Eurofish magazine 4 2017

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August 4 / 2017 C 44346

August 4 / 2017

International Congress on CLIMATE CHANGE AND FISHERIES

ISSN 1868-5943

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM 08:00-09:00 h. REGISTRATION. Centro Social AfundaciĂłn. Policarpo Sanz 24-26, Vigo.

09:00-09:40 h. OPENING 09:40-10:50 h. SESSION I: CLIMATE CHANGE AND FISHERIES: EVIDENCE AND EXPECTATIONS

10:30-10:50 h. PANEL DISCUSSION

Eurofish Magazine

09:45-10:00 h. Impacts on Ecosystems and Fisheries. John Pinnegar, Director of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation, CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture) UK 10:00-10:15 h. Expectations for markets and trade. StefanĂ­a Vannuccini, Senior Officer, FAO 10:15-10:30 h. Challenges for Managers and Policymakers. Poul Dengbol, Fisheries Management and Coastal Community Development, Aalborg University. Denmark

10:50-13:45 h. SESSION II: REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES – PRIVATE SECTOR AMERICA 10:55-11:10 h. USA. Nicole Kimball, Vicepresident Pacific Seafood Processors Association 11:10-11:25 h. Chile* 11:25-11:40 h. Peru. Darío Alvites, Director of Human Consumption Committee, Sociedad Nacional de Industrias

11:40-12:10 h. COFFEE BREAK 12:10-12:25 h. AFRICA. South Africa. Madoda Khumalo, Strategic Services Executive, Sea Harvest 12:25-12:40 h. OCEANIA. New Zeland*

EUROPA 12:40-12:55 h. UE. Myron Peck, Professor Biological Oceanography and Fisheries Science, Hamburg University 12:55-13:10 h. Norway. Norwegian Seafood Council* 13:10-13:25 h. Iceland*

13:25-13:45 h. PANEL DISCUSSION 13:45-14:45 h. LUNCH

Estonia

14:45-16:10 h. SESSION III: CLIMATE CHANGE AND FISHERIES: RESPONSES AND OPPORTUNITIES 14:50-15:05 h.

15:05-15:20 h.

15:20-15:35 h.

15:35-15:50 h.

Resource Management Responses. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)* Responses from NGOs. MarĂ­a Cornax, Policy and Advocacy Director. Oceana Climate Change and Trade. Aik Hoe Lim, Director Trade and Environment Division, World Trade Organization (WTO).* FAO approaches and adaptation toolboxes. Audun Lem, Deputy Director of FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and Resources Division, FAO

FLAGs assist ďŹ shers to rethink their business models

15:50-16:10 h. PANEL DISCUSSION 16:10-17:15 h. SESSION IV: FINANCING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE Rabobank* World Bank* African development Bank. Samba Tounkara, coordinator of ClimDev Special Fund OCDE. Simon Buckle, Head of the Climate, Biodiversity and Water Division

17:15-17:30 h. SUMMING UP Arni Mathiesen, Assistant Director-General Fisheries and Aquacuture Dep., FAO

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17:30-17:50 h. CLOSING SESSION

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16:15-16:30 h.

16:30-16:45 h.

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SUCCESS project holds mussels workshop in Cattolica Trade and Markets: Global trends in shellďŹ sh is a member of the FISH INFO network

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In this issue

Cooperation among fishers is a valuable outcome of the FLAGs Estonia’s eight FLAGs (Fisheries Local Action Groups) from the last programming period have continued in to the next one (2014-20). These groups of local partnerships featuring industry, civic bodies, local administrations, NGOs and others are formed in response to specific needs within a region. They contribute to creating employment and improving the working conditions of fishermen. The FLAGs have assisted fishermen in adding value to their products by processing the fish rather than just selling the fresh product on ice, ports have been renovated and upgraded, facilities have been established for chilling and freezing. Coastal fishing is a seasonal activity and FLAGs have also helped the fishers to diversify their activities and earn an income throughout the year. Equally importantly, the FLAGs encourage cooperation between fishermen, an otherwise notoriously individualistic tribe, because in the long run this collaboration will contribute to making the variety of activities carried out by the FLAGs self-sustainable. Read more from page 36 Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) is a balanced ecosystem-based management approach to aquaculture that involves growing multiple species from different trophic levels to reduce environmental impact and improve economic stability. IMTA will lead the aquaculture industry away from its risky monoculture model, particularly in the western finfish industry.

Circular in nature, it requires efficiently using both catabolic and anabolic aspects, as well as adopting an Integrated Sequential Biorefinery (ISBR) model that recognizes species’ values not only for their biomass and trade worth but also for their ecosystem services. IMTA should expand to larger spatial and temporal scales by basing its management on an Integrated Coastal Area Management (ICAM) strategy. By adopting IMTA, businesses may see long-term profits, through optimizing the overall performance of combined species rather than peak production of any one species. Regulations must be enforced to enable this shift toward ICAM and establish practices that take a more holistic approach to aquaculture. Read Dr Thierry Chopin’s article on page 59 The North Atlantic Seafood Forum, together with International Cold Water Prawn Forum and Norwegian Seafood Council featured the International Shellfish Event, which highlighted the challenges of decreasing consumption of shellfish and the decline in cold-water prawns in comparison to the dominance of warm-water prawns. The event offered n vision into the complex worlds of shellfish species highlighting new trends and ability of shellfish industry to adapt to the volatile markets. The main issues the industry faces now are adjusting to consumer expectations regarding preparation time, consumption occasions, and practicality, as well as effectively integrating shellfish into the sushi business. Read more on page 63 A mussels workshop in Cattolica organised by NISEA, a Salerno-based economic research institute specialising in fisheries and aquaculture, described some of the constraints facing the sector in Italy. Competition for space due to a lack of spatial planning, different local level interpretations of national legislation, and fragmentation of the industry are some of the issues that prevent an increase in production. A case study from SUCCESS, an EU project, that was presented at the workshop, threw light on some of the other bottlenecks facing the sector, including instability of the environment in which the mussels are grown, the difficulty obtaining licenses for new sites, and the lack of organisation. Addressing these challenges as well as focusing on greater value addition are among the ways to develop the sector and make it more profitable. Organic certification was another possibility that was mentioned, although it was pointed out that higher prices for organic mussels do not always materialise making the value of the investment uncertain. Read more on page 56

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Table of News 6 International News

Events 16 Icefish, 13-15 September 2017, Reykjavik Iceland’s technological showcase 17 Seafood Expo Global, 25-27 April 2017, Brussels Novelties rub shoulders with traditional products

18 Mislov controls the entire value chain from catch to final product 18 Cromaris – Demand for organic products is skyrocketing 19 AquaPri’s pike-perch production is now up and running 20 Hanters catches, processes, and delivers sprats and herring

20 Kaija makes the tough transition to western markets

22 Gamma-A markets its products with attractive packaging 22 Huntfish product nominated for Prix d’Elite 23 Baader Food Processing Machinery Filleting and trimming with only one machine

24 Marel Intelligent portioning of boneless white fish fillets

25 Rudolf Maass + Partner High-speed slicing of frozen fish fillets 26 Overseas Group spreads Italian spirit through its seafood 26 Antonius Caviar creates a reputation for premium Polish caviar

28 Contimax showcases diversity in its product assortment

28 Evrafish looks to meet more buyers for salmon products 29 Sturgeon Producer Organization works to replenish wild sturgeon population in Polish rivers

30 Seamor looks to expand beyond Polish roots

30 Polish seafood company specializes in hand-peeled shrimp 31 Kolobrzeska Fish Producers Group faces decreasing cod quotas and flounder catches 31 Copemar is one of the first to innovate with on-board freezing 32 Defrosting systems for frozen fish and other products 32 Polfish, June 2017, Gdansk A compact, exhibitor- and visitor-friendly show

35 Slow Fish, May 2017, Genova Working to change consumer attitudes to seafood

Estonia 36 Estonia takes over the presidency of the EU Council for the first time Finding the right compromises is crucial 37 Officials in the Ministry of Rural Affairs contemplate a self-sustaining fisheries sector Falling support levels encourage new thinking

4

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Contents 39 Ecofarm is investing heavily in value addition Convenience products for the Estonian market 42 Läänemaa FLAG is putting 10-year strategy into action Local efforts for long-lasting benefits 44 Pþlula Fish Rearing Centre monitors and stocks salmon in Estonia Securing the future of wild salmon (CC BY-SA 3.0) Map based on https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Location_European_nation_states.svg

by Hayden120 and NuclearVacuum

47 Latikas processes locally caught freshwater fish as well as imports Creating new products from old species

49 Kallaste Kalur processes freshwater fish for domestic and export markets Existing processing unit gets a new owner 50 Peipsimaa helps increase tourism Increased marketing for Lake Peipsi 52 Fisheries Information Centre A broad network of information exchange 54 Construction of new fish meal factory underway A successful collaboration among three POs

Projects 56 The cultured mussels industry is highly fragmented in Italy How to boost the Italian mussel farming sector?

