kg) in 2017 compared to the whole of Europe (21.5 kg) in 2017 (FAO, 2020). Despite steady growth, average fish consumption per capita in 2023 is estimated at around 11 kg, well below consumption per capita in the EU which stands at 27 kg. In 2016 Albania approved the law on aquaculture as a separate law from that on fishing to promote the development of the sector.

The law on aquaculture refers to allocated zones for aquaculture (AZAs) as a way of creating favourable economic conditions

for farmers. In 2023 the legal act designating areas dedicated to aquaculture in coastal marine areas was approved by the council of ministers. This decision came after a long process of coordination and consultation with all the responsible ministries that have interests in marine waters, like territorial planning, transport, water resources, environmental protection, tourism, economy, and cultural heritage, and with local government bodies as well. This development will soon be perceived in the Albanian market as the volume of fish produced increases, encouraging an increase in the consumption of fish per capita in Albania. Moreover, as all the important stocks of wild marine fish are overexploited, the development of aquaculture should reduce fishing pressure on marine resources.

Albania has long wished to export its farmed bivalves to the EU but has been hindered by technical requirements. What is the status of mussel farming in Albania and what measures are being implemented to enable exports to the EU? Yes, since 1994 Albanian exports of live bivalve molluscs have been prohibited. These products, which are of high quality, cannot reach overseas markets due to some technical deficiencies. We have drawn up a monitoring plan to overcome technical, organisational, and hygienic difficulties and to offer a product of excellent quality that meets all the food safety parameters required by the EU. The efforts made so far in specific segments to improve these indicators will be integrated into a holistic monitoring plan for all production stages.

What impacts of climate change are visible in the Albanian

fisheries and aquaculture sector? How does the ministry assist the industry to implement mitigation and adaptation measures? In the long term do you see output from the fisheries and aquaculture sector increasing given the changes in climate?

Mediterranean countries are among those that are suffering the most from climate change. With its rich fish resources Albania is expected to be the most affected country of the Western Balkans in the next 30 years, both in terms of the level of availability of these resources and the air and water temperatures. Today we note with concern the reduction of fish resources, as well as the presence of alien species, such as the blue crab, which has a significant impact on the native coastal fish populations, and the migration of common species that frequent these waters to deeper waters to avoid the high temperatures of the coast.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, as the institution responsible for the administration and management of the fishing and aquaculture sector, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment, will include those sectors in the National Adaptation Plan for Climate Change, provide funding and incentives as well as nonfinancial guidelines, to implement adaptation and mitigation measures that support the adaptation of the fisheries and aquaculture sector to climate change.

We believe that the measures that need to be taken cannot be from one country alone, but they must be the fruit of a common regional strategy, but also beyond. In the framework of the conservation of natural resources, it is worth mentioning that Albania, being a contracting party of the GFCM,

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has implemented recommendations regarding: — Measures to limit fishing effort in small pelagic stocks.

— Approval of the multi-year management plan for the conservation and sustainable use of the European eel.

— Approval of the multi-year management plan for sustainable bottom fishing in the Adriatic.

Moreover, we are actively cooperating with regional and international structures, such as GFCM, ICCAT (on bluefin tuna), and Eurofish International Organisation, for a coordinated and efficient response to minimise the damage caused by climate change.

In many countries the fishing industry suffers both from an ageing workforce and from a lack of interest among young people who regard the work as physically demanding with a lot of monitoring and control. Does the Albanian industry face the same issue? And how can the sector be made more attractive for young people?

As in EU member countries, the critical element in Albania is the lack of manpower in the fishing, aquaculture, and processing sectors. And the lack of professionalism is considered directly related to the lack of manpower. Improving production quality management requires the employment of specialised profiles. In addition, specific competencies are also considered necessary to allow various stakeholders to benefit from potential grant and funding opportunities. All these competencies are not easily available in the local market. The Albanian government has included the study programme that prepares specialists for the fishing and aquaculture sector in the priority

programmes in which students are supported with scholarships that correspond to the minimum salary in the country. In addition, the employment of young specialists and excellent students who finish these study programmes is a priority of our ministry.

Today sophisticated technology is available for the fisheries and aquaculture sector which has traditionally managed with simple technical solutions. The benefits of this development are vast both for operators, for managers, and often for the environment. How does the ministry promote the use of technology in this industry?

Fishery and aquaculture producers must transform their production models more quickly and effectively using solutions based on advanced technology, and digitalization to enable satisfactory results.

The transition to sustainable fish and seafood production must be accelerated; economic data show that where fisheries and aquaculture production has become sustainable, incomes have also increased. It is therefore essential to outline a renewed governance structure in the 2024-2030 programming period, which aims to: — simplify the dialogue and coordination procedures between the central and local levels and determine the best methods of cooperation between the institutional level and operators in the national fishing and aquaculture sector; — restart the processes of growth and competitiveness of the national fishing and aquaculture sector through proper planning of intervention in management activities by making a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the results; — revive and protect fish stocks; regulate fishing activities

to safeguard the biological renewal of the natural fish stock; introduce innovative methodologies and technologies to support the sustainability of fishing activities; and encourage and promote associations of producers in the sector.

aquaculture sector and researchers in academia to discuss and solve challenges can be mutually beneficial.

Does the ministry foster such interactions in any way? Is there a programme or strategy that encourages this kind of cooperation?

The Russian aggression in Ukraine has pushed up the costs of energy contributing to an increase in inflation. Prices of transport, feeds, and cereals and, of course, fuel have all risen. What has been the impact on the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Albania? Does the ministry offer support to affected companies and individuals?

There is a great need in Albania to create mechanisms to promote cooperation between academic institutions and industry.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development pays particular attention to including research and development institutions in the improvement of resource management and therefore the sustainability of fishing and aquaculture.

External factors, such as changing policy contexts, market demands, or rising fuel prices, are challenging fishery operators and aquaculture producers to adopt new fishing/ production methods. Changes in fishing gear can reduce fuel consumption and/or improve fish selectivity, for example by reducing unwanted catches. Small-scale business operators tend to focus on their core activities, the demands of work can often prevent them from connecting with the rest of the supply chain, or with other sectors. Whether it is a fisherman, or aquaculture farm, a fishmonger, or a small-scale processing company, the general tendency is to stick to what you know and do the best.

The government supported the energy sector with budgetary funds preventing cost increases and ensuring single-digit inflation. The IPA 2016 programme of the European Union for Albania, through the “Support for the Fishing Sector” project, managed to support the fishing sector in Albania, with a total budget of €1,500,000.

About 100 applicants applied and received support for engines, refrigerators, electronic equipment, and selective fishing gears on Albanian fishing vessels. After the increase in fuel prices, the Albanian government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and through the programme for agriculture and rural development for the year 2022, implemented a measure that reimbursed fishing vessel fuel costs at the level of 40 lek (0.39 euro)/litre for a total value of 200 million lek. This benefited all the active vessels of the commercial professional fishing fleet. The fleer was also exempted from paying turnover tax, excise duty and carbon tax.

Collaboration between companies in the fisheries and

However, stepping outside the comfort zone of everyday business and using effective scientific research can lead to innovation and new sources of income. Once a new idea is born, research may be necessary to develop this idea into a sustainable business where collaboration with research and development institutions can usually help. Opportunities can arise at every stage of the value chain, starting with the artisanal

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fishing sub-sector, where changing working methods may require new skills, new equipment, or even new vessels, and sometimes significant investment. During

the following years, Albania will improve the interaction of Albanian scientists with the European Advisory Commission for Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture

(EIFAAC) of the FAO. Albania is a member of this organisation and through this membership will encourage researchers from other countries to teach Albanian

students or to host promising students at their institutions to acquire the skills necessary to modernise the Albanian fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Lagoons are particularly vulnerable to climate change

Building a market for new species takes time Lagoons along the coast are shallow areas with brackish water that are separated from the neighbouring sea by natural barriers.

They are also connected to the sea through a channel that allows the passage of water and of migratory species of fish. In Albania, the two lagoons, Narta and Orikum, are in the Vlora district, and are two of the eight main lagoons in the country.

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oth the lagoons drain into the Adriatic. Altogether, there are almost 400 sq. km of coastal wetlands or lagoons in Albania. The Orikum lagoon is 130 ha in size and has a maximum depth of 3 m with salinity varying from 26 to 32 ppt. In contrast, salinity in the Adriatic is 36 to 39 ppt.

The lower salinity of water in the lagoon can be attributed to the inflow of freshwater from rivers. The

Narta lagoon, on the other hand, is one of the largest in Albania with an area of 2,670 ha. With a maximum depth of 0.9 m, it is much shallower than the Orikum lagoon. This, combined with a low exchange of water with the Adriatic, and a high rate of evaporation results in a decline of up to 30 of the water surface area in the dry season causing salinity to increase to up to 79 ppt in summer.

Filip Paco, President, and Bledar Leskaj, Manager, Fisheries Management Organisation, the body managing the fishery in the Orikum and Narta lagoons.

Lagoons offer a number of environmental services

Fishers in the Orikum lagoon are grouped into those that fish from small vessels and those whose catches are comprised exclusively of fish that are trapped by the weir. To prevent conflicts the fishers using vessels are prohibited from fishing within 1,000 m of the weir.

Fisheries in the two lagoons are managed by a Fisheries Management Organisation (FMO) to which all the fishers belong.

They use a variety of gears including nets and a fish weir to catch the fish. Apart from the commercial value to fishermen, the two lagoons are also habitats

for fish and birds, support food webs and, thanks to their waterabsorbing capacities, play a role in mitigating flooding. Moreover, they reduce soil erosion and improve water quality. Lagoons support several fish species which use them to feed, breed, and to take shelter. They thus provide a range of important environmental services. But lagoons are also fragile ecosystems, reports Sonila Kane and co-authors from

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the Universities of Vlora and of Tirana. In a 2015 paper in the Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, they identify municipal, industrial, and agricultural pollution as factors affecting the lagoons, degrading their surface water quality. Changes in climate with too little or too much rainfall is also likely to have an influence on the lagoon flora and fauna. Bledar Leskaj, the manager of the FMO, says that vongole clams, for example, which used to inhabit the Orikum lagoon have disappeared and with them much of the seabream for which the clams are a feed.

The season for fishing is the winter months from September to February. What is ironic is that in the summer months, June, July, and August, there are a lot of tourists, but little fish, while in winter there is more fish but fewer tourists.

The fishers in the FMO therefore sell the catch in winter to restaurants in Tirana, Durres, or Vlore where demand is high all the year around. Lagoons attract fish because they are fed by a stream or river that brings nutrients to the lagoon causing phytoplankton to grow which in turn provide nutrition for the fish. From the lagoon the fish will return to the sea to reproduce and as they leave the lagoon they are trapped in the weir. Another reason that fish leave the lagoon is when the temperature in the lagoon falls or ice on the surface reduces the oxygen content of the water. In both cases the fish will make for the sea and get trapped by the weir. However, Mr Leskaj says, the number of fish that are prevented from making this journey to the sea to reproduce is small compared to the numbers that do make it. He also points out that in the case of grey mullet, one of the species that makes this migration, the eggs are

removed from the females and sold separately. Mullet roe or bottarga is a delicacy highly sought after in Italy. This way we diversify our product range and add value to the catch. Other popular target species are European eel, seabass, and seabream.

Fisheries management organisation benefits both members and stocks The FMO has some 60 members, 40 fishing in the Narta lagoon and 20 in Orikum. Each year, Mr Leskaj draws up a fishing plan which lays out how stocks in the two lagoons are to be exploited. It does not just include the production plan, but also how the areas will be managed in coordination with the relevant authorities in the ministry of agriculture. The FMO issues the permits under which the fishers catch their fish and adjusts the number depending on the pressure on the stock. The FMO was established in 2007 and Mr Leskaj is categorical about the benefits of this structure both for the fishers and the fish. As an FMO we have a stronger voice than an individual fisher when we want to negotiate with the ministry or with other organisations, he says.

Moreover, we keep an eye on each other to make sure that everyone fishes by the rules. As an individual operator, one thinks of oneself first and then the rest of the community. One of the benefits of forming an FMO is that there is little or no IUU fishing in the two lagoons, says Mr Leskaj. The FMO is united against this practice and works together with the government control authorities both at the local level and at the ministry. In addition, small groups of fishers patrol the lake regularly to make sure there are no poachers

or illegal gear in the water. As members of the FMO the fishers are obliged to report their catches.

Failure to do so could result in the loss of the fishing licence the next year. Control and reporting are very important components of the management of fisheries in the lagoons, Mr Leskaj stresses.

The FMO is also responsible for maintaining the lagoon. This involves repairing or rebuilding the weir and keeping the channels to the sea cleaned and open. These expenses are borne by the fishers, and despite the environmental services lagoons provide, the government does not support these activities. The fish weir that controls the passage between the sea and the Orikum lagoon is opened for three months in the year from 15 March to 15 June. Fish enter the lagoon to feed, but fishing is prohibited during this period. There are also general restrictions on the use of trawls and dredges, as well as on the mesh sizes of gillnets and trammel nets1. These may not be less than 60 mm in the lagoon nor less than 48 mm in coastal areas. Apart from the weir, fishers use gillnets, trammel nets, hooks, and fyke nets to catch fish during the fishing season. In the Narta

lagoon juveniles caught in the fish weir are transferred to nets or pens to overwinter and fatten them. The fishers are divided into those who use the weir for their catch and those that fish from small fishing vessels. The latter use gillnets and trammel nets and whatever the individual fisher catches belongs to him or herself. They also pay the FMO individually for the permit to fish. On the other hand, the group of fishers using the weir invest collectively to maintain the weir, and the fish caught in the weir is divided between them. Fishers using vessels are prohibited from fishing within 1,000 m of the weir to prevent conflicts with the group of weir fishers.

The ability to adapt is necessary to thrive Lagoons are vulnerable to climate change and the Orikum and Narta are no exceptions. As shallow, low lying water bodies they are susceptible to warming water, sea level rise, increased acidity, and invasive species. The latter, in particular, is already an issue.

The fishers experience increasing catches of blue crab, a species that used not to be so common. Now, however, crab production has

The blue crab is an invasive species, the proportion of which in the lagoon fishers’ catches is increasing. Although good to eat, the market for this product is limited and must be developed further before it will command a decent price.

1 Studies and Reviews. General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. No 95. Rome, FAO. 2015.

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gone up while fish production has declined, says Mr Leskaj. He feels that the presence of the crab in the lagoons is part of the explanation for the lower fish catches. The crabs are considered a resource and Mr Leskaj has been selling the catches, but the market for these crustaceans is small and the price low. Building a market for

this species is a long term goal as most people are unfamiliar with the product and reluctant to try something new. The flesh is tasty, however, and Mr Leskaj is confident that over time the market will grow. We must all learn to adapt to the changes that are unfolding around us, if we want to survive and prosper, he feels.

The Orikum and Narta lagoons Products: Fresh, whole round fish on ice Species: Mullet, seabream, seabass, eel, blue crab Peak season: November, December Markets: Vlora, Durres, Tirana

Area: 130 ha (Orikum), 2.670 (Narta) Fishery Management Organisation members: 20 (Orikum), 40 (Narta) President: Filip Paco Manager: Bledar Leskaj

The Shkodër lake fisheries management organisation

Shaping the mindset of its members Historically, Albania‘s inland fisheries have been a source of sustenance for local communities, providing both food security and livelihoods. However, as demands on these resources have intensified with economic development and greater awareness of the benefits of fish consumption, organised management of the resources has become necessary. The creation of fisheries management organisations in Albania can be traced back to efforts aimed at curbing overfishing, habitat degradation, and illegal fishing practices that threatened the equilibrium of aquatic ecosystems.

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t the core of inland fisheries management in Albania is a commitment to scientific research and data-driven decision-making. These organisations collect data from their members on fish catches and record the fishers’ informal observations on conditions in the lake. This information is submitted to the authorities who combine it with data from official surveys to create an impression of the status of stocks, habitat conditions, and water quality. This in turn forms the foundation for developing policies and strategies that ensure the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources while preserving the ecological integrity of inland water bodies.

FMOs bring about more sustainable fisheries The role of fisheries management organisations extends beyond scientific research to encompass

regulatory frameworks, licensing systems, and community engagement. Through the implementation of fisheries regulations, these organisations aim to control fishing activities, establish catch limits, and promote responsible angling practices.

Licensing systems are designed to monitor and manage fishing efforts, ensuring that they align with sustainable practices and legal requirements. Concurrently, fostering community engagement is vital for building awareness, garnering support, and instilling a sense of responsibility among local stakeholders for the long-term health of inland fisheries.

The Shkodër lake in the northwestern corner of Albania is a transborder water body shared with Montenegro. It is the biggest lake in southern Europe at 370 sq. km of which the Albanian share is 150 sq. km—making it

Arjan Cinari, Manager, Fisheries Management Organisation, Shkodër lake

the country’s largest. The lake is home to several species of fish including bleak, carp, eel, and mullet. They form a resource for the 400 odd fishers who operate in the Albanian part of the lake.

Since 2003 these fishers have organised into a fisheries management organisation (FMO), a body that was given official recognition in 2011. The FMO was formed, as the name suggests,

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Shkodër lake, Albania’s largest, supports some 400 small-scale fishers who target shad, bleak, mullet, and eel among other species.

The daljan or fish weir at the intersection of the Buna river and Shkodër lake traps migratory fish species including shad and eel.

to manage fisheries in the lake.