57 The first workshop hosted by the SUCCESS project in Cattolica, Italy

Aquaculture

Worldwide Fish News

Belgium

page

14

China

page

10

Croatia

page

Denmark

pages

Ecuador

page

14

Italy

page

6

Norway

pages

Poland

page

8

SE Asia

page

15

Spain

page

12

Turkey

pages

7

USA

pages

8, 11

6

12, 13

9, 10

59 Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture – the constraints and opportunities in its development Mainstreaming IMTA calls for regulatory change

Trade and markets 63 Cold water prawn struggles to compete against its warm water counterpart Finding the right niche for cold water prawns

Service 65 Diary Dates 66 Imprint, List of Advertisers

Scan the QR code to access the Eurofish Magazine website (www.eurofishmagazine. com), where you can also sign up to receive the Eurofish Magazine newsletter.

Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Italy: Tuttoseafood beneďŹ ts from over 80,000 visitors Italians eat more fish than the average in Europe: 25 kg per person every year, compared to the European average of 23 kg. So, it’s little surprise that Tuttofood 2017, the Milano World Food Exhibition held at the Fiera Milano fairgrounds from May 8 through May 11, devoted an entire sector to seafood – Tuttoseafood.

Set up within the agrifood hub, which integrated specialised areas ranging from fruits and vegetables to wine and from nutrition to next-generation agrifood technology, Italian and international exhibitors at Tuttoseafood had the opportunity to benefit from a growing attendance of more than 80,000 professionals; of the attendees, 23 were visiting from 141 different countries, of which 45 were from outside Europe.

The manager of the Iceland stand, Stefano Aloisio, praised the high attendance rate of their stands and hopes to contribute more to the product innovation he witnessed at the exhibition, adding that for the next event in 2019,

“we’d like to bring a special that bakes fish batter live.�

An even more effective presence in this segment was granted to Blue Sea Land, an International Expo of Agrifood Districts in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa, which is held annually in Mazara del Vallo, Sicily. In addition, besides a partnership with Blue Sea Land, initiatives were taken to increase the presence of specialised buyers from Italy and abroad. Special training sessions, meetings workshops, and cooking shows were held in the Tuttoseafood Academy, Tuttofood’s dedicated training area for seafood professionals. Increasing international integration with the Italian seafood market may foster more trade across cities and help the problem of fragmentation among Italian ports, which can get extreme in the region north of the Adriatic. A growing transnational and international network and increased communication among these fish markets could motivate more Italian vessels to sail to ports

During the Milano World Food Exhibition, cooking shows were held in the Tuttoseafood Academy.

in Croatia or Slovenia, previously considered too far.

This year, the Academy also presented a dense show-cooking program in cooperation with the Milan Province Chefs Association, which brought to the exhibition all the expertise and glamour of the best of the Milanese culinary scene.

Seminars focused on such specialised themes, such as handling perishables during a time of evolving

customer habits. Food trends, such as the increase demand for cooked fish fillets over chilled fish, reflect society’s changing values all across Europe; consumers are now looking for convenient and time-saving foods to cook.

The next Tuttofood edition will be held at Fiera Milano from May 6 to May 9 in 2019. For more information on Tuttofood, visit www. tuttofood.it.

Croatian and Italian governments agree to close Jabuka Pit The Jabuka Pit has been an area under continuous debate for the governments of countries bordering the Adriatic Sea. Considered one of the rarest deep-water ecosystems in the Adriatic, the area was reopened recently in 2016 by the Italian government, right after it was closed the year before, due to pressure from trawlers. The pit is an important habitat for demersal species, particularly valued for its European hake, deep-water rose shrimp, and Norway lobsters. While it contributes heavily to the total output from the Adriatic Sea, which produces 50 of all Italian fishery products, catch 6

has dropped 21 over the last decade due to overfishing. Due to bottom-trawling, fish stocks and biodiversity of the habitat have been steadily declining; hake is fished at five times the sustainable level, and Norway lobster catches by Italian fishermen saw a drop by 54 over five years. To preserve the health and sustainability of the pit, after months of discussion, Croatia and Italy have come to an agreement to ban fishing near the area from September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2020.

This decision was a result from a proposal presented in February by

MedReAct and the Adriatic Recovery Project to enforce the sustainability of Adriatic fisheries. It is supported by scientists, officials from the fishing sectors, and NGO’s in both participating countries.

However, according to MedReAct, there is still much to be done by the European countries and the EU to further rid harmful practices and subsidies around the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. The negative effects of bottom-trawling, the most widely used fishing practice in the industry, is widespread, especially as vessels are now venturing into deeper waters to search

for new stocks. Trawling nets are dragged along the sea bed, collecting everything in its way, including fish, coral, and sponges. In 2014, Italian fleet trawling caused accidental catching of 20,000 sea turtles, most of which probably suffocated to death. Moreover, sediments exposed to bottomtrawling are shown to have lower amounts of organic matter, an important food source for the growth of benthic organisms. On World’s Ocean Day on June 8, MedReAct brought attention to these harmful effects in its callto-action, directed toward the EU: “Mare Nostrum or Mare Martum?�

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Turkey: Producers increase output of sea bass and sea bream One of the world’s largest producer of sea bass and sea bream, Turkey has seen a significant increase in demand in its international consumers, particularly in the US, Middle East, and Asian markets. This is predicted to offset the growth in production, as many major Turkish companies are driving up their output goals for this year. Kilic, Turkey’s largest bass and bream producer, aims for 45,000 tons of bass and bream, which is a 10 increase in total fish production when combined with its increase in outputs of bluefin tuna and rainbow trout.

Group Sagun, a combination of six companies that works in aquaculture, seafood production, exportation, and importation, has also increased its production

goals to 15,000 tons, after its acquisition of Tabaoglu at the end of 2016. According to Vice President Ogulcan Sagun, however, the low sea temperatures in the recent months have prohibited the company from achieving their target growth rates for sea bass and sea bream, and prices have fluctuated upwards as a result.

The increase in output in Turkish companies is causing problems for Greece, one of its main competitors in the bass and bream market. The attempted coup in Turkey last July caused a decline in tourism and devaluation of the Turkish currency, the lira; Turkish fish farmers then turned to exporting their products at an even lower price,

The decrease in the Turkish lira has increased exports of sea bass and sea bream.

starting a rivalry with Greek aquaculturists, 85 of whose output goes toward international markets as well. Moreover, Turkish exporters have been accused of unfair competition because the government

finances air transportation of sea bass, which is illegal in Greece.

However, Greece is expected to receive a heavy wave of tourism this summer, which may alleviate some of the stress on its bass and bream market.

THE

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TECHNOLOGIES FOR FISH FARMING AQUACULTURE WORKSHOP

Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ]

The second indoor aquaponics farm, formed from a collaboration between Pentair and Urban Organics, has been opened in St. Paul, Minnesota. The 87,000-square foot facility will be able to produce 125 tonnes of fish and 215 tonnes of organic produce annually, using sustainable, natural fish production and farming techniques. It will be housed in a newly converted Schmidt Brewery plant in East St. Paul, Minnesota. The farm grows green and red kale, arugula, romaine, and lettuce, Swiss chard, and bok choy alongside Atlantic salmon and Arctic char. It uses an advanced water filtration technology developed by Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems to separate high nutrient, warm plant water from low nutrient, cold fish water.

The plant water is nourished by

concentrated fish waste, creating a system that runs year-round and uses less than 2 of the water used in traditional farming. The farm also uses LED lighting to further reduce energy use, especially during the cold, dark Minnesotan winters. By early 2018, it is expected to be already running at full capacity, which is 10 times larger than the first facility opened in the same town in 2014.

In addition to its service of customers and warehouses across the Midwestern United States, Urban Organics is also bridging a unique partnership with HealthPartners hospitals to make its products accessible to patient meals, cafeteria salad bars, and retail take-out locations.

A leader in self-sustaining urban agriculture, Urban Organics is

Pentair.com

USA: Second indoor aquaponics farm is opened

Aquaponics could contribute to feeding a growing world population sustainably.

innovating the field of aquaculture, expanding its farming techniques to accommodate for a growing world population and increasing demand for fish protein that is free of antibiotics and other chemicals. By addressing the inability of natural fish production to satisfy consumer needs, Pentair hopes that their partnership

with Urban Organics will prove to be a viable solution to a larger global food shortage. David Haider, co-founder of Urban Organics, believes that this will be not only an important development in the local market for fish and greens but also a beneficial application of the aquaponic model to other locations in the future.

Poland: Advanced cold storage system raises Polish standards Built in 2014 at the entrance to the inner port in Gdansk, Poland, Coldstore has 10,000 square meters of storage and office space dedicated to handling fish and fishery products in temperature-controlled conditions. The advanced infrastructure features 30,000 pallet locations supported by the Warehouse Management System (WMS), which uses unique barcodes that allow full traceability of the stored cargo.

The cargo is stored in four cold storage chambers with a fivelevel racking system, a design that saves storage space. The company also makes an extra effort to support sustainability and protect the environment, minimizing energy losses through heat recovery and implementing eco-friendly practices, such as LED lighting and waste segregation, in its everyday 8

business activities. Coldstore is positioned at the international transport hub of the pan-European transport network (TEN-T) next to DCT Gdansk, the biggest container terminal in this part of the Baltic. Moreover, its location in the duty-free zone of the port ensures that it can optimize the conditions for customs and fiscal costs, and its Value-Added Logistics service reduces costs of product delivery for its clients. Due to its direct access to the quay and reefer vessels, the facility also provides efficient services for cargo intake and outtake operations for trucks and containers.

The strategic location as well as special infrastructure and systems make it a unique, modernized cold storage facility that is setting new standards in Poland.

Located at the entrance to the inner port in Gdansk, Poland, in a dutyfree zone next to a huge container terminal, Coldstore’s facility is strategically positioned to provide efficient services to its customers.

For instance, it is the only port facility in Poland to be certified with the BRC S&D standard, as well as to have its own comprehensive set of quality standards, such as IFS Logistics, ISO 9001,

and others. It is also the Poland’s first Veterinary Border Inspection Post that is permitted to handle delivery of fishery products to and from third-world countries by sea vessels.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Norway: PSMA signatories meeting in Oslo addresses illegal ďŹ shing As part of an FAO-brokered international treaty, the member parties of the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) gathered for their first week-long meeting in June. The meeting aimed to define the responsibilities of the member states, international bodies like the FAO, and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations. It also tackled the debate of how best to publicize and exchange information between all concerned port states and regional authorities when violations of the treaty occur.

Adopted in 2009 and put into force just a year ago, the treaty involves 46 parties, making up more than two-thirds of the global fish trade.

While it includes larger nations like the USA, the agreement will also provide smaller member states such as Albania and Cuba with the resources necessary to carry out their similar duties of patrolling the seas; Japan and Montenegro are scheduled to join next month as well. The PSMA establishes a set of rules that fishing vessels must obey to obtain port access to the involved states. Such terms include proof of a proper operating license, and transparent disclosure of species and quantity of fish caught, along with identities of all personnel onboard.

Assistant director-general for fisheries and aquaculture for the UN

FAO, Arni M. Mathiesen calls the PSMA an indication of a “real sea change in the international community’s commitment to combat IUU fishing in a concerted and joint manner.� IUU fishing, which stands for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing, is estimated to account for up to 26 million tonnes of product a year, and links directly to illegal trafficking, labor abuse, and slavery in global marine communities. The PSMA is the culmination of a huge diplomatic effort to counter IUU, and signals progress toward achieving the FAO’s Sustainable Development Goal 14, which aims to end IUU fishing by 2020. By uniting an international community

to actively work on protecting marine resources and encourage sustainable fishing, the FAO hopes to improve livelihoods of fisherman along with food security of coastal communities.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] China and Norway collaborate to develop world’s ďŹ rst offshore ďŹ sh farm In early June, the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIS) sent the Ocean Farm 1, a semi-submersible, automatic aquaculture support vessel, from its port in Qingdao to undergo biological and technical testing in Frohavet. Developed by SalMar’s Ocean Farming, Ocean Farm 1 is the world’s first offshore fish farm, capable of farming up to 1.5 million fish, with a death rate of under 2. Built to resist winds of up to 36 meters per second, the massive structure is 250,000 cubic meters and weighs 7,700 tons. It contains automatic machinery to perform deep-sea fishing, fish feeding, releasing, and cleaning; it also monitors the environment and has adjustment systems to account for deep-sea positioning and light differences.

All operations can be done on board, by only three to seven employees.

The research and testing done in Frohavet will initially focus on the biological conditions necessary to sustain healthy fish. The project is a result of a multi-disciplinary collaboration among SalMar, CSIS, and other technology companies including Kongsberg Maritime. Egil Haugsdal, President of Kongsberg Maritime, upholds this project as a gamechanger in the aquaculture industry that serves to “meet the challenges of accelerating population growth.â€? According to Haugsdal, the world needs to produce 70 more food by 2030, and the production of animal protein from aquaculture takes less resources and has a smaller environmental footprint compared to livestock. The new development in fish farming comes at a crucial time for the salmon industry, when salmon consumption is three times higher than it was

in 1980, and sea-lice infestations have prevented many traditional fish farms in Norway, the world’s largest producer of salmon, from reaching their projected output goal last year.

SalMar has signed with CSIS to develop five additional similar fish farms in the future. China also sees Norway as a highly compatible partner, with their similar

economic goals and capacity for technological development, particularly in their offshore oil and gas industry. Xing Houyan, expert committee member of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade states that they hope to continue the collaboration in pursuing intelligent marine aquaculture along with other sustainable fisheries and ship building technologies.

Norway: Government approves new system that could eliminate sea lice The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries has approved four licenses for Marine Harvest to develop their new closed containment “egg� system. Developed in collaboration with Hauge Aqua, the “Egg� is a new concept for a salmon pen that aims to eliminate sea lice as well as prevent particulate matter from being released into the marine environment.

Sea lice are a prevailing problem in the salmon industry worldwide. The small marine parasites feed on the skin and blood of salmon and weaken their health and growth. Five percent of the salmon-farming sites in Norway have reported incidents of sea lice, while in Irish and Scottish fish farms the problem affected 10

18 and 49 of the sites in 2015, respectively, and numbers have been growing since. The Norwegian salmon farming industry spends ₏316 per year on chemical treatments to ameliorate the problem, through fresh or warm water baths, hydrogen peroxide bleach, and antibiotics. Steve Bracken from Marine Harvest, the largest producer of Scottish salmon, estimates that the company is losing around 1,500 tonnes of fish every year. Sea lice epidemics continue to increase the price of salmon; the Scottish Salmon Company from Edinburgh has reported that production costs per kilo of fish rose by almost 30 in a year.

The “Egg� concept by Marine Harvest is designed to “solve a number

of challenges the industry faces today and also reduce the costs related to these,â€? according to a Marine Harvest spokesperson. It represents a major technology shift that could overcome both biological and environmental challenges. Each “eggâ€? structure would significantly reduce the sea lice problem and run at about 1.3 times the current stocking density used in traditional open net pen cages. Marine Harvest had planned that the â‚Ź62.4 million project would comprise fourteen “eggâ€? systems, rather than four.

The company intends to appeal the decision of the Norwegian government to reject the remaining ten “eggs�, in the hope of increasing the scale of the project so it is large enough to be worth testing.

Sea lice are a persistent and growing problem in the salmon industry worldwide affecting up to 50% of farms in some countries.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] USA: Study publishes effects of climate change on endangered freshwater ďŹ sh California Trout (CalTrout) and University of California, Davis, Center for Watershed Science recently published an update to their 2008 report, State of the Salmonids, with new information and a much graver outlook for the state of California’s freshwater fish. Titled “SOS II: Fish in Hot Waterâ€?, the study reported an 81 increase in level of concern, revealing that 45 of California native salmon, steelhead, and trout species face extinction within 50 years if no action is taken. The state fish, the golden trout, has decreased from a population of 40,000 in the southern Sierras, to less than 2,600 in the past 50 years; many other fish are also estimated to be

extinct within the next century if the trend continues.

The study attributes climate change and man-made threats that force the fish to adapt to such a rapidly changing environment, causing many populations to decline. Human activity is polluting nearby waters, creating harmful algae blooms, and reducing the amount of cold water available to freshwater fish. Inland species are being threatened by alien species, human fires, and hatcheries, while anadromous species are being prevented access to their traditional spawning grounds because of dams. Rising sea levels and increased

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Updated research shows 45% of California native salmon, steelhead, and trout face extinction within 50 years due to rapid environmental change.

ocean acidification also degrade estuarine and lagoon habitats, affecting fish life cycles and productivity levels. To improve conditions for native fish, the

study calls for fish managers and the California community to be aware of the changes made by increasing human stressors. It focuses on restoring meadows

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Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Smith and Eel Rivers. The study also suggests adopting use farming techniques that more closely resemble natural systems, like a

rice field in the Yolo Bypass in Central Valley that mimics flood plains. According to CalTrout, preserving the natural diversity

Denmark: Grant to reduce environmental impact of ďŹ sheries and aquaculture sector The Danish parliament has approved a â‚Ź129 million subsidy that will be used for the development of the maritime and fisheries sector between 2018 and 2020. The EU will finance 70 of the amount. The support will be spent on investments in on-board equipment, vessels, and improvements to the conditions of the working environment. Investments in vessels aim to improve safety, environmental-friendly technology, and catch quality for the fishermen, with â‚Ź7.0 million specifically allocated toward coastal fishing.

This decision should support job creation and bring more life to harbors and coastal communities around the country.

Esben Lunde Larsen, Denmark’s Minister for Food and the Environment, remarked how important it was that the government could agree on a deal that would “put the wind in the sails of both large fishing vessels and also small trawlers,� giving both kinds of business access to modern technology with a smaller environmental impact. Because of the support, fishermen will be

able to apply for grants for technology like coverless trawls that can catch flatfish while releasing cod, and new fishing gears that will let them fish clear of the seabed. Grants used to boost agriculture total up to ₏3.3 million; they are available for investments in waste water treatment plants, new models of farming installations, and new methods to improve animal health and welfare. Mr Larsen sees great potential in the Danish aquaculture and predicts that the production of fish and shellfish will grow 20 by 2020.

and health of the California’s marine life will in turn reflect the overall wellbeing of the Californian community.