Until then there was no monitoring or control, fishers were essentially doing as they pleased, there was no data on stocks, catches, or sales, illegal fishing was rife, and the ecosystem of the lake was deteriorating. With support from the World Bank and the government at the time the fishers were encouraged to join the FMO or risk losing their licence to fish. Today the FMO has a vested interest in ensuring that all the fishers on the lake are licensed to fish there. The fishers must have valid documents and are obliged to submit catch data to the FMO. Some 200 licences have been issued corresponding to the number of fishing boats, each of which is associated with two fishers.

lake proper using regular nets.

Total catches reach a maximum of 30 to 35 tonnes per month in September, October, November, while the season for eel, bleak, common carp, and mullet is the winter period, December, January, and February.

Weirs used to trap migratory species The fishers use different gears to catch the fish. The Buna river connects the lake to the Adriatic Sea. A small group of fishers has the right to catch the fish that migrate from the sea to the lake (anadromous) or from the lake to the sea (catadromous) to breed. Shad, eel, and mullet are among the species caught.

The fish are trapped in a weir or dajlan, a wooden structure. Typically, about six tonnes of mullet are caught in October, the peak month for catches. Mullet starts to leave the lake for the sea in September to reproduce but then returns to the lake in December.

Eel is usually caught in November and catches are normally around 2 tonnes. However, Arjan Cinari, the secretary of the FMO, reports that for the past three years no eel has been caught by the fishers. The reason, he thinks, is because of heavy rainfall in the mountains the level of water in the lake was unusually high allowing the eel to escape. This year (2023) too the water level is at the limit where eel can escape, so he is waiting to see how the fishery will turn out. Catches of shad, which is a speciality of the Shkodër lake, exceed 10 tonnes.

The period of production is 15 March to 15 April and Mr Cinari believes that it is the work done by the FMO to shield the stock from overfishing that is now bearing fruit in the form of good catches. These three species are primarily caught by the fishers who fish at the mouth of the Buna. The other members of the FMO target bleak, crucian carp, European perch in the Shkodër

A new attitude prevails among fishers Over the last several years Mr Cinari has observed certain changes in the fishery. These do not relate to climate, nor to the number of fishers in the FMO, but to the mindset of the fishers, he says. The FMO’s emphasis on sustainability and the training it gives to its members to encourage them to fish responsibly, preserve the environment, and follow the rules, have brought about this new attitude towards the fishery. The incentive for the fishers is the knowledge that if they observe the rules today, do not catch out of the season, and do not overfish, then there will also be fish for tomorrow. This message is communicated to the fishers through discussions both individually and in groups. The fishers are also told that if they catch less they will get a better price. Some of the fishers have

also been using facilities provided by the FMO to add value to their catches by processing the fish into steaks, fillets, or portions. These products are typically sold in restaurants in the summer when there is demand from tourists. Other products like fish burgers and fish balls are also advertised on television by the FMO which invites chefs to come and cook them. The idea, says Mr Cinari, is for the fishers to earn more without having to catch more.

Because the fishers are interested in the largest fish they use nets with a 120 mm mesh when targeting carp and a 32 mm mesh when catching mullet. These nets are not fixed but are put in the water and taken out manually by the fisher at the end of the day. Scientific studies of the stocks in the Shkodër lake have not been made, says Mr Cinari, but because the lake is relatively shallow, fishers make their own estimation of the condition of the stocks and adjust the fishing accordingly. The fishers are interested in the welfare of the entire group, says Mr Cinari, and not just in themselves. This means that individual fishers only catch the volume of fish that will allow the entire group

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to continue fishing in the future.

The fishers all catch more or less the same volume of fish and all of it is sold through the FMO. And they understand that the more they catch the lower the unit price of the product. The FMO sells the production to shops and restaurants under its own brand and is also exporting small quantities to Serbia and Kosovo. Exports are

typically in the winter months when there is no demand from the domestic market as the tourists have all left. Prices on the export market are higher which compensates for the relatively low volumes of fish caught in this period. Sales must continue as the revenue is needed to allow the FMO to carry out all the tasks in its mandate.

Fisheries Management Organisation (FMO) Shkodër lake Secretary: Arjan Cinari Members: 420 Vessels: 210 Volumes: 90-110 t per year Species: Common carp, bleak, mullet, eel, crucian carp, European perch, shad

Duties: Monitoring and control of fishers, training, fish sales, exports

Recreational and sport fishing thrive in Albania

A fishing club that focuses on the environment Recreational and sports fishing are popular pastimes in Albania where by some estimates several thousand people are members of fishing clubs or are registered as anglers. The terms, recreational and sports fishing, though sometimes used interchangeably, refer to different activities depending on the context. In general, both involve fishing for enjoyment rather than for commercial purposes, but there are some distinctions, including the purpose of the activity, the motivation behind it, and the techniques deployed.

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ecreational fishing is an inclusive activity that encompasses all forms of fishing done for personal enjoyment, relaxation, or pleasure. It can include various styles and motivations, such as catching fish for food or simply spending time outdoors.

On the other hand, sport fishing emphasises the competitive aspect of fishing. It often involves competing with other fishers in one way or another to catch fish, where fish are caught for the challenge or thrill rather than for food. Sport fishing is often associated with catch-andrelease practices, where the focus is on the experience of catching the fish rather than harvesting it.

Fishing techniques can differ for anglers and sport fishers Another difference between the two forms relates to the techniques

used to catch fish, where the term recreational fishing again is more catholic and encompasses various fishing techniques, from simple handline fishing to more advanced methods like fly fishing or trolling. Sport fishing gear tends to be more highly specialised and is designed to enhance the challenge and excitement of catching fish. Sport fishers may also need to follow specific rules or regulations when practising sport fishing.

The motivation behind the two activities is often very different. For example, people engage in recreational fishing for various reasons, including relaxation, spending time in nature, and enjoying the company of friends and family. Catching fish may or may not be the primary goal. Sport fishers, however, often seek the thrill of competing against other participants in

Saimir Dauti, the owner of a store selling fishing gear, is a keen fisherman and the founder of a fishing club for recreational and sport fishers in Albania.

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or international, where participants are subject to the rules of the tournament. The point here is to compete against others and to catch fish which are then usually released. As the leader of a fishing club, Mr Dauti is himself responsible for organising some of these tournaments. Members of the club are keen recreational fishers and often several of them will go away in a group to try fishing at a new beach or watercourse. The social side of such an excursion is just as important as the fishing itself, and the novelty of the venue. We are always on the lookout for new fishing sites, both within and outside Albania, says Mr Dauti.

As the owner of a shop selling fishing gear, Mr Dauti is equipped to fish under any circumstances.

a tournament and of chasing and landing a challenging fish. Their motivation is the competition against fellow fishers and against the fish rather than simply enjoying a leisure activity. A further difference is the approach to ethics and conservation, where sports fishers often advocate for catch and release to preserve fish populations. Recreational fishers may also release the fish they catch, but they also often keep it for the table. In general, however, both groups are interested in preserving fish habitats and maintaining a clean and unspoilt environment in which the fish can thrive.

recreational fishing, he says, it is something we do for pleasure.

We respect all the rules regarding closed seasons, minimum size of the fish, total weight or

number of fish caught, care for the environment, etc., but the primary objective is enjoyment.

Sport fishing, however, is about competition, whether national

His association has about 150 members and is one of 7-10 associations of sport fishers in Albania.

Not all members of the Teuta Fishing Club participate in competitions but 30-40 of them do. Sport fishing is more demanding, points out Mr Dauti. It is more difficult because one must be more precise

Respect for the law when fishing is important Sajimir Dauti is the owner of the Teuta Fishing Centre, a shop in Durrës selling fishing tackle for recreational and sports fishers.

An avid fisher himself, he is also the founder of the Teuta Fishing Club. When we talk about

The recreational fisher must always respect the laws governing angling including minimum size, closed seasons, and respect for the environment.

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Fishing gear can be highly sophisticated, but a fisher’s skill depends on many factors.

and have better fishing techniques that when fishing for pleasure.

And, crucially, one must be better than the others. A sport fisher must be prepared to play the target once it has been hooked in order to land it. This involves a combination of techniques and equipment such as setting the hook, adjusting the rod height, using lines with the right stretch for the task, and managing the reeling in. Sport fishers must respect all the local and national rules, for example, undersized fish or species that may not be targeted must be released

immediately. All these considerations make sport fishing more difficult and not something everyone can do. Teuta has managed to attract members not just from Durrës, but from around Albania, as well as from Kosovo and Macedonia. This is largely thanks to the activities for both recreational and sport fishing that the club organises on a regular basis.

Our members appreciate not just the activities but also each other’s company, the ability to have fun, and the high quality of the membership, claims Mr Dauti.

The most important service the association provides its members is the organisation of championships. These could be national or even international events, but they all are organised in Albania.

Four or five times a year Mr Dauti and his team also participate in events organised in other countries. To participate in a tournament one must be a member of an association. Sport fishing can be grouped into categories depending on where (sea, lake, river) the tournament takes place. The most popular category in Albania is sea fishing, where the fishers target seabass and seabream. Another objective of the association is to ensure that its members are aware of the rules and regulations governing fishing. Young fish, for example, must be released unharmed so that they can grow and breed.

The stock must be protected, says Mr Dauti, for the benefit of the environment and so that fishers can continue their activity. Yet another advantage of membership are the smaller events, a dinner with the other members, fishing weekends, fishing days, and fishing nights. The association also organises beach cleanups where litter is collected and

disposed of properly. Fishing is increasing in popularity in Albania and the fishing club has experienced an increase in the number or members each year.

Sports fishers are not allowed to sell the catch. Usually when organising a tournament Mr Dauti will arrange for the fish that is caught to be donated to a charity or food bank. It has been exactly a decade since the fishing club was established and over that time, he has seen a number of changes among his members.

They are much more aware of the importance of following the rules, respecting nature, and not littering the place where they fish.

Like recreational fishers in many countries, there is some friction with the commercial fishing sector as the two groups often compete for the same stocks and the same fishing grounds. Mr Dauti feels commercial fishers do not respect the rules which jeopardises the long term survival of stocks, and with it the fishing activities of the next generation of recreational fishers. Commercial fishers, on the other hand, see their recreational counterparts as a threat to their livelihoods. However, other countries have shown that as long as both groups respect the rules governing their respective activities there is space for both.

Teuta Fishing Centre Owner: Saimir Dauti Bajram Tusha Durrës 2001 Albania dautisaimir073@gmail.com Founder: Teuta Fishing Club Members: ca 150

Sport activities: Recreational fishing, organising sport fishing tournaments in Albania Recreational activities: Angling, fishing excursions in Albania and abroad Educational activities: Informing members of the importance of complying with the law, and respecting the environment EUROFISH Magazine 1 / 2024

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Bighead carp is popular among fishers on lake Ulza

Restocking efforts bring benefits Inland water commercial fishing is an important activity in Albania providing economic opportunities to fishers in small communities—as well as healthful protein to the market. Water bodies, including the Shkumbin, Drin, and Vjosa rivers, as well as lakes like Shkodra and Ohrid, harbour a diverse range of fish species that support small-scale commercial fishing activities primarily for domestic consumption. The Drin river, for example, is a significant source of fish, and commercial fishermen utilise various methods such as netting and longlining to catch species like carp, trout, and bleak.

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nother important water body, Lake Shkodra, the largest lake in the Western Balkans, is a trans-boundary water body shared by Albania and Montenegro. Fish species, including carp, bleak, eel, and mullet are targeted by fishers using gillnets and trawls. These catches are distributed to local markets contributing to the supply of healthful protein and supporting livelihoods for many in the area.

Fishers increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability The Albanian government recognizes the economic importance of inland water commercial fishing and has implemented regulations that support the creation of fisheries management organisations (FMOs) that are responsible for the sustainable management of fish stocks. Temporal, spatial, and catch volume restrictions are in place to prevent overfishing and to maintain the long-term viability of stocks. While fishing activities are policed by the members of the fisheries management organisations as well as government fisheries inspectors there is still some degree of illegal fishing.

However, among the fishers who fish lawfully there is an increasing awareness of the importance of responsible fishing practices to ensure the sustainability of the activity and the health of fish

Ervin Rugi, Fisheries Inspector, Mat zone, and Artan Miza, Secretary, Fisheries Management Organisation Ulza lake

stocks. Commercial inland fishing provides employment not only to fishers but also to people engaged in downstream activities such as fish processing, sales, and marketing, and there is wider recognition that future generations should also be able to enjoy the same opportunities.

In the Ulza lake in the hills in Dibër county a fisheries management organisation with some 15 boats each with two or three fishers is responsible for the fishery. The lake is divided into zones

but the vessels are entitled to fish anywhere in the lake irrespective of the zone. According to Ervin Rugi, the fisheries inspector for the Mat zone that includes the lakes Ulza and Shkopet, the former is home not only to a commercial fishery, but also to a recreational fishery that draws anglers from neighbouring cities. Among the species targeted by both commercial and recreational fishers is the bighead carp.

This species is known to grow rapidly to a large size and is therefore popular among both groups. To

sustain the interest in fishing the authorities restock the lake with bighead carp fingerlings each year. The fingerlings are obtained from a private hatchery in the city of Fier and each year between 50,000 and 55,000 are released into the lake. According to Enton Spaho, the head of aquaculture in the Ministry of Agriculture, demand for different fish species is changing. While common carp used to be a highly sought after fish, this has now been replaced with bighead carp. This may have something to do with the speed

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The Shkopet lake is an 11 km long narrow body of water separated from the Ulaz lake by a hydropower dam.

at which the latter grows, but also that common carp is no longer as popular as it once was. As a result, the hatchery does not breed common carp fingerlings for restocking as there is insufficient demand. More generally, says Mr Spaho, the market for carp species has diminished as consumers switch to marine species.

There are exceptions, for example, in the city of Shkodra , where carps are still appreciated. Before planning its activities the private hatchery conducts a survey in which potential customers are asked what fingerlings they want.

Since most respondents express an interest in bighead carp, this is the species that is bred.

without a licence or using illegal fishing techniques, such as blasting with dynamite, contribute to the destruction of the stock and

in the long term will deprive the fishers of their livelihood. Following work done by the FMO to educate and inform its members,

Mr Artan Miza, the FMO secretary, feels that this message has reached the fishers, and that there has been a decline in illegal fishing. Another area of concern for the FMO is the gradual but steady decline in the area’s population which is reflected in the decreasing number of fishers. In historical times there were some 200 fishers on the lake. They supplied a processing factory that managed the fishery. However, with the political changes in the early 90s the factory stopped working and most of the workers from the area as well as the fishers emigrated. Since then, more people have left the area which partly explains why there are relatively few licensed fishers on the lake. Annual catches from the lake amount to about 6 tonnes of which most is bighead carp. The lake is subdivided into four zones each of which is associated with a village. For example, a zone will be referred to as the zone of village X. Fishing vessels are crewed

Population decline can affect the future of the fishery The FMO in lake Ulza was created (in 2019) not only to manage the fishery but also to create awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing. Catching fish

The 13 sq. km Ulza lake supports some 15 fishing vessels each with two or three fishers. Annual catches from the lake amount to about 10 tonnes and bighead carp is the single most-caught species.

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Vessels used by the fishers are small and nimble. They are used to lay the nets in the water and to transfer the fish from the net to the landing place at the time of harvest.

by either two or three fishers. Of the 15 vessels on the lake nine have three or more fishers, while six have two. The boats are all issued with registration numbers and the fishers themselves report any illegal fishing to the FMO office bearers who in turn report it to the control authorities.

Fisheries inspectors control and monitor the entire lake focusing on illegal fishing activities.

The inspectors work closely with the fishers to learn which zones have the most illegal fishing and then dedicate their efforts to these zones. The inspectors’ work includes checking that fishers have valid licences when they fish, and that the fish they sell on the market is not undersized or caught with illegal methods.

The monitoring work is recorded electronically; inspectors are equipped with a laptop or tablet that allows them to log their activities, their findings, and any fines they issue. While acknowledging the work of the fisheries inspectors, Mr Miza says the situation

with illegal fishing has certainly improved, since the creation of the FMO. Fishers have taken ownership of the lake and the resources it contains and realise it is in their interests to protect them. However, the FMO is small and money it collects from the fishers is insufficient to invest, for example, in new fishing gear for the fishers, as some of the bigger FMOs can do.

The membership fees amount to EUR70 per year per vessel.

Management plan to help revive certain stocks Increasing the number of fishers in the FMO would be one way to increase the budget, but the ministry in Tirana has estimated that the lake has the capacity to support 15 vessels. If more want to join the FMO they must apply to the ministry. For now, however, new members will only be considered when existing members retire as the current state of the resource matches the existing fishing capacity.

The fishers use different nets to catch the fish. One type has a 26 mm mesh and is fixed at one end close to the shore: while the other end is carried out by the boat some 50 m from the shore and fixed in place. This is used to target certain fish species that are small in size and inhabit the coastal zone. The net is left overnight and is emptied in the morning. Another type of net has a mesh size of 70-80 mm and this is fixed in the water some 200 m from the shore, where it is allowed to stay for several hours before being emptied. This net is used to target bighead carp and other species that are found towards the centre of the lake in deeper water. Today, Mr Miza says, the second type of net is mainly used as catches of the coastal species have declined. To counter this the FMO is developing a management plan that he hopes will help revive the coastal stocks. The fishery is improving, Mr Miza claims, with catches on the increase each year since 2019, when the FMO was

established. This can partly be explained by restocking activities but also by the decline in illegal fishing. The management plan will also include measures to jointly market and sell the fish for which the FMO will take responsibility. Until now marketing and sale activities have been handled by the individual fisher who supplied local restaurants or shops.