Kim VadskĂŚr

that act as water reservoirs for rain runoff, spring-fed creeks, coastal marshes, and highly productive river ecosystems, like the

Denmark’s Minister for Food and the Environment, Esben Lunde Larsen, wants to ensure “wind in the sails of fishing vesselsâ€? through a â‚Ź129 million subsidy.

Spain: New method to evaluate adult blueďŹ n tuna population in the Mediterranean Researchers have developed a method to assess the population of adult bluefin tuna using the analysis of their larval population. Currently the estimates of bluefin tuna stock status comes from catches from commercial fishing fleets, called the biomass of the breeding stock, and sometimes can be unrepresentative of the actual population. The new method will provide estimates independent of data collected by these fishing fleets.

The method will analyze the larval of bluefin tuna, which form within 48 hours after hatching and grow into juveniles a little over 1 cm. Plankton nets can be used to survey areas, such as the Balearic Sea, where adult bluefish tuna congregate to lay their eggs. This data will be combined with the variability of the environmental 12

and ecological conditions of the breeding grounds to determine more accurately the status of the adult bluefin tuna population.

This research is the result of interdisciplinary work and collaboration among the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, the Balearic Islands Coastal Prediction and Observation System, and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Researchers used information about the bluefin tuna habitats previously published by the magazine Deep Sea Research Part II, which presented fishery independent indices of bluefin tuna larvae in the Western Mediterranean Sea. The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) plans to incorporate this new method to assess

Rather than assessing the tuna population on catch data researchers will try to analyse larval stocks in breeding grounds.

East Atlantic bluefin tuna stock in the Mediterranean; countries actively involved with the bluefin tuna industry include Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Malta, and Cyprus.

Better technologies to evaluate

stock status would also improve the potential for international control measures and long-term sustainable management of the stock, which was recently heavily over-exploited and is now on the recovery.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Danish exhibition is a focal point for European ďŹ shing industry DanFish brings together a diverse cross-section of services and products for the international fishing industry to their exhibition at Aalborg, located at the crossroads between fishing in the north and major fish-consuming markets further south. The available exhibition space is close to being sold out, with this year’s exhibition hosting more shipbuilders than ever. More companies are investing in building new vessels to take advantage of healthy fish stocks, growing quotas, and higher demands for seafood.

Two Danish yards, Karstensens SkibsvĂŚrft in Skagen and VestvĂŚrftet in Hvide Sande, have busy years ahead, with customers

in the UK, Ireland, Norway, and Denmark. What is noticeable about these yards is that they have stayed with the fishing business through the slower years, developing their designs to meet the needs of the changing industry in terms of delivery and quality requirements. This loyalty has built longstanding customer relations that are rewarding them with the impressive orderbooks we see today. “DanFish is one of the top fishing exhibitions, and with it taking place practically in our back yard, of course we will be there. We will be looking to meet our old customers - but hopefully also new ones,â€? commented Kent Damgaard of Karstensens SkibsvĂŚrft.

In addition to the Danish shipbuilders, the exhibition has attracted shipyards from Norway, Turkey, Spain and the Baltic region, reflecting the growing demand for yards that build new vessels and yards specializing in repair, steelwork or refit work. Some of them are attending DanFish for the first time, showing their increased confidence in the fishing industry. In addition to shipbuilding, the exhibition will be a focus for every facet of the fishing industry, from smallscale fisheries to the deep-sea sector. Building successfully on its central position at the entrance to the Baltic, DanFish showcases the most international participation of all the fishing industry exhibitions in Europe.

Increasing participation at Danfish by both first-time and returning visitors from all around the world reflects a growing, international confidence in the fishing industry.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Ecuador: BioMar expands into shrimp market through acquisition BioMar Group recently acquired 70 of Alimentsa, the fourthleading shrimp feed manufacturer in Ecuador. Shrimp was the largest business sector within the global aquaculture that BioMar yet to venture deeply into; however, once approved by competition authorities in Ecuador, this acquisition will set BioMar as one of the leading shrimp feed producers in Latin America.

BioMar recognizes Ecuador for its high quality and sustainable shrimp products for both endconsumers and retailers. The country is characterized by its ideal farming conditions, allowing for three production cycles a year with low farming densities; it supplies over 450,000 tonnes of shrimp, with 110,000 tonnes produced by Alimentsa. CEO Carlos Diaz believes that with Alimentsa, BioMar can develop

new product solutions based on “their shared interests in innovation, cooperation, sustainability and performance,â€? and predicts market growth rates of 8-12. Alimentsa is a Guayaquilbased company, established by owners from Denmark and Germany. Diaz hopes the global partnership will allow them to procure high-quality products with cheaper sources and develop experience that can be used in other parts of the world.

This ₏106 million investment strengthens BioMar’s foothold on the Latin American shrimp economy, which began in 2016 with a factory in Costa Rica. An international specialist in sustainable aquaculture, the group also has 12 other factories in countries like Norway, Spain, France, Turkey, Chile, and Scotland. In the future, BioMar aims to establish two factories in the

Chinese market in 2017 as well as announce the constructions for another green field factory in Australia in 2018. This global

expansion, which will incorporate all sectors of aquaculture, is a part of their growth strategy called Shaping the Future.

Belgium: EATiP annual meeting establishes importance of regular communication with the public From June 7-8, the European Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Platform (EATiP) held its annual meeting in Brussels. Attended by about 40 members, the meeting started with an EATiP Mirror Platform Meeting for members in closer cooperation around selected projects.

This was followed by a presentation on survey results of the priorities of the EATiP Strategic Research and Innovation agenda, which were then compared with views of the meeting participants. Three main priorities were established: improved communication to resolve public misconceptions, alternative and sustainable raw material for fish feeds, and tools for 14

environmental monitoring in real time. Results from four other similar surveys (FABRE TP, COFASP, EFARO 2020, and EFARO 2030) were also presented and compared with participant views. The results from the participants will be available soon on www.eatip. eu. In the afternoon, results from EU projects E-Fishnet, Blue-Edu, Columbus, and Aquaexcel were presented, covering topics ranging from education and knowledge transfer to case studies and research.

The second day featured a detailed presentation on EURASTiP; this project will evaluate and prepare for the launch of an international multi-stakeholder platform

(MSP) to provide a new mechanism to create and reinforce international cooperation on sustainable aquaculture. It will focus on providing mutual benefit to

Europe and regions of SouthEast Asia, particularly Thailand, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. More information can be found at www.eurastip.eu.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] SE Asia: Study funded to improve ďŹ shmeal production A collaboration between the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) and the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organization (IFFO) will fund a project to better understand the supply and production of South East Asian fishmeal. Led by Duncan Leadbitter of Fish Matter, the study will include all kinds of participants, ranging from NGOs to governments to feed companies to both standard and critical stakeholders. Beginning in July 2017, it plans to run for 18 months, with its first steps working to gather data to create an information base for further projects. The study aims to address the environmental, social, and economic challenges that arise from obtaining raw material from South East Asian sources. Especially with China as

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one of the fastest growing markets for fishmeal, the need for responsible fishmeal production in the Asian aquafeed market is rapidly increasing. The GAA has been working to encourage the adoption of proper certification standards in the fishery supply chains, focusing the efforts of this study on Thailand and Vietnam, important countries in the supply of fishmeal and fish oil products. Previous reports by the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership have shown that guidelines established in western countries may not suit the different production systems in Asia; the variability and diversity of the species may hamper the standard assessment methods. The study hopes to identify and prioritize the areas that are in the most need of improvements.

� Comejoinon allfolksthe- let’s other

ďŹ sh lovers in Aalborg!

Vietnam is an important supplier of fishmeal and fish oil in southeast Asia. Pictured is a bag of fish feed at a Vietnamese fish farm.

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danf ish.com

A A L B O R G , D E N M A R K 11, 12 & 13 O C T O B E R 2 017

25TH International Fisheries Exhibition in Denmark DanFish International is one of the world’s most important exhibitions for equipment and services to the ďŹ shing industry. In 2015, DanFish International welcomed 325 exhibitors from 26 countries and almost 14,000 visitors, including invited key buyers from all corners of the world.

Contact: Lasse Holsteen Jessen, +45 99 35 55 09, lhj@akkc.dk Else Herfort, + 45 99 35 55 18, ehe@akkc.dk

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[ EVENTS ] IceďŹ sh, 13-15 September 2017, Reykjavik

Iceland’s technological showcase The IceFish exhibition held in Iceland every three years has become a fixture on the industry calendar, and has grown steadily since the initial event was held in Reykjavík’s LaugardalshÜll more than thirty years ago. By the mid-1990s, IceFish had outgrown its original venue and since then has been held at the Smårinn sports hall in Kópavogur, just outside Reykjavík.

I

ceFish has grown and developed alongside a turbulent time in Iceland’s fisheries, followed by a long period of stability during which time the industry has consolidated and modernised.

The fishing and processing sectors of today bear little resemblance to the industry of thirty years ago, when the system was introduced in the early 1980s and was subsequently made into a full ITQ system with transferable rights.

Mackerel provides new opportunities for Iceland’s pelagic fleet The fleet shrank dramatically as older tonnage was phased out.

During the 1990s and 2000s, Iceland saw a huge growth in pelagic fisheries as Atlanto-Scandian herring and blue whiting became major fisheries that demanded investment in both vessels with RSW capacity and a step-change in processing capacity ashore, just as the situation changed yet again over the last decade as a strong mackerel presence in Icelandic waters for the first time provided the pelagic fleet with new opportunities. Today there is a streamlined pelagic fleet, mainly composed of newbuilds that have been delivered to Icelandic owners over the last few years as operators have invested in new tonnage capable of switching between the demands of the mackerel and herring fisheries, the blue whiting fishery that requires power for 16

towing, and capacity to respond rapidly to changing circumstances during the hectic winter capelin fishery with its crucially important – and very short – capelin roe season.

The demersal fleet has only recently seen the same investment going into vessels targeting groundfish species as a slew of distinctive new trawlers for several fishing companies are in the process of joining the fleet. HB Grandi, Samherji and Fisk Seafood have all gone to Turkish shipyards for their new fresher trawlers with wave-piercing bow designs and highly automated catch handling decks. GunnvÜr and VSV opted to build in China, with innovative ultra-high-efficiency trawlers due to be delivered this year, and Rammi replaced two of its elderly processor trawlers, bucking the trend for fresher trawlers by going for new filleter freezer trawler. The consolidation of Iceland’s fishing industry since the 1980s, especially in the leaner years when quotas for cod were in even shorter supply than they are in today, has been one of the key drivers behind the growth of an highly innovative industry supply sector.

Icefish will feature innovative technology for the fishing and processing sector from the big multinationals as well as smaller Icelandic companies.

each kilo of fish landed, the technology sector responded with increasingly high-tech processing systems, culminating in today’s extremely sophisticated pinbone removal and portioning machines that have taken whitefish production to new levels.

Sophisticated technology for fishing and processing on display

A handful of leading suppliers continue to produce new ideas that have developed into a thriving export sector in its own right as Icelandic companies, ranging from multi-national players to modest operations, are able to come up with smart solutions that are in demand around the world.

As it became imperative to extract as much value as possible from

Virtually every one of these major technological developments in

fisheries technology in Iceland over the last thirty years has been displayed at the IceFish exhibition, which continues to be a key showcase for technical innovation across the fishing and processing sectors. The Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition and Awards will return to KĂłpavogur (just outside Reykjavik, Iceland)Â and will cover every aspect of the commercial fishing industry from catching and locating to processing and packaging, right through to marketing and distribution of the final product. To find out more about any aspect of the event including exhibiting, sponsoring or attending, please contact info@icefish.is or visit www.icefish.is

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[ EVENTS ] Seafood Expo Global, 25-27 April 2017, Brussels

Novelties rub shoulders with traditional products

S

eafood Expo Global was as usual humming with activity as exhibitors and visitors tried to cram as much as possible into the three days of the event.

As the recession following the 2007/08 financial and economic crises abates and economies start growing again the seafood sector too is looking perkier. This year’s edition of the show was the best ever in terms of exhibition space and attendance, according to the organisers, Diversified Communications – and an appropriate commemoration of the event’s 25th anniversary. We review here the products and services of some of the companies that were present at the fair.

The seafood show at Brussels had something to offer everybody associated with the seafood business.

sigma STURGEON

GROWER FEED FOR MEAT PRODUCTION

EFICO Sigma 811 - A cost-effective feed for sturgeon meat production 5 A cost-effective, palatable grower feed formulated speciďŹ cally for sturgeon production 5 Fast growth of sturgeon due to increased levels of vitamins C, E, and micro-nutrients 5 Consistent performance due to specially formulated recipe with optimum amino acid levels www.biomar.com BioMar A/S ¡ Mylius-Erichsensvej 35 ¡ DK-7330 Brande, Denmark ¡ Telephone: +45 97 18 07 22 ¡ info@biomar.dk

Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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[ EVENTS ]

Mislov controls the entire value chain from catch to final product

T

he company Mislov from Croatia specialises in the production of anchovies and sardines from the Adriatic. A family-owned company, Mislov has been in the fishing business for several years catching small pelagics as well as tuna. The three vessels it owns have rapid cooling systems on board and modern storage facilities that preserve the fish effectively and ensure a high-quality raw material is delivered to the processing line.

Mislov owns both the vessels and the processing plant facilitating the control over the entire value-addition chain. process is made easier.

The move into processing the fish is a relatively recent development that commenced with the establishment of a processing factory in 2015. At the factory the company uses the raw material caught by its own boats to produce fresh, frozen, marinated,

Marinated sardines are among the products Mislov manufactures from its catches of small pelagics in the Adriatic.

and salted products. These include individually quick frozen (IQF) sardines and anchovies in different

forms, headed and tailed or headed, gutted and tailed, as well as butterfly fillets. Sardines are typically

processed by machines, and anchovies by hand due to the latter’s small size and delicacy.

Cromaris – Demand for organic products is skyrocketing

A

Croatian producer of seabass and seabream Cromaris is one of the most important suppliers to the Italian market of these species. The company has created a range of value-added products that includes fresh products (gutted fish or fillets) in modified atmosphere packaging, as well as smoked and marinated fillets in vacuum packs. We focus on the Italian market says Davide Furlan, who heads the company’s branch in Italy.

Last year the company introduced organic fish on to the Italian market.

Since then, says Mr Furlan, demand has just increased. The company does not produce the quantity to meet all the requests. And the story is the same in other countries like France,

18

Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

But Italy is growing particularly fast.

The increasing interest in organic products in Italy, Mr Furlan attributes to a trend, rather than a fundamental change in consumers’ attitude to the environment. Organic is different from conventionally raised fish, not only is the feed certified and the stocking density lower, but all the procedures that the fish goes through are certified to comply with certain standards. These are monitored by various well-known certification bodies in Germany and Switzerland. Since January the company is also producing marinated seabream fillets in a sauce of lemon packaged in a shallow tray with a film. To promote its added-value

Organic products are trendy, and for the moment demand for them exceeds supply.

products in supermarkets and other retail outlets, Cromaris has produced recipes that are printed on a small card. The recipe on the card can easily be linked to the fish in the store as the design and layout are the same

as that used for the packaging on the fish. The idea is for customers to pick up the fish and then also take a recipe, which is changed on a regular basis and which can be used as a source of inspiration.

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[ EVENTS ]

AquaPri’s pike-perch production is now up and running

T

he Danish aquaculture industry has been among the quickest adopters of recirculation systems, which are used to grow a variety of species, of which rainbow trout is the most common.

Stringent environmental regulation that has made it difficult to expand conventional production has contributed to the development of this production form. Among the thousands of companies at the SEG was AquaPri, a Danish producer of sea trout, as well as pike-perch, the latter using recirculation systems. The company has invested in a new facility from where fish were harvested for the first time last year, says Morten Holm, the sales manager. This year production will reach about 600 tonnes which is around 85% of capacity. As with all new facilities, especially those dealing with living creatures, there are still several aspects that need to be optimised both from a biological and a commercial point of view.

We need to fine tune the conditions to ensure the fish thrive and we are also finding out what sizes are the most in demand and what is the most

The AquaPri team at their stand at Seafood Expo Global. Farmed pike-perch production is expected to reach 600 tonnes this year

economical to produce. For example, we need to know whether to produce large volumes of small sizes or modest volumes of big fish, or some combination of the two. The fish will be sold fresh, whole or gutted, and there is also likely to be a production of fillets, but here too the market needs

to be explored to find the size and type of fillet that is in demand. Pikeperch is a freshwater species popular in central and eastern Europe, but also in parts of France. AquaPri will consider greater value-addition to the products, but then it will be in collaboration with partners, because

Participate in the

INTERNATIONAL COLDWATER PRAWN FORUM

as Mr Holm says, our strength is on the production side, the processing and distribution is best left to others.

Being close to the buyer or the end consumer is desirable, but we also have to be realistic and accept that there have to be middlemen to handle the logistics.

With support from:

November 9, 2017 Reykjavik, Island

EKZd, d> Ed/ ^ & &KZhD

See more on www.icwpf.com Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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[ EVENTS ]

Hanters catches, processes, and delivers sprats and herring

T

he National Fisheries Producers Organisation of Latvia is a producers’ organisation for the fishing sector. Among the companies it represents is Hanters, a fishing company with two vessels that catch sprats, herring, and small volumes of flounder, species typical of the coastal and offshore Baltic Sea. Hanters also owns a processing facility, where sprats are made into salted and spicy salted products among others. Another company in the Hanters group, Silverfish, is responsible for freezing activities. Owning the vessels, the processing facility, and the vehicles for distribution means that the company is in a position to control

the quality all along the value chain from the catch to the final delivery to the customer’s door.

In the season from September to April Hanters’ vessels catch about 1,000 tonnes of fish in total. Most of it however is sprat, the herring is limited and although the company would like to catch more, it is not available. Most of the sprat is sold either frozen to Ukraine or fresh to the canning industry in Latvia itself. Some frozen products are also exported to Denmark to feed mink on mink farms. The salted sprats are also sold to the Ukraine and to Moldova, demand for them in Latvia is relatively limited.

Hanters, a member of the National Fisheries Producers Organisation of Latvia, catches and processes sprats and herring as well as small volumes of flounder.