The fisheries management organisation on lake Ulza has reduced the incidence of illegal fishing on the lake and has overseen an increase in catches. Future plans include establishing a common marketing mechanism for the catch that may lead to better prices from buyers than an individual fisher could negotiate.

Improving the status of stocks will make them more resilient in the face of changes to the climate that also affect this corner of Albania, and increase the likelihood that the occupation of fisher will remain an option for future generations.

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Family-run trout farm relies on imports for critical inputs

Production unaffected by global warming A trout farming facility in the hills of northern Albania is blessed with abundant water at the right temperature. Fish feeds and fingerlings are major expense items, however, as both must be imported.

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ish farming in Albania is focused primarily on four species, three finfish—seabass, seabream, and rainbow trout—and one bivalve, Mediterranean mussel. Rainbow trout is farmed in fresh water while the other three are grown in the sea. According to data from the Albanian Institute of Statistics, over the five years to 2022 total aquaculture production has shown a generally increasing trend reaching just under 9,000 tonnes that year. Of this, 922 tonnes were mussels.

FAO statistics reveal that in 2021 seabream accounted for 43, seabass for 29, and mussels for 7 of the total production of 8,641 tonnes. Rainbow trout production amounted to 1,861 tonnes or 21 of the total in 2021. Output of this species has increased unevenly over the years. Production remained stable for the eight years up to 2017 at 500 to 600 tonnes but then jumped to 1,850 tonnes in 2017 and has maintained that level since.

A sector with a preponderance of small companies The freshwater trout farming sector in Albania comprises a couple of large producers such as the Albanian division of Kilic, a major Turkish producer of farmed fish. But it is dominated by small

family-owned companies. These are often located in remote rural areas, where they are an important source of employment for both skilled and unskilled workers. Gjergj Hysa and his wife, Leze, are typical representatives of family-owned production. They have produced trout on their farm since 2007. The land on which the farm is built was owned by Mr Hysa’s family for many years before he built the facility in 2000.

He was inspired to do so when he met a consultant with an Italian development agency who saw the site and convinced Mr Hysa of the potential for farming fish.

The consultant offered practical advice on testing the water, its flow, temperature, and quality, as well as on the design of the farm and the production technology to be used. The initial investment and subsequent improvements made to the facility have cost Mr Heysa some EUR300,000 over the years. The facility is fed by a river from which water is diverted into raceways where the fish are produced. We started with 200 sq. m of water surface area producing 6 tonnes of trout annually, says Mr Hysa, but today we have 500 sq. m of water surface and production has increased to 20 tonnes. The farm is vertically integrated—eggs from Mr Hysa’s own broodstock are grown to marketsized fish. However, as the business has grown and the workload has increased he finds it more

Gjergj and Leze Hysa supply freshly harvested rainbow trout to local shops and restaurant in the Shkodër administrative area.

difficult to produce fish from eggs and instead is buying fingerlings.

Standard market-sized fish dominate production In 2023, for example, he elected to buy 100,000 fingerlings from a supplier in Kosovo rather than produce eggs from his own broodstock. While most of the production is grown to the standard market size of 250 to 300 g, Mr Hysa has also on occasion grown fish to very large sizes. Customers sometimes want large fish, he says, so I can supply them as well. The large specimens can be 4-6 kg (or even bigger) in size. But one must invest time and money to grow the fish to these sizes, he

adds, since it takes three years to produce a three-kilo fish. In the past when he has grown the fish to large sizes it was mainly to use them as broodstock while now it is mainly for sale. In the tourist season there is high demand for fresh, locally grown fish at seaside restaurants in Shkodër, one of the largest cities in Albania. The fish is also sold through the small shop that Mr Gjergj has on the farm premises. Finally, personal deliveries are also made for orders of 10 kg and up.

The farm is located in the mountains in the north of Albania, a stone’s throw away from the Montenegro border. The river that supplies the farm flows

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throughout the year and the water is of very high quality. Jerina Kolitari, the head of the marine laboratory in Dürres and now an advisor to the minister of agriculture has had samples of the water tested at her laboratory which has confirmed the high quality of the water. It is both high in dissolved oxygen and very cold (12 to 13 degrees C in summer and 6 to 7 degrees in winter) which is good for the fish, she says, so they normally reach market size within 12 months. The water flows into the farm at a rate of 100 litres/second and Mr Hysa pays for the water in terms of the volume of fish produced. There are no other fish farms upstream from him, but there is one further downstream.

To ensure the water is clean when it leaves his farm Mr Hysa has dug a settling area where the organic matter is allowed to sink to the bottom, so that clean water is channelled back into the river.

Infrastructure to combat disease needs further development Like many trout farmers Mr Hysa is worried about disease as a severe outbreak could wipe out his stock. He is less concerned about the risk of disease entering

the farm through the inflow from the river, than he is about bringing disease in with a batch of fingerlings. This does happen periodically causing him to lose a certain number of fish from the batch. He feels that there is a lack of infrastructure to cope with disease, experts in fish diseases are few and the drugs to treat the fish are not available and must be obtained from abroad. Importing certified disease-free eggs from the EU or the US is a possibility but involves a lot of bureaucracy, while getting the fingerlings from Kosovo is relatively easy because it does not require so much paperwork. Feed is another input that must be imported because it is not produced in Albania. This is an important issue for Mr Hysa as well as other farmed fish producers, both inland and marine, because feed is the single biggest expense in the production. He tends therefore to import from the country where the current price is lowest. At different times this has been Austria, Germany, Poland, Netherlands, Italy, or other countries. Since feeds vary, this is not the best strategy for optimising fish growth, but Mr Hysa feels he has no choice. The young fish are fed normally despite the expense, but with the older fish Mr Hysa

The stream supplying the farm delivers water at 100 litres per second. The water is high quality, flows all the year round and is so far unaffected by global warming.

is experimenting with feeding regimes that consume less feed in an attempt to reduce costs. Some years ago at a time when the price of feed had suddenly spiked, Mr Hysa attempted to feed the fish with some frozen small pelagics. He will not make that mistake again, he says, because the trout apparently contracted a disease from the bait fish and he suffered major losses.

Climate change has not been an issue for the farm

The farm nestles in the hills of northern Albania close to the border with Montenegro.

While fish farmers in areas across the Balkans are suffering from the impacts of climate change including extreme weather events,

droughts, floods, very warm summers, and a lack of precipitation, Mr Hysa’s farm has so far been unaffected. I am aware that other areas are affected by climate change, he states, but here the conditions have not altered, the water volume, quality, and temperature have all stayed the same. The volume, if anything, is increasing in contrast to other areas. In this regard Mr Hysa is fortunate, but also as demand for seafood increases both in Albania and abroad, he is well positioned to exploit this trend in consumer interest for fish by supplying the domestic, and perhaps in time the international, market with fresh and healthful rainbow trout products.

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Albania has a small but growing production of farmed mussels

Greek template proves a success Albania’s Adriatic and Ionian coasts offer a favourable environment for mussel cultivation, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters and suitable climate conditions. Regions such as Lezhe, Durres, and Saranda host mussel farming activities that contribute to the national production of 900 tonnes (2022). The process typically begins with the collection of mussel spat from the wild. The spat are cultivated on ropes or nets suspended in the water, creating what is known as mussel “socks.” The ropes are anchored to longlines where the mussels filter feed on plankton and other microorganisms present in the water.

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ussel farming in Albania provides employment opportunities for local communities, from the initial collection of spat to the harvesting and processing of mature mussels. Additionally, the industry supports various ancillary services, such as equipment manufacturing, transport, and marketing.

This creates a ripple effect, stimulating economic growth in both coastal and inland areas.

Multiple challenges hamper mussel farming Despite its many advantages, mussel farming in Albania faces challenges such as environmental fluctuations, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics. Efforts are underway to address these challenges through research, technology adoption,

The brothers, Kloardi (left) and Korab Leka, returned to Albania to establish their own mussel production after 16 years working on mussel farms in Greece.

and collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and environmental organizations.

The mussel harvesting and processing vessel lies out at sea and must be accessed using a small motorboat. Machines are used to remove mussels from the ropes, clean, weigh, and pack them in nets for the market.

In 2015 the brothers Kloardi, Korab, and Mirush Leka returned to Albania from Greece where they had been working on mussel farms for 16 years. Their idea was to use the experience they had gained in Greece to establish a mussel farm at home. With this in mind they approached the ministry of agriculture to find out about possible sites and the permits needed to proceed with their idea. Since they lived on the outskirts of Tirana they were interested in a site in the area. After going through all the formalities, they were finally allocated a 20 ha site some 3 km from the shore in an area north of Durres. The site is close to the mouths of two rivers, the Ishëm and the Mat which are 5 km and

10 km away respectively, so the National Veterinary Institute was also drawn in to certify that the quality of the water at the site was good enough to grow mussels. This certification is renewed periodically by the institute. The water has always been certified as A grade, says Korab Leka, if it had been B it would have meant sending the mussels for depuration before placing them on the market. The area was chosen because it lies in a small bay and is therefore protected from storms, it is close to two rivers which bring nutrients into the bay stimulating the growth of the plankton needed by the mussels to grow, and it has the depth (10-20 m) to accommodate the lines of mussels.

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ALBANIA A limited market keeps production low The mussels are grown on seventy longlines. Four to five tonne concrete blocks are used to anchor each line at either end and in the middle. The longlines are maintained at the correct depth with buoys. The technology is the same as the one they worked with in Greece. We are familiar with the calculations that must be made when planning such a farm, says Korab Leka. Suspended from each of the longlines are 500 3.5 m lines which bear the mussels.

This length was chosen because the mussels grow better when they are closer to the surface, they are also easier to harvest when the lines are not too long.

Annual production varies from 200 to 300 tonnes and can be further increased if necessary, says Mr Leka. The site has a capacity of 1,000 tonnes, but the production needs to be aligned with the demand on the market. Increasing that will depend on whether we can devise other ways for mussels to be marketed or consumed, he adds. The main issue is that the market for mussels in Albania

is still very small. The market in the EU is many times bigger, but mussels from Albania may not be exported to the EU. Ao illustrate the size of the EU market, Mr Leka points out that the Greek company he worked for had an annual production of 2,000 tonnes of which 10 was consumed by the domestic market while the rest was exported. As Greece is a member of the EU, mussels produced here can be freely exported to other EU countries.

High phytoplankton levels ensure good meat content The mussel spat is gathered on ropes in November which consist of an inner core surrounded by a mesh to which the spat attach initially. As they grow they attach to the inner core. After the spat attaches and grows for 7-8 months the ropes must be thinned to encourage rapid and uniform growth of the mussels.

To thin the mussels, the ropes are lifted into the boats with the help of winches. The mussels are removed by machine and are rinsed thoroughly with water

The mussels have an impressive proportion of meat thanks to the high phytoplankton levels in the water in which they grow.

Each of the 70 long lines has 500 three and a half metre ropes lines on which the mussels grow. Currently production is 200-300 tonnes, but the farm has a capacity of 1,000 tonnes.

to clean them. They are then attached to another rope with cotton or nylon netting. During the thinning process mussels from the parent rope can populate 2-4 other ropes which in turn are suspended from lines in the sea.

This is repeated at regular intervals as the mussels grow with the mesh of the netting increasing in size each time and the number of mussels on the line decreasing so as not to overburden the line. The quality of the mussels can be seen from the meat content, says Mr Leka. The mussels are full of meat which suggests that the water in which they live offers plenty of nutrition to the growing mussel. Warming seawater caused by climate change may actually contribute positively to the mussel production, as Mr Leka says cold water tends to have less phytoplankton for the mussels to feed on. This is also the reason Mr Leka restricts his mussel holding ropes to 3.5 m as lower levels of nutrition at depth would cause mussels on the lower part of longer ropes to grow more slowly than those higher up in the water column.

Exporting to the EU is the long term goal Since Albania may not export mussels to the EU the Lekas are selling their production to local shops and restaurants. The product, fresh live mussels, is wrapped in a nylon net and can be of different weights depending on the customer’s requirement. Sales are usually in the summer until early fall, but this year demand from tourists was so high that they stopped selling earlier than usual. Mr Leka must take this into account when planning for the 2025 season as decisions about the required output then will have to be taken already now in 2023. The brothers are also interested in learning about further automation of the mussel production as labour is expensive and difficult to find. Currently 10-12 people are employed in summer, a figure that sometimes increases to 15, while in winter it is 6-7.

Mr Leka feels that more machines would increase the quality and efficiency of the production and prepare the company for a time when Albanian mussels can be exported to the EU.

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[ AQUACULTURE ] Europe’s aquaculture production is stagnating in spite of EU funding

Lots of money, little impact The EU has been supporting the development of aquaculture in its member states for years with enormous financial resources. Clearly without any measurable effect, as the report published by the European Court of Auditors now shows.

There are occasional glimpses of smaller successes, but overall the report reads more like a review of failure. Nevertheless, funding continues undeterred without seriously tackling the obstacles.

Although the pace of growth in global aquaculture has slowed somewhat, the success story of this important industry continues.

At least in other parts of the world, because there is hardly any sign of it in the EU. Here too, the dynamics of global development have not gone unnoticed by politicians and they would also like to promote aquaculture in Europe. Naturally more sustainable, more economical, more environmentally and climate-friendly than what is possibly happening elsewhere in the world. What seems plausible and

sensible on the surface is increasingly turning out to be hubris in the depths of practice, as hardly any of the desired goals have actually been achieved. Since the start of new millennium, the EU has provided almost three billion Euro for aquaculture in several funding programs as part of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP): • 2000–2006 Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG): around 300 Mil. Euro • 2007–2013 European Fisheries Fund (EFF): around 350 Mil. Euro

EU fishery and aquaculture products supply and consumption, 2020 Source: ECA, based on EUMOFA – The EU fish market – 2022 edition.

AQUA24 26-30 AUGUST 2024 COPENHAGEN

CREATING SYNERGIES IN AQUACULTURE Visit the Eurofish stand 33-35 at AQUA24 hosting multiple EU projects, including: E U M O F A European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products

To learn more about Eurofish’s aquaculture-related activities, contact projects@eurofish.dk or visit www.eurofish.dk

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[ AQUACULTURE ] vaguely familiar with the competitive situation on national and international markets and the demand behaviour of price-focused consumers may suspect that some demands are difficult to reconcile.

Because of this tricky task, aquaculture can only fail. If you hang such lead weights on a high jumper’s feet, you shouldn’t be surprised if she fails to clear the bar.

Ambitious goals have been missed for years

Main aquaculture species farmed in the EU, 2020.

Source: ECA, based on EUMOFA – The EU fish market – 2022 edition, and FAO FishStatJ.

• 2014–2020 European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF): around 1.2 Bil. Euro • 2021–2027 European Marine, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF): around 1 Bil. Euro

One of the few bright spots in the Court of Auditors’ report is the statement that the value of EU aquaculture production increased by 25 between 2014 and 2020. In 2020 it amounted to 3.6 billion Euro. Anything else would be an economic catastrophe, because without these additional revenues, many companies in the industry would probably have had to give up, considering the general price increase in the feed, energy and service sectors. In spite of the immense funding backdrop, it remains the same for the time being: the EU’s own production of fish and seafood is still not enough to replace a significant proportion of seafood imports.

In 2020, more than 60 of the EU supply had to be covered by imports from third countries.

Rompescaris Pirania, Romania

The names of the funding programs have become longer over time, and the declared priorities and objectives have become ever more demanding and complex.

While the EMFF was about “promoting ecologically sustainable, resource-saving, innovative, competitive and knowledge-based aquaculture”, the EU added another

goal in the current EMFAF with the requirement for “long-termism”: “promoting sustainable aquaculture activities, in particular strengthening the competitiveness of aquaculture production while ensuring the long-term environmental sustainability of these activities”. You have to be a politician to really believe that you can advance aquaculture in Europe with such an overloaded objective! Of course, more fish can also be produced in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way. However, this comes at a cost and results in higher sales prices. Anyone who is even

The Court of Auditors’ report quickly brings the flights of fancy in EU policy back down to earth.

Almost all targets were missed badly. In 2020, total EU aquaculture production was a modest 1.1 million tonnes, which was less than 1 percent of global production of 123 million tonnes. The hoped-for increase in aquaculture production in the EU has not materialized. The fact that the quantity remained at least approximately stable can actually be considered a success, because the number of aquaculture companies in Europe is showing a downward trend. The number of employees in aquaculture (full-time equivalents) fell from 40,000 to 35,000. Constant performance with fewer employees? With dark humour, this could

be interpreted as an indication of the industry’s increasing productivity. In fact, this is an alarming indication of the industry’s lack of attractiveness; working in aquaculture often scares young people away. A lot of work, little free time, relatively poor pay, an abundance of bureaucratic hurdles, coupled with uncertain future prospects.

All in all, that doesn’t sound very appealing.

Pond fish farms where carps and other species are grown in polyculture are common in Central and Eastern Europe. Production from this technology is stagnating for reasons related to the market and climate change but also to red tape.

Recirculation aquaculture projects were among those supported by the EMFAF. Their high cost means that they are only suitable for high value carnivorous species consuming fishmeal and fish oil containing feeds, ingredients that have an impact on the environment.

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[ AQUACULTURE ] Funding is not being exhausted Aquaculture production in the EU is stagnating. In Italy and France, which are among the largest producing countries, it has even declined, despite the promise of financial support. The Court of Auditors’ report suggests that the EU actually left too much money on the table. There was little interest in the funding and a significant portion of the money was not even used. That is why the total allocation for aquaculture has already been reduced by around 158 million Euro by the end of 2022, which corresponds to 13 of the original allocation. Italy (down 33) and Poland (down 32) reduced the amounts allocated to aquaculture, but allocations were slightly increased in France (up 44) and Romania (up 8). As a knee-jerk reaction, individual EU countries have actually financed almost every project that attracted any interest from the aquaculture sector and that was eligible for funding – and largely regardless of the expected contribution to the funding program’s original targets.