Kaija makes the tough transition to western markets

K

aija is a regular feature at the stand of the Union of Latvian Fish Processing Industry. A leading fish processor and producer of canned items, including the well-known Riga sprats in oil, Kaija has, for the last few years, been developing markets in the west for its products. Sophisticated packaging and clever marketing are being used to sell traditional products such as sprats as well as new ones like Pacific salmon to markets in Europe and beyond. For many years the company had relied on its historical markets in Russia, Belarus, and the Ukraine, but the commercial restrictions following geopolitical tensions between Russia and the west, forced the company to seek other outlets for its exports.

Janis Endele, co-owner and marketing director of the company, says that progress on the new markets has been steady if not spectacular. Customers are interested in the taste and quality of the products, but also in safety, shelf life, and the ability to supply the right quantity at the right time.

One of the novelties is the Marine Stewardship Council-certified wild 20

Efforts to expand on new markets have been slow but steady for Kaija. It is now considering entering the competitive tuna market.

salmon for the German market.

The new season for the raw material starts towards the middle of the year and discussions are on-going between suppliers, processors, and

buyers about prices and volumes.

If everything falls into place we are ready to start working immediately, says Mr Endele. Another product the company is considering is tuna. The

important thing is to find the correct niche, says Mr Endele, because tuna is a big market with a lot of products, producers and brands, and we need to position ourselves carefully.

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Gamma-A markets its products with attractive packaging

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he company Gamma-A is a vertically integrated producer of canned products in Latvia. The company has its own vessels, processing plant, and metal working unit for the production of cans. Gamma-A has a long history in sprat catching and production and even today, sprats are an important part of the company’s assortment.

The product range includes items in oil and in tomato sauce, not only sprats but also other pelagic species from the Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. The company pioneered the use of cans with a transparent membrane in the lid that allowed the contents to be displayed optimally. In the case of the sprats, this is an important marketing tool, because it is

immediately apparent how attractively the sprats are arranged in the can. Julija Kuznecova, the senior export representative, points out that the company is exporting to a number of countries in the EU including France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Smoked sprats, she says, are becoming very popular on these markets as well as in Japan, despite the fact that the taste is a novel one in most of these countries. Sales are helped at least in France perhaps by calling the product small sardines, a species very well known in France. Also, the use of the brand La Marseillaise is something that should resonate with French customers. In America, the company has been established for many years

Elegant packaging helps Gamma-A break into the Japanese market.

but mainly through a supplier to the Eastern European community that has settled there. Now a new partner is placing Gamma-A products with some of the American retail chains, which should expose a new clientele to these distinct tastes. In Japan,

the company has products both under its own brand that are being promoted on a TV show, as well as under private label. The packaging is eye catching in its elegance and should go down well on this sophisticated market.

Huntfish product nominated for Prix d’Elite

H

untfish, originally an Estonian supplier of freshwater species, has since the middle of last year been part of the Finnish Heinon Tukku group. Huntfish today is a wholesaler of a range of fish, meat, and seasonal products, all of which are exported. In the fish division, freshwater species such as pike, pikeperch, and perch are still an important part of the assortment, but rainbow trout, sturgeon, Arctic char, Atlantic salmon, and whitefish are also among the species sold. The company deals with both wild and farmed fish either fresh, frozen, or smoked. At the SEG, one of the company’s products, the flame grilled cold-smoked salmon, was one of the finalists for the prestigious Prix d’Elite. Oksana Luur, sales manager of Huntfish, says the Heinon Tukku factory in Finland produces the ready-made products from trout, salmon, and whitefish, which Huntfish then exports.

The nominated product is a piece of Norwegian salmon loin that is 22

Flame-grilled smoked salmon meets Huntfish requirements to add a new twist to traditional items.

lightly salted and then cold smoked using alder wood, before being briefly passed through an open flame grill to make it crispy, and then it is vacuum packaged. The entire process is straightforward with no additives beyond the salt. This particular product is a new one that has not

yet been officially launched, but the company has been selling traditional smoked items (salmon, trout, whitefish etc.) to markets in Scandinavia and Switzerland and is now exploring Germany and France. Huntfish wants to develop products with a twist, for example a traditional

smoked fillet of salmon but with different seasonings, such as paprika or jalapeno. Flame grilling the fillet is also an attempt to create a product that stands out for being slightly different. The smoked products are skin packaged on a tray for convenience and a long shelf life.

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[ EVENTS ] Baader Food Processing Machinery

Filleting and trimming with only one machine

N

ordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader, one of the world’s most acknowledged manufacturers of highquality food processing machines, has since its founding in 1919 always been a driving force behind the global food industry with its innovative ideas and cleverly constructed, reliable machines. At this year’s SPG the high-tech company again proved that the Baader developers still have a lot of ideas in store for the industry. The modified Baader 581 has been equipped with a “Belly Trim Option� which significantly reduces the effort required for manual trimming of salmon fillets. Even without the new trim option, the 581 was already in the past considered to be the most effective and efficient filleting machine for salmon. This reputation is likely to be strengthened by the Belly Trim, especially since the expansion of the range of tasks it performs does not take up any additional floor space, nor does it reduce operating speed. The combination of filleting and trimming saves time, reduces labour costs and guarantees high process stability with an optimal balance of throughput, yield and fillet quality.

On average, the Baader 581 fillets 25 salmon per minute (depending on the size of the fish). Photoelectric scanning is used to measure both sides of the fish’s body as it passes through the machine which enables accurate positioning of the trimming cuts on the belly side for maximum yield. The photoelectric measuring system does not necessitate any direct contact with the fish. This makes the process faster, more hygienic and more efficient than mechanical measurement. Precise control of the knives via servo technology provides maximum

flexibility, so that each cut is individually adapted to the size and shape of the salmon which can weigh between 2 and 7 kilos. Via the interactive touch screen “Easy Cut� the user can define precisely

the course of the cutting line during trimming, for example whether a millimetre-wide edge, only the fin base, or a larger strip of the belly flap should be removed. Baader has equipped the 581 plus trimming

option with yet another useful feature: the two sides of the salmon are measured separately to enable individual adjustment of the knives as required. This cutting variance for the two sides is helpful when

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[ EVENTS ] the salmon is not positioned perfectly centrally or symmetrically on the belt.

Baader also presented an automated cleaning system in Brussels. It was developed in cooperation with the company Lohrke and possibly heralds the future of process hygiene in the food sector. A cleaning robot carries out routine tasks such as pre-rinsing, foaming and final rinsing completely independently even in critical areas that are difficult to reach. In contrast to humans, the robot shows no signs of fatigue and also performs monotonous tasks correctly and strictly to order. This makes cleaning results repeatable and, on top of that, reduces consumption of electricity, chemicals and water.

Regina Dedow, Marketing Manager. The integration of the Belly Trim Option into the Baader 581 filleting machine saves a lot of space in the processing area without productivity losses.

Marel

Intelligent portioning of boneless white fish fillets

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arel’s automatic FleXicut combines high-precision bone detection with gentle water-jet removal of the pinbones and intelligent fillet portioning of fresh, lightly salted and super-chilled white fish species such as cod or saithe. This powerful processing machine reduces manpower requirements and significantly improves overall yield. Each fillet is individually scanned and measured to optimize the cuts and make the best possible use of the fillet.

Throughput values vary depending on the size of the fillet. With 750 g cod fillets (450 mm long) the machine achieves on average about 50 fillets per minute.

The FleXicut determines the position of the pinbones by X-ray measurement with an accuracy of 0.2 mm and then calculates the optimal cutting configuration and 24

cutting angle so that the water-jet cutter can be guided as closely as possible along the pinbones for the V-cut. This increases fillet yield by 4 to 6% compared to hand filleting.

Although (depending on the shape and position of the bones) the direction of the water-jet is continuously adjusted during the cutting process the cut is performed very quickly and uniformly. This method is also particularly hygienic because the fillet cannot be contaminated – unlike when using a knife.

Following removal of the pinbones the fillet is divided into portions (loins, belly and tail pieces) depending on the size, shape, weight and customer requirements. Modern computer technology ensures optimal material utilization. Each fillet is cut individually, and straight as well as angled or curved cuts are possible. The variety of different cuts is one of FleXicut’s

Stella B. Kristinsdottir, Marketing Manager. Marel displayed intelligent processing systems which contribute towards increasing productivity, efficiency and product quality.

particular strengths because it maximizes the value of the raw material, regardless of whether the fishes in the processing machine are large or small. The intelligent Flexisort distribution system automatically allocates the different products to up to eight packaging lines.

Marel’s Innova Software not only controls the FleXicut process but also provides a real-time reporting function that gives the operator an overview of numerous details of

the entire production process. The real-time data can be used to generate reports on weight distribution, average weights, packing and portioning overviews as required.

During the SPG, Marel signed a contract to install a Flexicut system at IceFresh in Germany. Samherji and Parlevliet van der Plas, two leading fishing companies from Iceland and the Netherlands respectively, will install FleXicut systems on freezer trawlers in the third quarter of 2017.

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Rudolf Maass + Partner High-speed slicing of frozen fish fillets

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he trade fair presentation of Maass + Partner centred around the company’s well-known and tried and-tested high-performance salmon slicing machine which is available with either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. These slicers cut chilled and skinned salmon sides up to a width of 270 mm and a thickness of 50 mm fully automatically at -3° to -14° C. The result is accurate slices whose thickness is manually adjustable between 1.5 and 5.0 mm.

With the Maass Salmon Slicer CM 476-250 even 15 mm slice thickness is possible. The cutting angle varies automatically as required between 8 and 38 degrees but it can also be set manually, and it enables uniform slice sizes without residual pieces. On average, slicing losses are less than 2 per cent, whereby this value depends on product consistency and product preparation. The performance of the Maass salmon slicers which, despite their name, are also of course suitable for other types of fish of comparable shape and fillet consistency, is about 6.3 kilos per minute, measured at an average slice thickness of 2.5 mm and a fillet weight of 1.5 kilograms. The actual performance parameters can vary slightly depending on the version and design of the slicer.

Managing Director Uwe Sassnowski. The high-performance salmon slicer from Maass + Partner cuts about 6 kg of salmon fillet per minute into uniform slices.

Maass offers further optional components and additional equipment that optimize the performance of the slicers and make them more efficient.

Recommendable additions include a touch display for easier operation, a pressure unit at the cutting edge for fixing the product, and an automatic cutting angle adjustment that enables uniform slices from the first to the last slice.

In addition to the slicers, Maass + Partner also presented the multipurpose cutter Dice Master which is currently available in three sizes for small businesses, supermarkets and industrial operations. These dicers cut frozen fish fillets into cubes (cube sizes from 4 mm), strips or slices or can also grate the fish finely. The knife ensures powerful, clean cuts and the Dice

Master is user-friendly and easy to operate even after just a short training period. This also applies to the Portion Master on which frozen products are divided into slices and portions at a maximum of –4° C. The Portion Master’s pull cut ensures clean, smooth cutting surfaces, and even the small variant of this device accomplishes 200 to 400 cuts per minute.

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[ EVENTS ]

Overseas Group spreads Italian spirit through its seafood

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ccording to Filippo Bonifati, it was the first time his agency was designing the Italian pavilion for the Seafood Expo Global in Brussels. The Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Policies held a contest to look for a design that gave enough space to all the different seafood companies that would represent Italy. Yet, it also had to include ample common areas where everyone could share the day’s food.

Despite the large number of exhibitors, this year’s chosen design featured a lot of open space to better foster the spread of Italian culture.

The logo was minimalist and modern, depicting a fish in Italian colors with the motto of “Taste Meets Excellence.� Three varying shades of blue colored the pavilion from the carpet to the walls, to give a unique perspective no matter which way visitors looked at it.

Because each Italian region has its own unique taste, two chefs were chosen, one from the south who works in Rome and another from Northern Italy, to allow the customers to enjoy the diversity in different regional foods. There are over 20 regions in Italy, of which all the ones with direct access to the sea were present. Other regions, such as Lombardy, that had large bodies of freshwater, also made an appearance. Much of Italy’s highest-quality seafood comes from their freshwater rivers, lakes, and clear springs.

Satisfied with the response from visitors of the pavilion, Filippo mentions how many booths were having one-on-one conversations. He believes the best way to introduce visitors to the Italian culture is through the cooking and the food shows, which embody the Italian spirit that sharing a plate is something special.

The design for the Italian Pavilion at the Seafood Expo Global featured a minimalist logo of a fish in Italian colours (background).

It also emphasised open space so visitors could mingle and enjoy the cooking show and food together.

Antonius Caviar creates a reputation for premium Polish caviar

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amed after Antoni Lakomiak, President of the company’s Management Board, Antonius Caviar offers some of the most premium quality caviar in the world. Breeding fish since 1967 and specifically sturgeon since 1992, Antonius Caviar developed their caviar line more recently within the past three to four years.

They came to the Seafood Expo Global to find more distributors and widen their market, as well as create a reputation for premium Polish caviar.

What makes Antonius Caviar unique is that 100% of their products come directly from their own fish farms in Goslawice. They offer two kinds of caviar: Siberian, which comes from Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtiI), 26

and Oscietra, which comes from Russian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). Because sturgeons are easily impacted by stress, they require a special type of breeding ground.

Located in Warmia, in a non-urbanized area nicknamed “the green lungs of Poland,� the Goslawice Farm offers crystal clear waters and thermal conditions almost identical to those found in the fish’s natural habitats. Workers are hired from the top of their fields, from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. They have complete control over all aspects of the fish’s life, including feed, water quality, and reproduction. The eggs are only extracted from mature female sturgeon 8 to 12 years old, and the process of making caviar is carefully monitored by food technologists

Antonius Caviar offers caviar from Siberian sturgeon and from Russian sturgeon, with all fish bred entirely on their own fish farms in Goslawice.

and ichthyologists. With modern technology and the highest hygiene standards, the production plant ensures their fish get the best treatment available to produce such premium caviar. They use a traditional method that is centuries old,

“malossal�, which uses a minimal amount of salt to avoid compromising the quality of the roe.

Antonius Caviar sells fifteen tonnes of their products to the global market annually, offering 4, 5, and 6-star caviar,

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[ EVENTS ] depending on the diameter of the eggs.

Their main customers are in Western Europe, and they do business with all kinds of companies, ranging from private customers to big companies who

repackage their product for resale.

They also have an online webstore for sales around Poland but plan to open it to the rest of the world in a few months. Antonius Caviar believes that

they have become a main competitor for the Italian caviar producers, ranking their brand as second in Europe and possibly fourth or fifth in the world, in terms of volume and quality.

They hope that their success as an exclusive caviar producer will help the development of a Polish culture that includes more sturgeon and caviar in its cuisine.

Contimax showcases diversity in its product assortment

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ontimax was established in Bochnia, a region of southern Poland that is closer to the mountains than the Baltic Sea. However, it quickly expanded from its origins to establish an international presence in a diverse amount of seafood markets, as it demonstrated with the wide assortment of foods it brought to the Seafood Expo Global. Contimax displayed its ready-to-eat dishes (dumplings with herring and spinach), smoked products (salmon and mackerel

fillets), premium products line (salmon with olives and dried tomatoes and shrimp in oil and garlic), and even non-seafood dishes like chicken. With over 100 products, including frozen items Contimax provides an impressive assortment for its customers.

Although it started small with two production sites that supplied only to the Polish market, 40% of its exports now go abroad, to countries all around the world like US,

Canada, Germany, Slovakia, Croatia, China, and Romania. Contimax is found in many large chain stores, which represent much of its consumer base; it also produces for retailers and private brands. Its products hold IFS, BRC, and MSC certification, with one of its line of herring fillets also awarded a Discovery of the Year title in 2009. Its versatility and diversity in products have allowed it to become one of the largest international fish producers in Poland.

This is the first time Iwona Wisniewska and the other Contimax representatives have presented their food as part of the exhibition, having only participated previously as visitors to the Expo. However, since their goal for this exhibition was to showcase their country’s cuisine as a unified group, rather than through individual brands, they were unable to display any of their packaging or brand names. Some visitors, however, still praised them on the aesthetic presentation of their foods, even without the unique packaging.

Evrafish looks to meet more buyers for salmon products

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vrafish specializes in salmon, notably salmon salads and Norwegian salmon fillets. They have a production capacity of one truck a day, equal to 20 metric tonnes, with most of their products sold under private labels. Priding themselves on high-quality salmon, Evrafish is supported by IFS, GAP, MSC, and HACCP certification. Their largest consumers are from France and Germany; most are brokers, but the company sometimes directly works with retailers as well. Their location near Szczecin gives them convenient access to their main business partners: by truck, it takes five hours to reach Hamburg, six hours to reach Norway, and two days to reach France. They also provide by-products and scrap meat in blocks for industry. However, as Marine Harvest and other Polish factories dominate the smoking business, Evrafish says that currently

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they do not have time for producing smoked salmon or other value-added products.

Customer satisfaction is of utmost importance to Evrafish, which is why they make sure to buy all salmon whole. Most of their salmon is fresh, although they do keep a stock of frozen fillets so they can keep up with the production quotas in case of any problems or delays.

While they produce some codfish fillets, most of their business goes toward farming salmon. As a result, they have been affected by the skyrocketing prices for Norwegian salmon, which currently lie around seven to eight euros per pound, but are expected to keep increasing.

Working to increase production capacity, Evrafish went to the Seafood Expo Global in hopes of meeting more potential consumers.

Evrafish produces high-quality salmon fillets and salads, buying most of the salmon whole and fresh.

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Sturgeon Producer Organization works to replenish wild sturgeon population in Polish rivers

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omprised of 20 different companies from all around Poland, the Sturgeon Producers Organization came to the Expo to promote their goal of restoring the sturgeon population to Polish rivers. Headed by president Miroslaw Purzycki, the organization collaborates with the Leibniz-Institute of Inland Fisheries from Berlin to farm and produce sturgeon, with a focus on the science and environmental health related to restocking the fish rather than commercial purposes.