If all that money didn’t have an impact on the production volume of aquaculture, did it at least make a measurable contribution to improving sustainability? Apparently not, or at least not clearly demonstrable, as the report states succinctly that “no consistent indicators have been found to assess the environmental sustainability of the industry, even though this is one of the main objectives of EU policy”. The situation is even worse given the available data on what has been achieved with EU funds. The data is neither consistent nor reliable, and some results are clearly overstated. Can this be interpreted to mean that the project applicants were given specific goals without knowing exactly how success can be determined later?

Sustainability seems to be more important than production This vulnerability has actually been known for a long time. The CFP regulation also requires the development of indicators for ecological, economic and social sustainability. As early as 2012, the EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) carried out a study that, among other things, was intended to identify and evaluate environmental indicators for sustainable aquaculture in the EU. At that time, feed demand (dependence on fish-meal and fish oil) and waste water quality (especially nitrogen and phosphorus inputs) were suggested as suitable measurement variables. However, the JRC itself said that applying these parameters is difficult as there are considerable differences between the fish species kept and the production systems. Furthermore, there is little official statistical data available to assess the environmental performance of aquaculture in the EU. Thus, these findings are neither new nor surprising and were probably taken into account to some extent in the EMFF for the period 2014–2020. However, not everywhere apparently. As the report states, the extent to which environmental indicators were taken into account in the plans of six selected member states (Poland, Romania, Italy, Greece, France, Spain) “varied considerably”. The Romanian plan was the only one that included a specific objective to quantify the impact of aquaculture on the environment.

Although the results often fell short of expectations, a number of projects were of course supported.

According to the Court of Auditors’ report, “productive investments in aquaculture” were among the most popular measures. These included investments in the modernization of

Main EU aquaculture producers, 2020.

Source: ECA, with data from Eurostat (fish_aq2a) and EUMOFA.

existing operations or the development of recirculation systems (RAS).

In addition, investments were often made in aquaculture projects “that provide environmental services”.

This mainly concerned the preservation and improvement of the environment and biological diversity (Poland, Romania). According to the report, there was further funding in the areas of “innovation” (Spain, Greece and France), “health policy measures” (Greece) and “increasing the potential of aquaculture facilities” (Italy), without going into more detail about specific projects and their content.

aquaculture-relevant ecosystems and promotion of resourcesaving aquaculture, and • secondly, the promotion of aquaculture with a high level of environmental protection, pushing for animal health and welfare, and public health and safety.

Intact nature, healthy animals and protection of ecosystems are of course also in the interests of aquaculture. However, not every company can easily afford targeted projects in these areas because, despite the financial support, the company has to

Political targets are often far too impractical It is quite obvious that there are certain discrepancies between the objectives of the EU funding regulations, which are primarily influenced by environmental policy, and the interests of aquaculture companies, which are more pragmatically oriented towards economic concerns and which have to fight for their economic existence on a daily basis in the “lowlands” of competition. According to the EMFF regulation, projects have a chance of receiving financial support if they meet two specific objectives: • Firstly, the protection and restoration of aquatic biodiversity, strengthening of

Farmed oysters being depurated.

In even a large farmed seafood producing country like France aquaculture production is declining at least partly due to the administrative burden, excessively strict environmental regulations, and the large number of reporting obligations

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[ AQUACULTURE ] legal requirements, regulations and guidelines that are difficult to keep track of. The core problems include access to water usage rights and production licenses, unequal competitive conditions with developing countries and escalating nature conservation demands.

Change in EU aquaculture production in volume and in value, 2014–2020.

Source: ECA, based on Eurostat (fish_aq2a) and EUMOFA – “The EU fish market” for the EU-27.

contribute its own share of the price. If this money cannot be raised, even 30, 40 or 50 percent funding will not entice partners.

Especially since the Commission’s strategic guidelines in the area of aquaculture do not always correspond to the objectives of aquaculture. The “Farm to Table” strategy, for example, calls for organic aquaculture to be expanded significantly by 2030. However, this is unattractive for many in the industry because “organic” makes the products more expensive and makes it more difficult to process. If this is one of the priority goals, it should come as no surprise that production volumes are falling rather than rising. “Organic” means “extensive, decelerated production”, low stocking densities and therefore fewer fish from the same area. The 2021 strategic guidelines also focus on increased algae production. In November 2022, a special initiative was even launched to support the production, safe consumption and innovative use of algae. In fact, no one will deny the enormous potential of micro- and macroalgae, but currently there is hardly any suitable market structure or growing demand for such aquaculture products in Europe. We are only at the very beginning with the use of algae. And who is willing to invest

their money in projects with an uncertain outcome for which the logistical basis is currently lacking?

Overregulation slowing down Europe’s aquaculture Too late, too inconsistent and not thought through enough – these are just some of the thoughts that will probably go through some people’s minds when reading the Court of Auditors’ report. Why does no one seriously question why there is so noticeably little interest in financial support for aquaculture projects? A plausible answer to this is that we have known this for a long time and yet none of the obvious obstacles have been removed. Already in 2011, weaknesses and obstacles faced by the EU aquaculture sector during the programming period were identified. Industry representatives cited, among other things, the considerable administrative burden, excessively strict environmental regulations and the large number of reporting obligations that are required of the mostly small companies. Nothing has changed since then, as a new survey showed in 2019. On the contrary: the bureaucratic and administrative hurdles have become even higher. Aquaculture in Europe is hampered by over-regulation and a variety of

The processing of applications and approval procedures is often unnecessarily postponed and delayed by the responsible authorities. In Galicia, Spain, for example, a 2008 regional law stipulates that new licenses for maritime aquaculture may only be issued through open competitions. Since the introduction of this law, however, such competitions have never taken place, apart from isolated experimental aquaculture projects. In the period 2014–2020, not a single new aquaculture business was founded in Poland. Also Italy’s aquaculture sector has been uncertain for years.

The issuing of new licenses was prohibited and many companies did not know whether their existing licenses would be renewed. This law has finally been repealed since August 2022, but the example illustrates the challenges aquaculture companies in Europe have to contend with. Even traditional businesses now often tremble when they have to have their water rights confirmed again. What was once just routine can now be a threat to the existence of a company. Who invests in modern technologies and more sustainability when it is completely unclear whether their business has a future at all? The EU’s funding policy for aquaculture is likened to driving a car and simultaneously pressing hard on the accelerator while standing on the brakes.

More money doesn’t solve all problems Excessive bureaucracy, slow application processing, official

bureaucracy, unclear operational prospects. All of this does not help to make the European aquaculture more dynamic nor does it inspire optimism in the development of the industry. Even generous financial support is of little use. The Court of Auditors’ report states, almost resignedly, that the significantly increased funding has produced “no concrete results”. This is unlikely to change until the midterm evaluation of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund planned for 2024 and the assessment of progress in the implementation of the EU’s strategic guidelines for aquaculture planned for 2025. The EU Commission asserts that a “strategic and long-term approach to the sustainable growth of EU aquaculture is now more important than ever”. Unfortunately, the Commission focuses mainly on the aspect of sustainability and hardly on increasing production.

As a conclusion from the report, the European Court of Auditors recommends, among other things, that the EU Commission “support member states in removing the obstacles to the sustainable development of aquaculture in the EU”. The Commission should promote the exchange of best practices that contribute to removing bottlenecks affecting the sustainable development of aquaculture at the level of key environmental strategies, permitting procedures and spatial planning. However, this recommendation must be implemented not only by the member states, but by the EU Commission itself.

The EU’s aquaculture policy must be dusted off, freed from unnecessary ballast and strategically realigned. Otherwise, companies in this area will continue to just tread water, despite generous financial support.

Manfred Klinkhardt

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Regulations are compatible with scientific, environmental, and social considerations

Fisheries management in Türkiye The fishing sector in Türkiye is a provider of significant employment and a source of aquatic products that supply the public with healthful proteins, fats, and other nutrients. The main goal of Turkish stewardship of this sector is the sustainable management of fisheries resources. Rapid developments in fishing technology and the increase in the capacity of fishing fleets over the years, when examined together with environmental and climatic factors, pose a threat to fisheries resources.

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ather than increasing production from capture fisheries the Turkish administration seeks to maintain it at a constant level and has placed the responsibility for this on the fisheries management authorities. One of the outcomes of this responsibility has been that Türkiye has prevented the growth of its fishing fleet by banning the entry of new vessels into the Turkish fishing fleet, one of the largest in the region, since 2002.

Fisheries management practices The General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has the authority and responsibility to create and implement policies for the sustainability of fisheries in Türkiye. As in all countries that seek to manage their fisheries responsibly, Türkiye also has a sustainability-based and detailed legal framework to manage its fisheries.

The regulations determine the characteristics of the fishing gear, catch limits, species, quotas, and spatial and temporal restrictions, among other limitations. During the drafting of legislation, the opinions and suggestions of all stakeholders are considered and are implemented after being discussed and examined in detail. The decisions of regional fishing organisations and other international organisations of which Türkiye is a member are also considered in

the legislation, taking into account Türkiye’s own fishing dynamics.

When these decisions are adopted into domestic legislation, they are compared with Türkiye’s current regulations and the more protective ones are preferred.

Combating illegal, unregistered, and illegal (IUU) fishing The General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture is aware that, while formulating and implementing fishing rules is important, monitoring and controlling the implementation of these rules is critical. No matter how wellmeaning the fishing rules are, they will have no impact if they are not followed. To ensure that rules are respected, sanctions for non-compliance must have a deterrent effect. Turkish legislation against IUU includes deterrent sanctions such as administrative fines, temporary and permanent cancellation of fishing licenses, confiscation of products, fishing gear, and vessels, and imprisonment, and they are applied without hesitation.

In addition to enacting legislation, it is necessary to ensure effective control and inspection. For this purpose, control and inspections are carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, coastguard, and other authorised institutions in marine and inland waters, on board fishing vessels, at landing points, retail outlets, cold storages, and along transportation

Fisheries management in Türkiye is based on legislation that aims to improve the sustainability of fishing activity. Here, a small-scale vessel sets off on a fishing trip in the Black Sea.

routes. Infrastructure is being improved to increase the effectiveness of control and audit activities.

Sophisticated vessels boasting power and manoeuvrability are added to the fisheries control fleet every year. In addition, unmanned aerial vehicles and remote sensing systems such as the fishing vessel monitoring system are actively used in inspections.

One of the important developments in recent years is the plan to establish a control and inspection centre with its own institutional structure in the Marmara Sea. This is an inland sea of Türkiye that connects the Mediterranean and the Black Sea through two straits. This feature makes the Marmara Sea an important fishing area and vital for the migration cycle of fish stocks. The new centre for control and inspection activities will serve not only the entire Marmara Sea but also other waters. It will be equipped with the technology necessary to conduct activities such as monitoring, rapid intervention, and

training, and will begin to operate in the coming years.

Digitalised tracking and tracing of vessels, gear, and catches Traceability and registration are also important fisheries management tools. Monitoring and registration are provided through applications such as E-Navigation and E-Transfer, which enable fishing data to be recorded and monitored digitally.

In addition, to prevent the use of fishing gear for illegal fishing, it is registered against a vessel and data on both gear and vessel can be accessed through serial numbers and QR codes. Thus, fishing regulations prescribe not only the protection of fish stocks and the sustainable management of fishing resources but also the economic welfare of fishers. It is an indispensable element of proper ecosystem and human-based fisheries management that any regulation made for this purpose is compatible with scientific, environmental, and social issues.

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TÜRKIYE

The Turkish aquaculture sector has seen impressive growth in production and exports

Future demand will be met from fish farming Surrounded by sea on three sides, Türkiye has an ancient maritime and capture fishing tradition. In addition to shipping and fishing, Turkish waters in the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Black Seas, as well as the Marmara Sea are host to multiple economic activities including marine aquaculture and tourism. The country‘s potential aquaculture production area is close to the total terrestrial agricultural area, and the economic contribution of farmed fish and seafood increases every year.

T

hanks to its size and location and the presence of different ecosystems Türkiye has approximately 530 fish species in its seas and around 380 fish species in inland waters. More than 100 species are economically exploited in marine and inland waters. In 2022, 850,000 tonnes of aquatic products were produced in Türkiye, of which production from capture fisheries was 335,000 tons (39.4), and from aquaculture was 515,000 tonnes. Due to increasing population and growing interest in healthy nutrition, demand for aquatic products is increasing in Türkiye as well as in the world.

Capture fisheries production is unlikely to grow in the future as most commercially important fish stocks are fully exploited, so greater demand must be met from the aquaculture sector.

An industry that brings several benefits Turkish farmed production of marine and freshwater fish and seafood meets the population’s need for healthful, nutritious, and tasty food, creates commercial activity, provides employment, and contributes to the country‘s economy through domestic and foreign trade. Over the last two decades the aquaculture sector has achieved significant momentum. It has increased the number

of cultured species, carried out breeding and development studies, boosted production, ensured the supply-demand balance of aquatic products, protected and supported fish stocks, created new employment opportunities, and developed an export-oriented sector.

Policies governing the sector are designed to foster fish and seafood cultivation by creating a stable legal framework and defining management measures. These studies together with new technological opportunities have led to an increase in aquaculture production and in exports owing to developments in production, processing, and preservation techniques. Production volumes, domestic, and export sales continue to develop promisingly, so the contribution of aquatic products to the country‘s economy is expected to continue to increase every year. Türkiye‘s aquaculture exports, which were 178 thousand tonnes and 1 million dollars five years ago, increased to 251 thousand tonnes and 1.65 billion dollars in 2022 and were sent to more than 100 countries despite the negative effects of the pandemic. The volume and value of exports are expected to exceed these figures in 2023. In contrast, the import of aquatic products in 2022 amounted to 115 thousand tonnes valued at 313 million dollars.

Türkiye is a major exporter of seabass, seabream, and rainbow trout.

Producers regularly attend trade shows to promote their fish with a view to expanding their overseas markets (archive photo).

Seafood exported primarily to EU countries A positive momentum has been achieved in favour of the country in the foreign trade balance of aquatic products. Exports have increased steadily in the last decade and aquatic products originating from Türkiye have been accepted in the world market. It is generally felt that the market advantage enjoyed by seafood from Türkiye is high and that export performance can be increased. Türkiye‘s production capacity, species diversity, production technology, product processing skills in accordance with European Union norms, and geographical proximity to target markets are among the advantages it enjoys with regard to its export performance.

Small and large capacity aquaculture enterprises are spread across every region of the country. The number of vertically integrated groups with their own hatcheries, feed factories, on-growing facilities, product packaging and processing factories, sales and marketing departments is increasing year by year. Thanks to the marine and freshwater production areas available to fish farmers, Türkiye is the world’s top producer of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata) and the second largest producer of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

It is Europe’s largest producer of all three species. In 2022, trout production was 191 thousand tonnes, sea bass production 157 thousand tonnes, and sea bream production 152 thousand tonnes. Türkiye is the

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TÜRKIYE

world’s second largest exporter of seabass and seabream most of which is destined for EU countries.

conditions and is farmed in the country‘s cold water rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

Other species are farmed in modest amounts

The over two-kilogram trout (Salmo labrax), grown on farms and in net cages in the Black Sea and marketed under the name “Turkish salmon”, has been the rising star of the Turkish aquaculture industry in recent years as companies have discovered a ready market for the fish. After twelve months on freshwater farms, trout are kept in sea cages for six to eight months, reaching harvest size in less than two years. While the average size of trout is 250 - 350 grams, Turkish salmon averages between 2 and 3 kg and large specimens can reach 5 kg. Its flesh is dark pink in colour,

Other Mediterranean species such as meagre, sharp snout seabream, common dentex, pink dentex, red porgy, among others, are also cultivated. In recent years, significant developments have been seen in mussel farming. Tuna, which is indispensable for Japanese cuisine, is one of Türkiye‘s important export products. Rainbow trout is the main salmonid species cultivated in Türkiye and is widely grown. It is suitable for the country‘s water and environmental

firm, and very tasty. Turkish salmon producers and the processing sector produce value-added products such as fillets, frozen whole fish, smoked fish, and caviar, appealing to a wide consumer base.

Constant search for new markets Approximately three quarters of Türkiye’s aquaculture exports consist of farmed fish. These products are sought after in world markets due to their high production standards, quality, and taste. But the industry is not resting on its laurels. It is focused on acquiring new markets for its fish by creating awareness and increasing product diversity. Government institutions

and the private sector have worked together to create a road map for the future. This includes projects to develop market range, and to promote the sector. Activities are carried out involving all the stakeholders; the administration, producer and exporter associations, and non-governmental organisations. At trade fairs, for example, a big Turkish pavilion will host representatives from many companies, each with its own booth. They will present their products and organise tasting sessions. All the representatives of the sector work together to ensure that high quality aquatic products of Turkish origin are effectively promoted to visitors to the pavilion in a bid to secure new customers.

Turkish fish breeding for restocking programme has evolved significantly over the years

Fish restocking mitigates losses from biodiversity As in the rest of the world, aquatic biodiversity in Türkiye is under threat from the effects of climate change, the extraordinary rapid spread of invasive species, habitat losses, intensifying industrialisation, increased use of water and wetlands for various purposes, and fishing pressure.

R

estocking is a useful tool to prevent species losses and increase existing stocks.

For this reason, a wide variety of fish breeding programmes are carried out by countries that restock their water bodies. It is estimated that the number of young fish released into nature within the scope of such programmes is between 200 and 500 billion individuals/year.

Breeding programmes have diverse objectives Türkiye’s abundant aquatic resources include 200 natural

lakes, 1,004 dam lakes, 587 ponds, 177,000 km of rivers, and a coastline area of 24.6 million hectares.

There are approximately 10,000 aquatic plant and animal species in Türkiye, including 530 marine fish species and 380 freshwater fish species; half of the freshwater species are endemic. The dams and ponds built for energy, irrigation and flood prevention purposes may restrict the migration routes of some species. The General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is tasked with protecting and developing fish and seafood species diversity

and stocks in Türkiye. The aim is to maintain a source of high quality and healthful protein for the people, especially for those living in rural areas, and to facilitate access to wholesome food. To support commercial fishing, to generate additional income for local fishermen, and to support species under pressure, fish specific to a region are bred to restock them in water bodies in the area.

The first hatchery for fish production was established in the Yedigöller region of Bolu towards the end of the 1950s, with a capacity of 50,000 fish per year. In the

following years, more investments were made and the number of hatcheries producing purely for fish farming purposes was increased to seven in the provinces of Adana, Izmir, Edirne, Elazı , anlıurfa and Amasya.

To meet increasing demand and to carry out scientific aquaculture studies, hatcheries for both marine and freshwater fish have been established in the Fisheries Research Institutes affiliated to the ministry in Antalya, Trabzon, Isparta and Elazı since the 1980s. Today, there are a total of 14 state-owned hatcheries in Türkiye, including freshwater

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fish hatcheries that produce fish for aquaculture purposes, two marine fish hatcheries and one mussel hatchery that is close to completion. In addition, fish at different growth stages can be obtained from the many welldeveloped private sector hatcheries in Türkiye.

Species reared for restocking have multiplied in number Government restocking policy has been steadily updated in the light of advancing knowledge and increasing experience since the 1950s, when the activity first started. Today, fish restocking activities are carried out by focusing only on the species naturally found in a water body, unless it is the mandatory transfer of a species from one water body to another for its protection. In this context, while in the 1980s restocking was mainly carried out with brown trout and carp species, over the years the number

Production of fish for restocking (individuals, all species) Year

No. of fish

2011

28,953,000

2012

28,450,290

2013

31,804,000

2014

30,920,000

2015

31,251,000

2016

40,652,000

2017

40,443,000

2018

39,090,000

2019

34,961,000

2020

30,046,150

2021

61,144,450

2022

89,388,150

2023

104,476,000

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Türkiye

of restocked species has gradually increased. Species whose population was decreasing in nature and those where there was a desire to increase the natural population also became part of the breeding for restocking programme. Currently, species being bred for this purpose include the freshwater species, common carp (Cyprinus carpio), European catfish (Silurus glanis), brown trout (Salmo trutta), European perch (Perca fluviatilis), shabout (Arabibarbus grypus), Tigris scraper (Capoeta umbla), mountain trout (Salmo macrostigma), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), Abant trout (Salmo abanticus), Black Sea salmon (Salmo labrax), Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii), starry sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus), Turkish crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus), and leech (Hirudo verbana) as well as some marine fish, turbot (Psetta maxima), sea bream (Sparus aurata), sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), meagre (Argyrosomus regius), and white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus).

If natural or man-made obstacles prevent the passage of migrating species through water systems, or if fish passages are dysfunctional, fish produced from broodstock collected from nature are placed in the dam reservoirs on the rivers by the companies that build or manage the dams. When the aquaculture law was updated in 2020, it mandated sanctions on unauthorised and illegal fishing to protect resources and biodiversity. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry updated its fisheries policies and increased its production capacity to 100 million fish annually to be able to restock more fish if the need arose. To achieve this increase in capacity, hatcheries were modernised and some switched to closed-circuit production

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Türkiye

TÜRKIYE

Restocking water bodies with fish contributes to rebuilding stocks, helps commercial and recreational fishers, and combats biodiversity losses. Here, a breeding facility for common carp.

systems. In addition, the general directorate established the Fish Restocking Scientific and Technical Advisory Board to manage scientific fish breeding for restocking programmes throughout the country.

Tagging fish to reveal effectiveness of restocking As part of the programme, 11,000 sturgeon individuals from the species listed above were tagged and released into rivers flowing into the Black Sea by the General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture in the last quarter of 2023. Tagged sturgeons caught by fishermen were released back into the sea after the fishermen notified the ministry. These activities will continue in the coming years.

To monitor both the effectiveness of the Turkish fish breeding programme and its impact on the ecosystem, a research project is being carried out to determine genetic diversity in the country’s water bodies. The project has now reached the final stage.

Furthermore, breeding studies have started with the objective of developing common carp strains that grow rapidly in nature. Following on previous studies, in 2024 the general directorate plans to monitor the impact of breeding programmes by tagging fish that are released into the sea and lakes in different regions as well as into 14 reservoirs. Fishers are expected to report catches of these tagged fish along with data on the fish size and location of the catch to the ministry. This will give the ministry information about the growth, survival, and return rates of fish released into nature.

The fish breeding for restocking programme in Türkiye is set to continue considering the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the need to sustainability exploit resources.

Dr Mahir Kanyılmaz Department of Resource Management and Fisheries Structures General Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

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SLOVENIA

Slovenian fish and shellfish breeding is environmentally sensitive

High quality marine and freshwater products Slovenia is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. In addition to freshwater, it has also developed marine aquaculture breeding both fish and shellfish. The total production of marine fish and molluscs in Slovenia amounts to around 600 tonnes per year.

Depuration ensures safety for human consumption The company Prosub d.o.o. currently rears mussels (and oysters as a trial) in the Sečovlje Nature Park, Strunjan, and Debeli rtič.

In addition to investments in breeding lines and work processes, the company has also invested in infrastructure and has established a small bacteriological purification and shipping centre for shellfish, which enables independent sales on the market. Knowing that nature is unpredictable and the product a sensitive live food, all the mussels are bacteriologically purified and shipped under controlled temperature regimes to provide the safest and best quality for the consumer. The company follows

the highest European standards, and its production is present in shops across Slovenia, and is also exported to Croatia, Austria, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria among other destinations. Today exports account for two thirds of all sales. Constant efforts to improve production and business processes, and by learning from its experiences the company hopes to compete in the future with other shellfish farmers in Europe and beyond.

Prosub

W

ith a length of less than 50 kilometres the Slovenian coast is among Europe’s shortest. The territorial sea of Slovenia occupies one third of the Gulf of Trieste in the Adriatic Sea and covers more than 300 square kilometres. In Slovenian waters, 90 hectares of land are devoted to the cultivation of marine organisms, of which 77 hectares are for bivalve molluscs.

These are cultivated at Debeli rtič, in the Bay of Strunjan and at Seča.

Currently, five companies are cultivating mussels in Slovenia.

Seabass and seabream characterised by quality

Mussels from the company Prosub are harvested, graded, and cleaned on board the harvesting vessel.

Slovenia has one marine facility for fish farming where gilt-head seabream and European seabass are reared. The Fonda fish farm is

located in Piran Bay on the southernmost point of the Slovenian sea, and is characterised by clean, deep water and strong sea flow.

At the facility, each Piran seabass bears a mark of origin and a guarantee of quality. This kind of marking, introduced as a novelty

Aquaculture production in Slovenia, 2022 Total aquaculture Subtotal inland aquaculture Coldwater fish Rainbow trout Other diadromous fish Warmwater fish Carp Other warmwater fish

Tonnes

EUR/kg

1642

4.17

1020

5.49

803

6.1

733

5.65

70

10.8

217

3.22

124

3.06

93

3.44

622

2.02

Mussels

520

0.87

Other mariculture

102

Subtotal mariculture

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, Slovenia

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Borut Furlan

SLOVENIA

Seabass and seabream are reared in cages in the Slovenian part of the Adriatic Sea in a natural reserve. Strong currents in the area ensure healthy and sustainably produced fish.

The Fonda Fish Garden, which was established in 2003, is the only Slovenian marine fish farm facility with a specialised approach to the breeding and sale of fish.

It is located in the Sečovlje Salina national reserve in an ecologically typical coastal area of the Piran Bay. From the outset, the company’s commitment to quality, sustainability, competitiveness, and animal welfare has been unwavering. With careful management of fish farming, adherence to industry best practices and strict traceability, the company consistently produces high value and tasty products. The Piran seabass and seabream grown by Fonda are sought after both by local chefs and prestigious restaurants. Key factors contributing to this success include careful selection of juveniles, high-quality feed, manual feeding, and slow growth.

Moreover, the company eschews the use of toxic products that prevent fouling of the nets. Fonda is also the pioneer of a unique

educational tourism programme that has brought the company numerous awards and the prestigious title “Single Experiences of Slovenia”. The programme invites lovers of nature, sea, fish, and food to explore the unspoilt marine environment.

Slovenia has abundant water resources which support about 100 active fish farming facilities, where farmers cultivate different species of fish. More than 90 species of fish live in Slovenian rivers and lakes, of which 33 species are permanently protected.

Native fish species predominate, which is why Slovenia is also considered an excellent fishing tourist destination. About 1,100 tonnes of freshwater fish are bred annually and about 150 people are active in the freshwater aquaculture sector. Most facilities are engaged in coldwater breeding, a minority in warm-water breeding, a handful uses RAS systems, and one works with aquaponics. Some associations of fishermen are responsible for fisheries management in fishing districts on the basis of the Freshwater Fisheries Act. These bodies are also engaged in the breeding of

fish for fishing purposes. Some Slovenian fishing districts are extremely popular among tourists because of their unspoilt nature and the rich fisheries resources, for example the Soča River with the marble trout.

Most enterprises are micro or small enterprises, and for many aquaculture is only a secondary activity. With a few exceptions, all producers sell mostly on the local market. For reasons of economic sustainability, producers often seek added value through processing, offers for tourist, and recreational fishing, among other activities. Currently there are two warm-water fish farming facilities of hot water species and some shellfish production that are officially certified as organic. Most fish farming facilities cultivate fish in classical, streaming concrete raceways, but new closed recirculation technologies are being introduced, where water is re-used several times.

Arne Hodalič

on the Slovenian market, enables the product to be traced back to the point of origin.

Freshwater aquaculture in Slovenia

The Fonda Fish Garden offers tourists visits to its production facilities. This generates extra income and promotes aquaculture to the public.

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Rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, and huchen are among the species farmed at the Goričar aquaculture company, the largest fish farm facility for freshwater fish farming in Slovenia.

Common Fisheries Policy and opportunities under the EMFAF 2021-2027 The way in which aquatic organisms are typically bred also includes care for the environment and is therefore also supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund 2021-2027.

Under this programme, EUR10.5m is earmarked for investments in promotion, innovation, processing, and research in aquaculture.

The investments are intended to modernise fish farming facilities to make them more climate friendly. The EMFAF allows for diversification and therefore also investments in on-farm activities that are complementary to

aquaculture. It supports the transition to organic breeding. A key challenge in cold-water fishfarming establishments will be to ensure an adequate yet ecologically acceptable flow rate: by improving the quality of water (using aerators, nanobubbles, etc.), aquaculture farmers will be better prepared for longer periods of drought caused by climate change. In addition, the construction of new, sustainable, facilities such as closed RAS systems will be promoted in conjunction with investments in energy efficiency, algae-based technologies for wastewater treatment, and biomass production for animal nutrition, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and organic fertilisers. All this will contribute to meeting the

objectives of the Circular Economy Action Plan under the European Green Deal. The fund will also support digitalisation and robotisation (e.g. for storage and on-line monitoring). It will also encourage investments in aquaponics, combining agriculture and aquaculture in a closed water circuit, and algae cultivation, in renewable energy sources, and in initiatives that minimise environmental impact. Most aquaculture takes place in small family-owned fish farming facilities, which are often linked to agricultural or other activities. Such enterprises will have simplified access to funding, for example, without having to submit a business plan, and are encouraged to introduce technological solutions to make better use of natural resources, improve their own products, and sell directly to the final consumer.

These fish farming facilities have a lower production intensity, but at the local level they constitute an important source of good quality food. Through simplifications of this kind the EMFAF will contribute to a clearer, less onerous, more transparent, and more flexible administrative framework, which are also among the key priorities of the Strategic Guidelines for EU Aquaculture.

Fish farmers rear a variety of species As a rule, freshwater aquaculture requires water from a natural source and, when breeding in classic raceways, the water should be flowing. The Goričar aquaculture company is the largest fish farm facility for freshwater fish farming in Slovenia, producing rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, huchen (Danube salmon), Siberian sturgeon and African catfish from eggs. The company also has its own fish processing facility, where the fish is cleaned,

filleted, as well as warm- and cold-smoked. Delicacies, such as various fish spreads, are also produced at the facility. In the future the company intends to add ready-to-cook and ready-toeat fish dishes to its product portfolio. Another planned activity is to offer training programmes with expert tours of the fish farm to show the whole process of breeding—from eggs to market-sized fish. The tours will conclude with fish and fish-product tasting.

In semi-closed and closed recirculation systems, water is reused several times by pumping it through filters and aeration systems, thereby reducing water consumption. The load of waste material on watercourses is also lower with this form of production. There are currently three companies in Slovenia that have RAS systems. Recirculation systems represent a new way of intensively rearing fish, where water enrichment with oxygen, wastewater treatment, and water reuse allow for increased intensity of cultivation. Traditional fish farming using raceways can be upgraded with different recirculation systems by adapting them to the needs of each existing farm or designing a new system based on individual selected components.

From an economic point of view, the use of RAS brings a number of advantages, although there are higher investment and operating costs. Compared to flow-through farms RAS support a significantly higher density of fish depending on the species and size of the fish.

The company Silurus d.o.o. decided to invest in the construction of a recirculation system for the cultivation of African catfish, which is a high quality and relatively uncomplicated fish to raise. The company saw a future in local food production and

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SLOVENIA

Marketing channels for local aquaculture products Local production and short value chains in Slovenia enable a wide range of products on the market (eggs, juveniles, adult fish). At many small fish breeding plants, which are generally located close to consumers, one can choose between different types of freshwater fish. In addition to fresh fish and fillets, many fish farming facilities also offer hot- and cold-smoked fish, minced fish meat, and caviar, among other products. Local production has the added advantage of being very fresh and is of high quality, so consumers can safely make the most of the well documented benefits of fish consumption.

Smaller fish farms mainly sell fish on the local market, while larger ones also sell to wholesalers and to other EU countries The most important species by volume are rainbow trout and brown trout, both of which are known for their taste and nutritional value. Most Slovenian fish farming facilities cultivate trout from juveniles to market size. Fry are purchased

from specialised fish farmers who maintain broodstock for egg production.

Silurus

breeding, especially when based on environmentally friendly breeding principles. The company believes strongly in the highest possible self-sufficiency and sees locally produced food as one way of achieving this, so they are very proud of the investment. The investment was realised with the help of funds from the European Union, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020 (EMFF), and from the Republic of Slovenia.

The facility consumes very small amounts of water and is relatively highly digitised, both in terms of operations and in the monitoring and analysis of various production parameters.

In Slovenian fish farming facilities, fish farmers also grow other species of fish, including marble trout, brook trout, huchen, grayling, and African catfish. Carp is also popular in Slovenia, and is prepared in many different ways.

It is considered the most important farmed fish in warm, lowland ponds, where it is grown in polyculture with other species including pike, a favourite among sports fishers.

Challenges and opportunities of Slovenian fish farming facilities While Slovenia has no shortage of fish farming facilities that provide a fresh, local supply of different species of high quality fish, fish consumption per capita stands at about 11 kilograms per capita per year in contrast to the EU average of 24 kg. Nutrition experts suggest that a healthy diet should include a higher proportion of fish and a lower share of meat products. Production from the domestic aquaculture industry can meet any increase in per capita fish consumption in an environmentally friendly way. Aquaculture also offers undiscovered opportunities for tourism development.

Fish farming facilities can attract tourists who want to learn about traditional fishing methods and taste local fish. One of the tourist attractions is commercial ponds or the possibility of preparing fish at the fish farm facility itself. Another possibility is to stock ponds with fish that are dedicated to anglers and sports fishers. Organising sport fishing competitions could help diversifying income sources. In other

The company Silurus has invested in the production of African catfish using recirculation. This is a robust and fast-growing species and the activity aligns with the company’s philosophy of environmentally friendly local production.

parts of Europe fish farmers offer bird and animal watching, overnight stays, restaurants, and even hunting. Tourism contributes to the local economy and preserve cultural heritage.

New technologies could help mitigate the impact of climate change Slovenian aquaculture has a lot of potential for growth. There is a particular opportunity for organic farming in warm water facilities.

Today, Slovenian fish farming is based primarily on flow-through fish farming systems. Output from such farms depends on the quantity of permitted water abstraction from the watercourse. The primary objective of Slovenian aquaculture is to fulfil domestic demand for fish. This is becoming difficult to accommodate due to increasingly stringent environmental measures, frequent periods of drought or exceptional flooding, and the use of traditional flow-through breeding systems of limited capacity.

Aquaculture farmers are forced

to look for new technologies and to make improvements to existing facilities to achieve greater production capacity.

In addition to the fact that Slovenian fish farming facilities provide quality and tasty fish, they also play an important role in the conservation of natural resources. It is therefore important that consumers support local aquaculture and choose fish that are produced in a sustainable way. To this end, a campaign to raise public awareness of the benefits of consuming local fish and shellfish is being carried out with the help of European funds (EMFF and EMFAF).

Borut Kosi Fisheries Division, Food and Fisheries Directorate Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Dunajska cesta 22 SI–1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia +386 1 478 93 70 borut.kosi51@gov.si www.mkgp.gov.si

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] High prices put a strain on global seafood trade

Proportionately more fish for human consumption From 11 to 15 September 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Subcommittee on Fisheries (COFI:FT) met in Bergen, Norway for their 19th session to discuss global trends in fisheries and aquaculture. One of the focuses of the meeting was current developments in the global fish and seafood trade, which is accelerating after the Coronavirus crisis and is becoming increasingly important.

T

he FAO’s Subcommittee on Fisheries has traditionally addressed important issues such as global trends in fisheries and aquaculture development, IUU fishing (illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing), and marine biodiversity conservation. This year’s meeting focused primarily on developments in the international fish trade. This is about better market access for artisanal fishermen, small businesses, and developing countries, as well as greater social responsibility in the fishing and aquaculture supply chains. Several discussions revolved around the question of how international trade in aquatic products can help the important sectors to get back on their feet more quickly after the economic slumps caused

by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global crises.

The maritime economy and global fish trade are closely linked. Both are of critical importance to the global economy, food security, and the livelihoods of millions of people. It is widely agreed that the economic viability of these sectors can only be ensured through long-term sustainable management that protects and conserves marine ecosystems. Equally important are responsible business practices that ensure the continued existence of a healthy maritime economy and global food system. As everyone knows, fish products are traded not only within a country but also across national borders. Seafood trade is dynamic, influenced by factors such as technological advances,

On the Asian continent, aquaculture already accounts for nearly twothirds (63%) of total seafood production.

While fishing activity increased by an average of 0.3% per year from 2012 to 2021, aquaculture production increased by 3.9% per year.

changing consumer preferences, environmental concerns, and geopolitical developments. In particular, this is not only trade in fresh fish but also processed products such as frozen fish fillets, value-added products, canned fish, and fish meal. The total value of the ocean economy is difficult to quantify, with estimates ranging from $3 trillion to $6 trillion per year. A significant portion is exported. The total export value of all maritime goods (e.g. fish, seafood, ships, and port equipment) and maritime services (e.g. shipping and coastal tourism) will be 1.6 trillion USD by 2021.

These are impressive figures that clearly emphasise the importance

of fishing and aquaculture and the trade associated with it.

Global seafood and aquaculture production reached a record 182 million tonnes in 2021, after two years of stagnation in 2019 and 2020, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the El Niño phenomenon weakening the seafood industry in the South Pacific.

Market analysts also refer to such climate and geopolitical events as “chain disruptions”, which then impact global supply and logistics operations. However, many of the problems and obstacles affecting the global fish trade are man-made. Therefore, the SubCommittee on Fisheries specifically emphasised the importance of transparent, harmonised, and

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] robust trading systems, as defined in WTO regulations. They must be applied consistently and without discrimination. It also means avoiding unnecessary trade barriers. The increasing number of requirements, such as related to hygiene or import paperwork, has had a particularly negative impact on trade in fishery products and aquaculture, especially during the corona virus pandemic.

FAO statistics are the basis of many analyses FAO statistics provide the basis for many analyses and conclusions about global fisheries and aquaculture. It is the only intergovernmental organization responsible for collecting, synthesizing, analysing, and disseminating information on these two areas. Despite occasional criticism of its accuracy, the data is highly relevant because it is the longest time series available for fisheries and aquaculture.

FAO data series shows that total aquatic animal production increased by 20 between 2012 and 2021. While fisheries have achieved an average annual growth rate of 0.3 over the past 10 years, aquaculture has increased

by 3.9 per year and contributed 49.9 to the total global seafood production (mainly fish, crustaceans, and molluscs) in 2021.

However, the share of aquaculture in total aquatic animal production varies significantly between continents. This rate is highest in Asia, at 63. Europe reached 21, Americas 19, Africa 18, and Oceania 14. Aquatic animal products constitute an essential source of income and a driver of economic development in many countries. This is why they are one of the most commercialized foods in the world. In 2021, their commercial value is equivalent to all types of meat from land animals (cattle, pigs, poultry).

A healthy maritime economy therefore offers, especially to poorer developing countries, enormous opportunities to accelerate the adoption of social and environmentally friendly standards as well as strengthen their economic power through fishing sector. Especially since the global Blue Deal has attractive investment opportunities in the fish sector. Therefore, existing trade barriers must be quickly identified and removed so that interested developing countries can gain better access to the

In 2021, high-income countries continued to import mainly highquality and expensive products such as salmon, shrimp and tuna.

global fish trade. The increase in per capita consumption of aquatic foods shows the extent of the influence of international trade on global seafood consumption. While in the 1960s, each person in the world consumed an average of 9.9 kg of fish and seafood (excluding algae), in 2021 this figure was more than double – 20.4 kg! Of course, there are significant differences in per capita consumption between and within countries, both in the quantity and types of products consumed.

Consumption varies from less than 1 kg per capita in Afghanistan, Ethiopia or Tajikistan to more than 80 kg per capita in countries such as Iceland, Kiribati, and Maldives. There are also large differences between continents.

Asia is the country that consumes the most aquatic foods, followed

by Oceania, Europe, America, and Africa.

Fishery trade is of great economic importance Many countries can only access the full range of fish and seafood they desire through global trade.

However, the rate of growth in per capita consumption of aquatic foods has slowed over the years and this trend is expected to

continue. Market analysts have identified the main cause of this situation as the significant increase in fish prices and the decreasing potential for demand growth in rich countries. Except for a few countries, demand here is largely saturated. Statistics show that aquatic protein tends to play a larger role in the diets of low-income countries than in richer countries (23 vs.

13 protein supply). On a global average, aquatic foods contribute at least 20 to the supply of high-quality animal protein for 3.3 billion people.

The EU remains the largest market for imported seafood products.

In 2021, EU imports amounted to $58 billion, corresponding to 34 of global import value (including intra-EU trade transactions).

With a market share of 17 ($30 billion), the United States is the second largest seafood importer, followed by China ($17 billion = 10). Japan has gone through a serious crisis. Until the early 2000s, the country was the second largest importer (in 1995 the share was 32), but since then imports have fallen steadily due to changing diets and a declining population. In 2021, Japan accounts for only 8 of total global imports of

Aquatic products are an important source of income and therefore a driver of economic development.

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] international supply chains. The sharp increase in seafood trade value is not only driven by food price inflation but also reflects growing global demand, supported by the slow recovery of the global economy from the COVID-19 recession.

Salmon dominates the seafood trade in terms of value

Salmonids (trout and salmon) were the largest species group in 2021, accounting for 19% of the total value of international fish and seafood trade.

seafood products. Fishery products are consumed directly as food or used for non-food purposes, for example in the form of fishmeal and fish oil, as animal feed, bait or for medicinal purposes. The Subcommittee on Fisheries considers it a tremendous success that the food share has increased from 67 in the 1960s to about 88 in 2021.

Global fish and seafood trade grew by an average of 6.5 per year between 1976 and 2021.

This expansion has been driven

largely by global economic growth, free trade policies, and technological advances that have helped importers and exporters reach increasingly distant markets. In 2021, global seafood trade reached a record of $177 billion.

Estimates for 2022 suggest the value will increase by about 8, representing a new high of $190 billion. A remarkable success, especially as it was achieved under the pressure of geopolitical conflicts and climate disasters as well as logistical problems that even temporarily disrupted

Asia is not only the largest producer of aquatic foods but also the largest consumer of fish and seafood.

In value terms, high-income countries are again the dominant players in this market in 2021 with 76 of total global seafood imports, but in volume terms their share is much lower at 55. This imbalance shows that richer countries mainly import high-quality and expensive products (such as salmon, shrimp, tuna). However, their share of global imports continues to decline, while lowand middle-income countries gradually increase imports to meet domestic demand, which is growing in line with general prosperity. A prime example of this development is China (a country that currently accounts for 12 of global seafood trade), which is increasingly serving as

both an exporter of seafood and an importer.

Preliminary data for 2022 suggests China may have become a net importer of seafood products by value for the first time in history. China’s seafood imports in 2022 are estimated to reach $27.7 billion (up more than 20 compared to 2021), while export value is $24.9 billion (up 6 compared to 2021). This development is unlikely to have any impact on the global market and could change traditional market shares – at least for some products. In the future, large importers will have to compete more closely with China if they want to meet seafood demand in terms of quantity and quality.

Norway, the world’s second largest seafood exporter, accounted for 8 of relevant exports in 2021.

As expected, this was mainly Atlantic salmon and trout from aquaculture, but also cod from fishing. Vietnam is the third largest exporter, followed by India, which has increased exports significantly in recent years.

As aquaculture production has increased dramatically, farmed

Overall, frozen products, whether whole, filleted or otherwise, accounted for nearly half of total global imports in 2021 (46%).

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] fish, crabs and molluscs, are playing an increasingly important role in the international fishery trade. However, it is impossible to precisely determine how high this proportion is because only a few countries clearly distinguish aquatic products by origin in their trade statistics. Salmonids (trout and salmon) were once again the most valuable species group in 2021, accounting for 19 of the total value of internationally traded fishery products. This development continues in 2022: salmonids export value increased sharply again, while quantity generally remained stable. Historically high salmon prices are a manifestation of growing global demand while production volumes remain too low.

Developments in 2023 are still uncertain, especially in terms of supply, because the main producing countries are currently experiencing serious changes.

Tax rates for salmon producers have increased in Norway and the Faroe Islands, and new

fishing laws are being discussed in Chile, which is why investments in the sector are currently very cautious.

Shrimp price movements are difficult to predict The second most important species group in aquaculture after salmon is crustaceans, especially shrimp, which accounted for 17 of the value of global seafood trade in 2021.

India, Ecuador, and Vietnam are the largest exporting countries, accounting for half of the global shellfish value. The main import markets are the US, China, and the European Union. Estimating the evolution of the shrimp market in 2023 is very difficult because the increase in shrimp production costs in 2022 cannot be fully offset by price increases. As a result, many shrimp farmers did not stock their ponds in the first months of 2023 and in turn,

COVID-19 and the El Niño phenomenon weakened South Pacific fisheries in 2019 and 2020. Many ships remained in port or were at anchor.

this reduced shrimp production overall. It is also unclear to what extent the Ecuador-China trade agreement will impact global markets. It gives Ecuadorian shrimp duty-free access to the Chinese market and has the potential to improve global commodity flows.

As increased shrimp production costs in 2022 could not be fully offset, shrimp farmers produced less shrimp in early 2023.

Most shrimp as well as many other aquatic products are sold frozen on the world market. In the overall balance, frozen products, whether whole, filleted or otherwise, accounted for almost half the total value of all imports in 2021 (46), followed by fresh (24) and processed and preserved products (21). In the long term, the share of fresh products will gradually increase, while ready-to-eat products and canned products (dried, smoked, etc.) will correspondingly lose importance.

The FAO Fish Price Index (FPI), which tracks monthly price fluctuations in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, shows that fish and seafood prices have increased significantly over the years. In nominal terms, FPI increased from 65 points in January 2000 to 130 points in April 2023. Although there was some volatility during this period, the upward trend was still clearly visible. The biggest price increase occurred between 2021 and 2022, when FPI rose 19 in nominal terms. However, this development does not seem to have reached an end point, since in the first four months of 2023,

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] according to available data, FPI increased by 4. The upward trend in seafood prices in 2023 contrasts with the decline in the FAO General Food Price Index, which fell month-over-month after peaking in March 2022. However, the FPI is only an average

value that conceals existing differences between species and between aquaculture and capture fisheries. Over the years, the fisheries sub-index has tended to be less volatile than the aquaculture sub-index. However, in 2022, this trend reversed, which experts

from the Subcommittee on Fisheries explained was due to the instability of the cost structure in different sub-regions on the supply side. A particularly important influencing factor is the development of transport costs, which are still significantly higher than

the levels of the pre-Coronavirus years. According to the United Nations (UNCTAD), transportation costs increased by 50 in 2020 and by as much as 208 in 2021. This increase cannot be offset by a slight decrease of 3.2 in 2022.

Manfred Klinkhardt

A marketing strategy by the Latvian Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics

Revitalising Latvia’s coastal fishing industry In a pioneering move towards the revitalization of Latvia’s coastal fishing industry, the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics (IARE) has unveiled a comprehensive Coastal Fisheries Development Marketing strategy. This initiative aims to address the socio-economic challenges faced by coastal communities and emphasises the need for a more inclusive and supportive approach from national and EU fisheries policies.

T

Vilnis Brikmanis

he Coastal Fisheries Development Marketing Programme is a response to the challenging situation prevailing in Latvia’s coastal fisheries.

The primary culprit is identified as the improper implementation of national and EU fisheries policies. Despite recognising the significance of coastal fishing, these policies often fall short in meeting the diverse needs of coastal communities. Coastal fishing, while remaining a significant employment provider, is frequently sidelined in policies that prioritise production, industrial development, technical efficiency, and market-oriented management mechanisms.

Coastal fishing faces several threats Coastal fishing enterprises are witnessing a decline, particularly in the number of year-round fishers who consider fishing as their primary

The coastal fishery in Latvia must overcome several challenges if it is to thrive in the future. A marketing strategy developed by the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics aims to address some of these.

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] livelihood. Flatfish and round fish including plaice, flounder, cod, salmon, pikeperch, herring, and sprat, constitute the primary catches. However, annual catches are decreasing, and the lack of consumer knowledge about local fish species hampers direct sales.

Coastal fishers often possess basic secondary education supplemented with knowledge passed down within the industry. Fishing primarily employs sustainable methods, and fishermen often engage in additional income-generating activities like fish processing including smoking, and limited tourism. Fishers possess special skills such as manufacturing and repairing fishing nets and equipment, assessing weather conditions, and understanding environmental conditions at sea. They typically show a deep devotion to their land and industry, coupled with a profound respect for nature, and a practical, cooperative approach.

Fishers have ambitious growth plans Coastal fishers’ processing activities are passed down through generations with promotion relying on word of mouth.

Their future development plans include establishing fish processing facilities, tasting and smoking masterclasses, fish kiosks with automated dispensers, brand development, equipment modernisation, additional boat acquisition, guesthouse establishment, freezing facilities, refrigerated store acquisition, and initiation of tourism services.

The Coastal Fisheries Development Marketing Programme sets ambitious goals, including the strengthening of the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga coastal fisheries, preservation of existing coastal villages, utilisation of coastal potential in tourism, enhancement of added value, investment in cultural and historical preservation, promotion of coastal fisheries’ image, and mitigation of seasonal impacts. The

The coastal fisheries logo presented at the launch of the Coastal Fisheries Development Marketing Programme.

strategy outlines a series of activities that aim to develop the sector.

These range from the creation of a website and an app to scientific research, organisation of international conferences, and the establishment of coastal fishing centres and tourism infrastructure.

Development is retarded for many reasons

Coastal fishers often have special skills such as manufacturing and repairing the fishing nets they use in their profession.

The marketing strategy identifies several factors that hinder development of the sector: Coastal industry entrepreneurs lack direct support for business development; consumers have a distorted perception of coastal fishing and the species caught along Latvia’s coastline; coastal fishermen are eager to expand their activities, the integration of coastal fishermen’s catches and processed products, along with tourism, can contribute economically to the entire coastal region; challenges in realizing the fishermen’s role stem from various factors, including a lack of information

about available offerings; coastal fishers, as patriots, aim to preserve their ancestors’ legacy; and the failure to implement EU guidelines advocating measures for the decent living of those dependent on coastal fishing activities.

The implementation of marketing activities will be more effective through collaboration with fisheries and coastal development organisations that unite a significant number of coastal fishermen in Latvia. The lack of a unified platform for the promotion of coastal fishing and the popularisation of caught fish necessitates attention. A comprehensive approach, coupled with a development plan, legislative changes, and collaborative efforts, is essential for the holistic development of Latvia’s coastal fishing industry. IARE will now seek funding to implement its strategy which will contribute to a sustainable and thriving future for coastal communities.

Aris Adlers, aris@eurofish.dk

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[ TECHNOLOGY ] Long shelf life vs colour and taste?

Innovation potential in smoking The preservation method of smoking has a long history, particularly in preserving fish. However, the purpose of smoking has evolved differently across various regions of the world. While the Western world emphasizes taste and colour, the importance of preservation in Asia and Africa is more archaic. This presents a significant opportunity for innovation.

Smoked products not only have a longer shelf life, smoking also affects the texture and degree of hardness, colour, smell and taste of the fish. And it is precisely at this point that opinions differ.

While in the developed industrial countries, where there are uninterrupted cold chains and sufficient cooling facilities in every household, the shelf life aspect of smoking has been pushed further

FAO/Sia Kambou

A

substantial amount of food from fisheries and aquaculture is lost due to inadequate refrigeration, improper processing, or delayed transportation. This wastage of valuable resources not only reduces the income of those involved but also poses a threat to food security in affected regions. These regions are typically characterized by poor infrastructure, inadequate transportation routes, and unstable power supply, making it challenging for producers and suppliers of perishable foods like fish to preserve their products in a simple and uncomplicated manner extending their shelf life and edibility by a few days or weeks.

They often resort to smoking as it requires minimal technical effort, is cost-effective, and can be applied to various types of fish.

Moreover, smoking effectively achieves the desired outcome by combining salt, heat, and smoke to remove excess moisture from the fish, thereby delaying the processes of putrefaction and spoilage and extending the shelf life of smoked products.

Smoking and fish trading are women‘s work in many African countries. In this photo, a woman smokes fish on an oven in the suburban area of Port-Bouet, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.

and further into the background, in the poorer areas of the world it is exactly the opposite. Here the preservative effect is much more important. Strictly speaking, one could even speak of two types of smoking, which have some similarities but different goals. In the Western world it is mainly about the taste, smell and appearance of the smoked products. They should have an intense smoky aroma, but at the same time be fresh and juicy. Both goals are very difficult to reconcile with the classic method of smoking, which inevitably involves a certain degree of drying out of the products. That‘s why smoking in Western countries today is particularly mild and very gentle, so that the products require constant cooling to prevent them from spoiling prematurely. An example of this “subtle” type of smoking, which supposedly

corresponds to the changing taste preferences of consumers, is the cold smoked salmon fillet, which becomes unfit for consumption within a few hours without constant cooling.

Smoking is intended to replace cooling Smoking serves a different purpose in various regions, particularly in Africa and Asia, where it is utilized as a means of preservation.

While factors such as colour, smell, and taste still hold some significance (as customers do have preferences regarding the quality and appearance of smoked products), the primary focus is on ensuring durability. This is especially crucial in tropical and subtropical climates where adequate cooling is not readily available. The stark contrast between smoked fish

from these regions and those in the Western world is evident. The former is comparable to traditional products like smoked bloater or red herring from North America, which undergo days of smoking and can last for months. Smoked fish from Asia or Africa tends to be extremely dry, rigid, and often dark brown or black due to charcoal smoking. While European smoked fish typically loses around 10 to 15 percent of moisture and weight during the smoking process, fish in poorer countries can lose up to 40 percent, or even half, of their initial weight. Consequently, these smoked products bear little resemblance to the original fish. However, they are widely accepted in the market and are often preferred due to their retained nutritional value and high level of microbiological safety in the prevailing climatic conditions.

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[ TECHNOLOGY ] of the smoked product, although this effect is minimal in modern conditions and does not provide long-lasting preservation. Additionally, certain substances in the smoke combine with the fish‘s fat and are deposited on its skin and fillet. This creates a thin protective layer on the surface, which prevents the fish from drying out further, influences its odour and taste properties and slightly increases the preservation effect.

In Africa, fish are often smoked over charcoal, which gives them a blackish colour and dries them out significantly, ensuring a long shelf life.

Different regions of the world have varying interpretations of the term “smoking”, although the underlying processes share some similarities Smoking is a highly intricate and demanding procedure, with the final outcome being influenced by numerous factors that cannot all be controlled as desired. The process begins with the preparation of the raw fish through salting. The smoker can choose between dry salting (either by machine or by hand), brine salting, or injection salting, all of which have a significant impact on the quality of the end product. The type, quantity, distribution, and composition of the salt, as well as the duration of the treatment, also affect the characteristics of the initial product before it is exposed to the smoke generated by smouldering wood and plant materials.

The smoke itself can be considered a “black box” as it contains over 400 different substances that are formed during the incomplete pyrolysis of the smoking wood.

Throughout the carbonization process, a wide range of gaseous, liquid, and solid substances are produced, including phenols and organic acids, carbonyls (such as aldehydes and ketones), alcohols and esters, as well as aerosols

consisting of minuscule solid particles (such as soot and metal oxide particles). The specific composition of the smoke mixture is variable and heavily dependent on the production process and the materials used for smouldering.

The composition of smoke is influenced by the type of smoke production Smouldering smoke is produced at temperatures ranging from 500 to 800°C. This differs from flameless friction or friction smoke. The latter is milder as it is produced at a lower frictional heat of 350 to 400°C when a solid block of wood is pressed onto a rotating metal wheel. Steam smoke, on the other hand, is produced using superheated water vapour and also falls within a similar temperature range. In steam smoke, the concentration of harmful pyrolysis products like tar and ash is significantly reduced. The smoke produced can be utilized for both hot smoking, typically done at temperatures between 65 to 85°C, and cold smoking, where the smoke is cooled to 15 to 25°C. During smoking, the preparatory salting and the application of heat cause a partial dehydration and “drying out”

In the past, smoke was typically generated directly beneath the food being smoked, with the fish suspended above the smouldering flame. This is why it was called a “smoke oven”. This traditional smoking method in woodfire smokers is still practice today and is widely used in Asia and Africa as the standard way to preserve fish. The technical requirements for this method are minimal. In its simplest form, a grill grate is placed over an open flame, and the fish is positioned on top so that it is surrounded by the rising smoke. While this process is inexpensive and effective in preserving the fish, it offers limited control over the smoking process. One of the most significant advancements in smoking was the separation of smoke generation from the chamber where the food is hung for smoking. This innovation allowed technology developers to manipulate and treat the smoke in various ways, removing harmful substances such as soot, ash, or charcoal before they reach the smoked food. Since then, technology manufacturers have taken full advantage of this option. The modern smoking and curing systems found in small artisanal and large industrial smoke houses in industrialized countries are now fully automated and computercontrolled. These systems bear little resemblance to traditional smoking methods.

Modern smoking is now a high technology Electronic controls are utilized to maintain the optimal climate within the smoke house for the desired products. The smoke produced by the smoke generator is carefully regulated, and, if necessary, mixed with fresh air, cooled or heated, dehumidified, or supplemented with additional humidifying steam. Fans are employed to continuously circulate the smoke-air mixture throughout the chamber. In certain systems, the air roller is moved back and forth over the food being smoked, ensuring consistent and even smoking results in all areas of the chamber.

Sensors are constantly monitoring the smoking conditions, and any deviations from the specified limits are promptly corrected. As a result, the smoked fish not only possesses a delicious and succulent flavour, but is also healthier compared to traditional smoked products.

In numerous regions across Asia and Africa, the adoption of advanced smoking techniques still has a long way to go. This is primarily due to the relatively high costs associated with modern smoking technologies, as well as the local population‘s preference for traditional smoked products. Even immigrants who have resided in Europe for an extended period often hold the smoked products from their countries of origin in higher regard than locally smoked fish. However, they can only acquire their preferred products through private means. Officially, the European Union prohibits imports of African smoked fish due to it surpassing the permissible limits of Western standards for certain parameters. This is not surprising, as the smoking conditions are rarely inspected by local authorities. Smoking is predominantly conducted outdoors in

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[ TECHNOLOGY ]

In Europe today, smoking is much milder and gentler than before, but this weakens the preservation effect and requires constant cooling.

various locations such as beaches, small farms, and nearly every village. It is the women who primarily undertake this responsibility, dedicating numerous hours to overseeing the fish laid out in charcoal smoke. Unfortunately, this occupation poses health risks as the women, and often their children, are exposed to smoke containing carbon monoxide, NOx, and other carcinogenic compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Many women suffer from eye and skin irritations, as well as respiratory diseases, due to the smoke. Despite the immense personal effort invested, the quality of the smoked fish is subject to significant fluctuations. Changing wind conditions can impact the process, leading to fish contamination or spoilage during sudden rain showers.

New smoking technologies address well-known issues There was therefore an urgent need for improvements to this extremely primitive type of smoking. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has been tackling this challenge since 2008 with funding from the European Union.

It was evident from the beginning

that the outdated smoking method needed improvements in terms of ease of use, consistency, and effectiveness. Equally important was the need to reduce health risks for women involved in smoking. In collaboration with local authorities and institutions, FAO experts have developed a new smoking oven called the Thiaroye Processing Technique (FTT). This innovative oven builds upon the traditional method but delivers significantly better results. With FTT technology, more fish can be smoked in less time, resulting in higher quality products that fetch better prices in the market. Comparative tests between traditionally smoked fish and FTT-smoked fish have confirmed these advantages. Moreover, FTT ovens require approximately twothirds less smoking wood, making the process more cost-effective.

Additionally, the FTT technology reduces dependence on weather conditions and minimizes workers‘ exposure to harmful smoke.

As a result, several new products have already been developed based on this smoking technology, creating additional marketing and earning opportunities.

FTT technology represents a significant breakthrough in the smoking industry due to its ability

to reduce operational expenses and enhance overall economic efficiency. Moreover, it enhances product quality and safety while simplifying the work process for staff members. Originally derived from Africa, this smoking technology has been extensively tested and adopted in numerous countries, particularly in South-east Asia. However, it is important to note that FTT smoking technology is not the sole innovation in this sector, as there are other alternative concepts available.

For instance, researchers from Uganda‘s National Agricultural Research Organization‘s technical department have developed a smoker that operates using biomass briquettes. This project was part of an initiative funded by the International Development Research Centre of Canada, in collaboration with Carleton University Ottawa. Initially, the development team experimented with solar and charcoal drying methods before focusing on designing a double-walled drum smoker insulated with rock wool. The prototype was designed with wheels and removable components to facilitate easy transportation when relocating the device. However, the final design of the drum oven was achieved during a two-day workshop, where fourteen industry representatives, including fish smokers, participated. This workshop resulted in the creation of the Irorunde drum smoker, which was officially unveiled in December 2022. The name “Irorunde” is said to signify “ease in smoking” in the Yoruba language, spoken in this region of the country.

Biomass briquettes can replace expensive smoking wood The Irorunde in comparison with traditional smoking methods commonly practised in various regions

of Africa clearly demonstrates the advantages and improvements brought about by the use of biomass briquettes. The typical shortcomings and inadequacies of traditional smoking include, in particular, the long smoking time (the smoke is not collected but immediately evaporates into the air over the open fireplaces), high wood consumption and a lack of control options during the smoking process. Moreover, both the smokers and the consumers of smoked products are exposed to significant health risks due to the presence of carcinogenic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are produced when wood is burned for smoking.

However, for a long time the use of plenty of wood when smoking seemed indispensable because it ensures the intense, rich brown colour of the fish, which is one of the most important reasons for buying smoked fish among African consumers.

However, efforts are being made to replace traditional fuel wood with more suitable alternatives.

For instance, a student research project in Nigeria successfully developed biomass briquettes using sawdust, water hyacinth, and charcoal dust. Acceptance tests conducted during a workshop revealed that smoking products made with these biomass briquettes were highly rated in terms of appearance and taste, making them marketable. This indicates that there are serious endeavours and initial achievements in enhancing traditional smoking methods in Africa and Asia. Although the progress made so far is limited, the improved knowledge and techniques will be widely disseminated through step-down training courses, regional demonstrations, training programs, and the internet in the future. Manfred Klinkhardt

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UKRAINE

Ukraine’s aquaculture business: Impacts of Russia’s war against Ukraine

When an adventure becomes a life’s work and passion The Vilshanka farm is located in Cherkasy region in central Ukraine between the Vilshanka river estuary and the right bank of the Dnipro river. During Soviet times, the facility belonged to a collective farm, and when Ukraine gained independence, several attempts were made to re-organise the farm’s production, though without success. The facility was privatised at the beginning of 2000, and Oleg Ponomarenko, Vilshanka’s CEO, joined the company in 2010. The new leader's main tasks were to increase the farm's productivity, renovate and automate fish farming processes, and breed new species of freshwater fish.

This is the fifth in a series of articles in the Eurofish Magazine dedicated to seafood businesses in Ukraine and how they work and survive during the war.

Frame-patterned carp is the major species in focus An economist by training, Mr Ponomarenko did not know much about aquaculture. Offering him a job, the major stakeholder in Vilshanka said that the property was huge and underdeveloped, and something had to be done about it. “What to grow, and how to grow it?!”, recalls Mr Ponomarenko. “I went to Kyiv and bought 4,000 fingerlings of Siberian sturgeon, bester, sterlet, Russian sturgeon—between six and nine grams—and dropped them into a small pond… This was a pure adventure, but there was no way back!”

Today, Vilshanka has a full-system pond farm with semi-intensive production on a total area of 1,066 ha, including six growout ponds with a total of 104 ha, eight wintering ponds with a total of 18 ha, three rearing ponds with a total of 86 ha, and 800 ha of estuary for restocking and harvesting. In addition, the company has a fish feed production unit which fully satisfies the farm’s demands.

The major species farmed is frame-patterned carp, which is a variety of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) developed through selective breeding. The fish has mirror-like scales around the edges of the body, which form a kind of frame. Frame-patterned carp was chosen for its good taste and small number of scales, which makes the cooking preparation easier. Carp grows in polyculture with pike, grass carp, and pike-perch, and reaches a commercial size of 1.5-2 kilos in two years. The company has its own broodstock and a hatchery.

The annual production of carp is about 200 tonnes.

The range of farmed species also includes sturgeons: Siberian, sterlet, and bester. Four years ago, says Mr Ponomarenko, we decided to introduce paddlefish and already before the New Year we had our first harvest: four-year old fish weighing 8 kilos. Currently, we have about four tonnes of paddlefish and we plan to establish a broodstock to close the production cycle. Vilshanks also produces sturgeon caviar—the roe is gently extracted from the fish without damaging or stressing it.

Oleg Ponomarenko, CEO of private joint-stock company Vilshanka.

The company employs 21 persons working full-time and seasonally hires 10-15 people extra. Through cooperation with universities in Kyiv and Bila Tserkva, Vilshanka also hosts interns, mainly students studying aquaculture.

Dealing with local sales and local mentality All Vilshanka’s fish is sold live from the farm gate. In the past,

there were attempts to cooperate with retail chains, but their demand was 100-200 kilos one to two times a week—too low to remain solvent, and too much effort compared to the benefit.

Today the company works mainly with third parties that further distribute the production around the country. Vilshanka also sells to a regional processing plant, where fish is cut into fillets and sent frozen to Canada and the US. The

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frame-patterned carp is in high demand due to its quality and taste—regular tests of the water and pond bottom soil, and highquality feed ensure flesh of the right density and free of the taste of slime and mud. The company also carries out the genetic selection process aiming to increase the yield by obtaining a smaller head and tail and to minimise the volume of intestines, so the fish body would look like a small plate.

Vilshanka is also known as a resort.

The company offers a recreational facility with cottages and a restaurant located on a 20 ha pond, where recreational fishermen can come solo or with family and friends—to fish, eat, and enjoy life. It took Mr Ponomarenko a significant effort to change these fishermen’s attitude: during the

Soviet era, people thought that what belonged to a collective farm also belonged to them, and for private properties in the postSoviet era poaching is a major problem. Now the locals near Vilshanka show more respect and they are given a chance to fish at the resort for a reasonable fee.

Life persists despite the ongoing war At the beginning of the war there was no understanding of what the future might bring, explains Mr Ponomarenko. We had a lot of undergrown carp of about 600 grams, so we stocked them in ponds without understanding what would happen next.

We were running out of fish feed and there was a lot of uncertainty whether we would be able to feed

Black caviar from Vilshanka: so far 70 kilos have been produced, but this is only the beginning.

our fish in the future. However, he had to do it, as there are several villages in the area, and a home for elderly people, and all the people living there needed food.

Those days there were a lot of refugees coming into the area. Many of them just jumped in their cars as they were – no extra clothes or food, sometimes with only two litres of gasoline in a plastic bottle to refuel. Vilshanka accommodated refugees in the resort facility’s cottages, helping people with necessary supplies and sometimes with jobs. Surrounding villages also sheltered a lot of refugees, and the farm supplied them with free fish. The company also donated fish to canneries and never denied those knocking on its door.

One hectare of pond area provides around three tonnes of fish.

Despite the turbulence, Vilshanka persists: in 2022-2023 two cultivation ponds and two wintering ponds were constructed, and measures are constantly taken to improve the state of the ponds and water quality. It is important to move forward, says Mr Ponomarenko. I cannot just drop something I paid for with 14 years of my life. We have to produce food, we have to pay taxes

to the state, and provide jobs to people—and I feel responsible for it.

Having a job during the war is important not only from an income point of view. One of Vilshanka’s employees whose son is fighting in the war said that the job helps her to take her mind off constant stress and worries, and to be useful instead. That is how to survive in wartime.

Can a war teach anyone anything?

Sure, says Mr Ponomarenko. The war taught me to value life, time, and people. The war has shown the true face of people and filtered out quite a few bad apples from our surroundings. Before the war we could postpone things till “tomorrow or after tomorrow”— these days we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so we try to do as much as we can now, today.

While we are alive, we have to keep moving forward without thinking about tomorrow, without thinking if the war will end tomorrow or not—there’s still no way back.

Aleksandra Petersen aleksandra@eurofish.dk

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T he FISH INFOnetwor k (FIN)

The FISH INFONetwork (FIN) consists of seven independent partners who cover all aspects of post-harvest fisheries and aquaculture. Fifty national governments have signed international agreements with the different FIN services and are using the expertise of these services to develop the fishery sector worldwide.

The FIN pages are a regular feature in the four network magazines - INFOFISH International, - INFOPESCA Internacional, - EUROFISH Magazine - INFOSAMAK Magazine They present the FIN-wide spectrum of activities, showing actions and results.

The FIN has more than 70 full-time staff and works with more than one hundred international experts in all fields of fisheries.

Through its link from FAO GLOBEFISH to the FAO Fisheries Department, it also has access to the latest information and knowledge on fisheries policy and management issues worldwide.

The execution of multilateral and bilateral projects is one of the main activities of the network. It is also widely known for its range of publications and periodicals as well as for the organisation of international conferences, workshops and training seminars. All eight services offer different possibilities for co-operation with the private sector, institutes, government offices and donors.

For more information on the FISH INFONetwork visit the website http://www.fao.org/in-action/globefish/background/fishinfonetwork/en/.

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News

Eurofish prepares for its annual governing council meeting The Eurofish Governing Council 2024, the annual meeting of member country representatives to the organisation, will be held on 1 and 2 February at the Eurofish offices in Copenhagen. As at each governing council, Eurofish staff will report on the activities carried out by the organisation the previous 12 months (2023) and present the draft programme of work for the coming year (2024). The last year saw some changes in the organisation including the addition of two new staff members hired to work on some of the projects that Eurofish has won.

Members of the governing council are representatives from the relevant ministries in the organisation’s 13 member countries and they are expected to take a keen interest in the benefit activities planned for their countries in 2024. In addition, they will be asked to review and approve various administrative documents. The event will be leavened with presentations on offshore aquaculture technology, coastal fisheries and their development, and the future of pond aquaculture by speakers from within and outside the organisation.

New COFI Sub-Committee on fisheries management to focus on sustainability, biodiversity A new global fisheries management body will work on best practices and approaches for the effective management of fisheries resources, and improvements in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) methodology to estimate the state and health of the world’s marine fish stocks. The fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, the promotion of adaptive responses to the climate crisis, and mainstreaming biodiversity was also on the agenda of the COFI Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management’s 15-18 January 2024 meeting, with a specific focus on small-scale fisheries.

Over 500 million people globally depend, at least partially, on fisheries for their livelihoods - nearly half of them women when considering the whole value chain. While 65 percent of fish stocks were within biological sustainable levels, 35 percent were estimated to be at unsustainable levels - a proportion that has been increasing since the 1970s. The COFI Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management’s main functions are to provide technical and policy guidance on fisheries management, identify global challenges and opportunities, and promote collective solutions to ensure the environmental, economic and social sustainability of a sector that is crucial for global food security and nutrition.

COFI, a Technical Committee of FAO, is the only global inter-governmental forum where

FAO/Camilo Pareja

[

At its inaugural meeting the COFI SubCommittee on fisheries management discussed adaptation to climate change, and biodiversity, as they relate to small-scale fisheries.

major international fisheries and aquaculture problems and issues are examined and recommendations addressed to governments, regional fishery bodies, NGOs, fish workers, FAO Members and the international community. The Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management will identify and discuss major trends and issues in fisheries management that require measures and make recommendations to the Committee on Fisheries to help advance implementation of the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and achieve the vision set out in FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-31

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[ for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. COFI already has two other subcommittees: one on aquaculture and another on the fish trade. With the creation of the SubCommittee on Fisheries Management, there is now a third sub-committee entirely dedicated to sustainable fisheries management.

During the session, Members reviewed methodological updates to FAO’s State of Stocks Index (SoSI), which has been published every two years since 1971 and presented in FAO’s flagship The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report since 1997. FAO is the only organization mandated to collect such statistics worldwide. The proposed updates aim to enhance transparency, geographical coverage, and measurement accuracy to better reflect changes in dominant species, stocks and fisheries practices and align with reporting initiatives and requirements.

European Price Report for January 2024 is available online After the Christmas rush, the European fish market came to a standstill in January 2024, which is a normal feature for this time of the year. Demand is slow, and prices have declined from the high levels reached in December 2023. The recent tense developments in the Red Sea are likely to have a strong impact on fish trade in the world market; significant increases in price levels are expected, after the normalization that had characterized the second half of last year. The export value of Norwegian seafood reached an all-time high in 2023, worth NOK 172 billion. This equates to 39 million seafood meals being served every day, throughout the year. In fact, 2023 was the best value year ever for Norwegian seafood exports, recording a rise of NK 20.7 billion (+14 percent) over 2022. Seafood is still one of Norway’s most sought-after global trade goods and has firmly established itself as the country’s second-largest export product, behind oil and gas. The January edition of the EPR is available at https://www. fao.org/3/cc9461en/cc9461en.pdf.

FISH INFONETWORK ]

The FISH INFOnetwork GLOBEFISH Fishery Industries Division FAO Viale delle Terme di Caracalla I 00100 Rome, Italy Tel.: (+39) 06 5705 6313/5059 Fax: (+39) 06 5705 5188 globefish@fao.org www.globefish.org

SELECTED PARTNERS European Commission (DG MARE); FranceAgriMer; Iceland; Bord Bia, Ireland; ANDA, Morocco; Norwegian Seafood Council; Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Republic of Korea; Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Spain; Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Managment; Seafish, UK; ASMI, USA

INFOPESCA Casilla de Correo 7086 Julio Herrea y Obes 1296 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay Tel.: (+598) 2 9028701/2 Fax: (+598) 2 9030501 infopesca@infopesca.org www.infopesca.org

MEMBER COUNTRIES Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Columbia, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Venezuela

INFOFISH 1st Floor, Wisma LKIM, Jalan Desaria, Pulau Meranti 47120 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia Tel.: (+603) 8064 9169 / 9305 Fax: (+603) 8060 3697 infish@po.jaring.my www.infofish.org

MEMBER COUNTRIES Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand

INFOPECHE Tour C -19éme étage, Cité Administrative, Abidjan 01 Cote d'Ivoire Tel.: (+225) 228980 / 213198 / 215775 Fax: (+225) 218054 infopech@africaonline.co.ci

MEMBER COUNTRIES Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

EUROFISH H.C. Andersens Boulevard 44-46 DK-1553 Copenhagen V Denmark Tel: (+45) 333 777 55 Fax: (+45) 333 777 56 info@eurofish.dk www.eurofish.dk

MEMBER COUNTRIES Albania, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Turkey

INFOYU Room 203, Bldg 18, Maizidian Street, Chaoyang District Beijing 100026 P.R. China Tel.: (+86) 10 64195140 Fax: (+86) 10 64195141 infoyu@agri.gov.cn

MEMBER COUNTRIES China

INFOSAMAK 71, Boulevard Rahal El Meskini 16243, Casablanca, Morocco Tel.: (+212) 22 540856 Fax: (+212) 22 540855 infosamak@onp.co.ma www.infosamak.org

MEMBER COUNTRIES Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Iraq, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen

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AIPCE-CEP works to optimise condition for EU fish traders and processors

EU fish and seafood import ratio creeps ever higher AIPCE-CEP represents the European fish and seafood processing and trading sector, an industry with a turnover of EUR31bn spread over 3,300 companies with some 116,000 employees1 across the EU. The organisation safeguards its members’ interests at a time of challenging geopolitical developments such as the war in Ukraine and the aftermath of Brexit. The EU is the world’s biggest importer of fish and seafood products. These are processed and sold within the EU or reexported creating a dynamic and global market.

However, the EU is highly dependent on imports making it vulnerable to pressures over which it may have little control. And this dependency has been increasing over the years. Katarina Sipic, Secretary General of the organisation, speaks here about some of the issues the sector faces and how AIPCE-CEP contributes to resolving them.

EU Fish Processors and Traders Association (AIPCE) and European Federation of National Organizations of Importers and Exporters of Fish (CEP) were established in 1959 and collaborate based on a Co-operation Agreement, creating AIPCECEP. The association represents 19 EU National Associations from 12 Member States and 3 National Associations in Third countries (the UK, Norway, Morocco). What are the main benefits for these stakeholders from being members?

AIPCE and its sister organisation CEP are among the longest established of all EU trade associations, with a long track record of representing member interests to the EU institutions and other relevant bodies, including the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and regional fisheries organisations. Together they provide a strong collective voice for the processing and trading sectors. Our role has grown exponentially with the regulatory dynamics in Brussels in the recent years, notably following the establishment of

the Common Fisheries Policy. Through our component national associations we have a very wide reach across all major commercial interests and provide a forum for the exchange of views and expertise on issues of shared concern, for example in relation to sustainable stock management, access to raw materials, consumer information, regulation of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fisheries, traceability and corporate due diligence. We are in the process of producing an overarching Sustainability Manifesto looking at the reduction of adverse environmental and climate impacts across seafood supply chains.

We are aware that regulations concerning seafood and fish industry are constantly changing to ensure safe, healthy, and nutritious seafood while protecting consumer interests.

Robust safety assessments and regulations are necessary to minimize risks and develop technologies in a socially acceptable way. What is role of AIPCE-CEP in this process

Katarina Sipic, Secretary General, AIPCE-CEP

1 Turenhout, M.N.J., Melgaard Jensen P., Keller M., Schimke A., Kuyk A., Short M., Sipic K., 2023. Finfish Study 2023. AIPCE-CEP report, Brussels

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and how it is contributing to its implementation?

Product safety, traceability, labelling and wider consumer information are critical concerns for all our members. Equally important are responsible sourcing, efficient processing, and the promotion of fair and ethical labour practices across supply chains. Our role is to promote best practices in this respect and work towards ensuring the rules and regulations that allow for innovation in technologies that can improve safety, the competitiveness of the industry and bring stakeholders together.

EU sanctions on Russia and Russian countersanctions prevent European exporters from supplying goods to Russia and block the import of Russian raw materials into Europe.

What impact have these measures had on the EU fish processing industry and how has it responded? How does AIPCE-CEP assist its members in these circumstances?

Geopolitical developments impact business and supply chains. This is one of the market parameters beyond our control.

Specifically concerning Russia, the sector will face new challenges from January 1, 2024, when we lose preferential tariffs on raw materials of Russian origin. The EU northern market relies heavily on Russian Alaska Pollock, for which there is no equivalent alternative, as well as Cod. This is expected to have a significant impact on the industry in 2024. Furthermore, there are vessels that have not yet been approved by the EU. We need to work on solutions. For a sector that relies on external sources of raw material, up to 68 according to data from 2022, these

are serious concerns. We try to engage with EU institutions in order to mitigate this impact.

This has proved to be a challenging task.

Fraud in the global seafood industry is widespread with some estimates of incorrectly labelled fish being as high as one in three. What does AIPCECEP know about the extent of this issue in the EU and what measures does it take to minimise deliberate or accidental misreporting of fish?

The harmonized implementation of EU regulations, rules, and guidelines and associated control measures at both Member State and EU level are vital for our sector. A level playing field in the market is essential for our businesses, the sector’s health and image. Globally, we work with complex supply chains and connections to economies that, in various instances, may not adhere or have the capacity to adhere to our established rules. Diplomatic efforts and investments in less developed economies are crucial for both regulatory and standards alignment. This remains a longterm concern, and significant efforts are continually invested in addressing it. We support the Commission with information relevant for free trade and other agreements that take these issues into consideration. We aim to exchange relevant information on international level to assist our businesses in operating optimally and in accordance with our standards on safety, ethical practices and care for the environment as best as possible. The EU has sound regulations and border controls and can be seen as a frontrunner in this respect.

The seafood processing industry varies greatly in terms of

The EU is highly dependent on imports of seafood for its consumers, so it is vital that supply chains function smoothly. Here, imported salmon waits to be smoked at an EU processor.

the size and sophistication of companies: from large, highly automated establishments to small family-run businesses, where the work is all done by hand. The challenges faced by the companies must also be very different. How does AIPCE-CEP equitably represent such diversity?

ensure that EU legislations take account of the challenges posed by a lack of human resources or finances of small businesses. We advocate for providing tools to smaller companies to navigate the market, and we support any guarantee of help, such as smart loans or similar investments, for these businesses.

Large and sophisticated companies play a crucial role in this context. They can set examples with practices that smaller businesses should be able to follow, at least as a form of guidance.

SMEs in Europe count for 99,8 of all enterprises. Policy makers are aware of this. Our role is to champion and promote best practices and in parallel to

The use of environmental certification in the fish processing industry is growing as Europe increasingly focuses on sustainability. The variety of standards to which a product can be certified is confusing for companies and consumers alike. What is the AIPCECEP policy on environmental certification, and how does

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The European Commission is pushing for greater circularity in the economies of the EU Member States, whereby raw materials are used as completely as possible, and the generation of waste is minimised.

How does this philosophy manifest itself in the European fish processing sector and how does AIPCE-CEP contribute to achieving these objectives?

A wide assortment of products at a fishmonger's will usually include fish from within and from outside the EU.

it encourage its members to invest in these labels?

Our role is primarily to provide information on the development of legislation in this respect, as well as to disseminate and exchange good practices. Additionally, our aim is to contribute to clarity and work towards the harmonization of rules in a market characterized, as you mentioned, by a wide variety of standards.

It is the market that will set the rules, prompted by consumer demand for environmentally friendly and ethically produced goods. The retail sector will seek assurances from suppliers that align with consumer demands.

Therefore, more than encouragement, what is essential is assisting companies to afford certification and operate in alignment with regulations. Another important matter to consider here is the affordability of a final product.

What impacts have increased energy costs and higher interest rates had on the European fish processing sector? What measures are companies taking to reduce their consumption of energy? Have higher interest

rates caused firms to defer investing in plants, machinery, and energy-saving? What will this mean for the industry in the long term?

In common with other food industry sectors, seafood companies have been heavily impacted by recent rises in energy, finance and other input costs. This has inevitably been reflected in lower trading margins, not least in order to assist consumers with cost of living pressures and to maintain market share. That in turn has impacted investment plans.

The Commission demonstrated responsiveness and effectiveness in mobilizing financial aid to help companies weather the Covid19 crisis and the consequences of the Russian aggression in Ukraine. This was very welcomed by our companies, especially the smaller ones. Overall, the postCOVID market for seafood has been encouraging, showing great potential. In the long run, crises should make us more resilient and, hopefully, better prepared to face adverse events in the future.

Significant positive initiatives emerged from these crises, as for example focusing on mechanisms that enhance our food security and improve crisis management.

Minimizing waste is a global priority, and waste management is a global issue. It should be a part of the responsible practices of any business or private individual. Circularity in economies has led to the creation of new products, the emergence of new market niches, and the generation of new jobs. It has been one of the driving forces for innovation. The challenges in view of new and smarter trends in the market persist for smaller businesses; how does a small business align to new and smarter trends with minimal resources?

Our role is, once again, to champion and disseminate good practices and work to ensure that small businesses receive the necessary support, guidance, and investments to cope with and embrace changes and innovations.

What evolution in products and marketing has AIPCE-CEP noted over the last three years with reference to the fish processing sector? What strategies does AIPCE-CEP implement to foster innovation and adaptability within European fish processing companies?

The concept of sustainability, its implications, and the visible consequences of climate change have led to the most significant evolution in products and marketing.

We are increasingly aware of our responsibilities in this regard and are more committed to driving

sustainability across seafood supply chains. AIPCE is presently updating its sustainability manifesto in collaboration with some of the leading companies in this sector. While the costs associated with sustainability efforts are high, there is also a high level of awareness of their absolute necessity.

The fact is there is little or rather no alternative to taking responsibility for our environment and respect of human rights. Then there are economic matters; maintaining profitability and competitiveness on a global scale is in a delicate balance and it is our concern to preserve this balance. Internationally, we compete for this protein. This is not to be underestimated. Either wild caught or farmed, seafood is the most internationally traded of all food products and a primary source of protein, with excellent nutritional values, for over 2 billion people around the world, as well as a vital part of a healthy and affordable diet for many more.

While the processing industry is highly fragmented, its most important customers, the retail chains, are relatively consolidated. What impact does this difference have on negotiations between a processor and a supermarket?

Can AIPCE-CEP play a role in strengthening the hand of a processing company during such negotiations?

As a trade association with strict competition compliance rules, it is not our role to become involved in individual commercial negotiations. But we are concerned with issues of fairness in supply chains and ensuring that markets are properly regulated. While SMEs are numerically the largest players, major processors operate at EU and international level and have considerable economic weight in their own right.

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DIARY DATES 14-15 May 2024 Aquaculture UK Aviemore, Scotland Tel.: +44 1453 836363 carvonio@divcom.co.uk www.aquacultureuk.com

14-15 February 2024 AquaFarm* Pordenone, Italy Tel.: +39 0434 232 111 pdeodorico@fierapordenone.it https://www.aquafarm.show/en/

11-13 September 2024 Polfish * Gdansk, Poland monika.pain@mtgsa.com.pl https://polfishtargi.pl/en/

19-23 February 2024 Fish Forum Antalya, Türkiye fishforum2024@gfcmonline.org https://www.fao.org/gfcm/fishforum2024/en/

25-27 February 2024 fish international * Bremen, Germany Tel.: + 49 421 3505 260 info@fishinternational.de fishinternational.de

18-20 June 2024 Seagriculture * Torshavn, Faroe Islands Tel.: +31 85 401 73 97 info@dlg-benelux.com https://seagriculture.eu

28-29 June 2024 Aquaculture Congress 2024 Defining a Resilient Future Athens, Greece Tel.: +30 210 9219 948 info@ambio.gr www.aquaculture-congress.com

5-7 March 2024 North Atlantic Seafood Forum Bergen, Norway Tel.: +47 481 14 196 andre@nor-seafood.no nor-seafood.no

10-12 March 2024 Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America Boston, USA Tel.: +1 207 8425504 customerservice@divcom.com www.seafoodexpo.com

23-25 April 2024 Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global * Barcelona, Spain Tel.: +1 207 8425504 customerservice@divcom.com www.seafoodexpo.com

26-30 August 2024 AQUA2024 * Copenhagen, Denmark mario@marevent.com www.was.org

4-6 September 2024 Seafood Expo Asia Singapore Tel.: +1 207 8425504 customerservice@divcom.com www.seafoodexpo.com

18-20 September 2024 IceFish * Kópavogur, Iceland ttattum@mercatormedia.com Tel.: +44 1329 825335 https://www.worldfishing.net/icelandicfisheries-exhibition

1-3 October 2024 Conxemar * Vigo, Spain Tel.: +34 986 433351 conxemar@conxemar.com https://conxemar.com/es/feria-conxemar-2023

10-12 October 2024 Future Fish Eurasia* Izmir, Turkey +90 212 347 10 54 info@eurasiafairs.com www.eurasiafairs.com

10-12 December 2024 AlgaEurope * Athens, Greece Tel.: +31 85 401 73 97 info@dlg-benelux.com https://algaeurope.org/ * Eurofish will be attending

A d d y o u r e v e n t t o w w w. e u r o f i s h . d k

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