Due to overfishing for caviar and hydrotechnical infrastructure that prevented the fish’s breeding migrations,

sturgeon has gone extinct in Polish river, with the last wild sturgeon caught in 1965. However, a study by the Institute of Inland Fisheries in Olsztyn developed a technique for sturgeon hatching, which is now popularly used in a new branch of Polish aquaculture: sturgeon production for human consumption, a business that outputs over 350 tonnes of sturgeon annually. Additional research has shown that the sharp-nosed Atlantic sturgeon (Acipencer oxyrhincus) is more suited to the cooler Baltic Sea waters than the European sturgeon. To restore the wild sturgeon population back in Poland, the Sturgeon Producer Organization is transporting baby

Atlantic sturgeon from the Saint John River in Canada, where it still grows in the wild, to a modern storage facility in Poland. The facility is part of a joint program with the Angling and Fishing Management Team of the Torun Polish Angling Association Region that began in 2002. In about two more years, the sturgeon will have matured enough to be released back into the wild, to reproduce on their own.

Since 2010, the Sturgeon Producer Organization has participated in International Green Week, which is held in Berlin every January. Fifteen years ago, they started hosting

an annual conference during Green Week to encourage information exchange and business collaboration among 130 scientists and company representatives. Featuring both general talks and workshops, the conference focuses mainly on sturgeon, but includes other kinds of fish as well. Sturgeon offers many health benefits, including high levels of amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which prevent cholesterol from building up in blood vessels. It is also considered a delicacy when sold as caviar. By restoring the sturgeon stock to Polish rivers, the Sturgeon Producer Organization will allow more people to reap the benefits of this valuable fish.

Miroslaw Purzycki, president of the Sturgeon Producer Organization of Poland Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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[ EVENTS ]

Seamor looks to expand beyond Polish roots

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ith its production plant based in Szczecin, Seamor is one of the most wellrecognized fish processing companies in Poland. Although it started off as a trading company 24 years ago, it now specializes in the production of smoked fish. It imports its raw materials mainly from North and South America, Holland, Norway, and Iceland. While its main product is smoked mackerel, the most popular fish in the Polish market, Seamor also produces around 50 other types of smoked fish, including Atlantic salmon, mussels, prawn, and sturgeon. Its manufacturing process is characterized by traditional recipes based on natural brine curing technology and curing chips from beech wood. Along with smoked fish, Seamor continues its history of buying and selling frozen fish as well.

Although it has a strong reputation in Poland, Seamor sells in

small quantities to other countries, including Germany and the UK. However, it recently began a project to expand into more of Europe, aiming for a larger consumer base in Germany, Holland, and the UK. Ania Pawliszak, a representative from the company and a firsttime presenter at the Seafood Expo Global, believes that the expo gives Seamor a huge advantage at this expansion stage because the company can show its products directly to potential clients from international countries. She has already seen interest from the Spanish market for smoked prawns, as well as from the Russian market, which has been a long-time popular consumer of smoked products. Once Seamor starts selling to more international consumers, she adds that the production proportions of their fish may change and may not focus so heavily on mackerel anymore.

Ania Pawliszak (left), Seamor Sales and Marketing Manager, with Malgorzata Pawliszak, President of Seamor

Seamor is also collaborating with Malaysian Pacific West Foods on another project to produce breaded seafood. Although Pacific West has many international factories, production will remain in

Poland, and will start off with one or two different breaded and frozen products in Europe. Ania predicts that plans for that project will be finalized in one to one-and-a-half years from now.

Polish seafood company specializes in hand-peeled shrimp

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and Peeled in EU is a Polish shrimp exporter that specializes in hand-peeled coldwater shrimp, as opposed to the usual machine-peeling process most shrimp companies use. Their main markets for export are Germany and Scandinavian countries, Denmark and Sweden. Family-owned and conveniently located about 300 kilometers from their main markets, the company has been supplying shrimp products like Crangon crangon for 16 to 17 years to the German and Polish markets.

They import both frozen and cooked shrimp from Vietnam, Ecuador and various other countries around the North Sea. For some products, such as the Pandalus borealis, they import the shrimp frozen, and defrost and cook it in their factory in Poland. They also work with black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), but only on occasion due

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Hand Peeled specializes in hand peeling cold-water shrimp like Pandalus borealis and Crangon crangon, and occasionally black-tiger (Penaeus monodon).

to its high cost. While they have been long-time visitors of the Seafood Expo, this is their first time coming as presenters with their own booth.

Their visitor response was overall positive, having met with potential clients from new markets, such as those in Finland and Italy. Roman Kubik,

supply chain manager of Hand Peeled, enthusiastically commented that they are “already dreaming� of coming back next year.

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Kolobrzeska Fish Producers Group faces decreasing cod quotas and flounder catches

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reated in 2005, the Kolobrzeska Fish Producers Group (KGPR) is one of Poland’s oldest fish producer organizations (PO). With help from EU support, KGPR provides the facilities for its member fisheries for a variety of services including freezing, cold storage, and pretreatment.

They also have four centers dedicated to both wholesale and retail fish sale, with services for sorting, classifying, and unloading or reloading.

The organization is comprised of 22 members and produces mainly flaps

of herring, sprat, cod and flounder.

In their fleets, the large boats of 25 meters, catch around 1200 tonnes of sprat and 600 tonnes of herring, while the small boats of 6 – 8 meters have quotas of 10 tonnes of cod, with no limitations on flounder. However, the PO does not receive all the fish caught by their members. While it has the power to impose sanctions, it chooses instead to attract the fishermen through competitive prices.

Although not all members are supportive of becoming certified,

KGPR is trying to gather the funds to get them MSC certification. They have received offers to cooperate with Danish, Finnish, and Estonian fisheries as well. Waldemar Renda, Board of Directors adviser of KGPR, believes that MSC certification is necessary nowadays to maintain business in the markets, some of which will not allow certain types of fishing without the certification. They sell mainly to Polish markets, but also to Germany, Romania and Croatia. Due to decreasing quotas, KGPR has been

looking to increase business with other countries and add more value to their products over the past few years, through processes like freezing and smoking. Cod quotas have continuously decreased, and although flounder has no limitations, the total volume of flounder from catches and purchases has dropped from 2000 tonnes last year to 1200 tonnes this year. Mr Renda also notes that herring and sprat quotas have increased, even though they have struggled to meet their quotas for the past two years.

Copemar is one of the first to innovate with on-board freezing

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stablished in 1964, Copemar was one of the first companies to use on-board freezing. It started with one vessel that soon grew to many, as the company made new partnerships and expanded globally to areas including the Indian Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and regions all around the Atlantic Ocean like Canada, USA, Namibia, and Falkland Islands. Currently, they employ two vessels, the 48 meter Pemba Bay, which fishes in Namibia, and the 68 meter Baffin Bay, which fishes around the Falkland Islands. Pemba Bay fishes mainly cape hake (Merluccius capensis) and offers hake H&G along with skin-on and skinless fillets. It also has small bycatches of kingklip, skate wings, and squid tubes and tentacles. The vessel name and its products are still well-recognized by consumers, with business staying stable even when Copemar changed its brand name to Seacope last June. Baffin Bay, in a partnership with South Atlantic Squid, fishes Patagonian squid, freezing them in five and ten kilogram blocks, with block sizes ranging from 8 – 10 cm to over 25 cm.

The Baffin Bay lands every three weeks, during which the products are loaded into containers and sent to Vigo, Copemar’s storage facility in Spain. There, fish blocks are given a protective glazing to protect them from drying out, and are packaged to be kept for up to 12 months in the freezer. The Pemba Bay undergoes a similar process, unloading at port when the ship begins to fill up; transport takes between 1.5 to 2 months, with shipments occurring every three weeks out of the Falkland Islands. These ships have two-month fishing seasons; the Pemba Bay has been out since February 28th fishing for Patagonian squid, along with white fish as by-catch, and will finish at the end of this month. In July, the Baffin Bay will go out for another fishing season and finish sometime in August to September. Another fishing season will then begin next January.

Copemar’s main consumers are wholesalers and factories in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. According to

Sonia Fernandes, sales director for Copemar, with this year’s catch volume increasing in both Namibia and Falkland Islands, their goal is to maintain customer satisfaction with their products from the two vessels.

While they do not yet have MSC certification, they believe that doing so would allow them to venture into more markets which are specially interested in MSC-certified products.

Sonia Fernandes, sales director for Copemar, S.A. Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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[ EVENTS ]

Defrosting systems for frozen fish and other products

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stablished in 1978, Stalam specialises in the development, design and manufacture of equipment using radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields for heat treating and drying products in different industries. Over 20 years, the several applications for the food industry have been developed, using RF technology to sanitize bulk products, pasteurize packaged food, dry baked goods, and to defrost raw materials. At Seafood Processing Global 2017, the company promoted its thawing technologies for all kinds

of frozen fish. The main advantages of these defrosting systems include speed, uniformity, minimal product degradation, and a reduced environmental footprint. The process is continuous, allowing for efficient production logistics. Carried on a motorized conveyor belt through a uniform electromagnetic field, the frozen product undergoes a rapid heating process that reduces thermal variation between blocks and within the same block. The amount of energy absorbed is specific to each product.

The defrosting machines are subjected to anti-corrosion treatments in compliance with safety and hygiene regulations. They are equipped with automatic belt and tunnel washing devices (Clean-in-Place), with quick access doors for maintenance, and self-drainage systems to prevent stagnation and microbial proliferation.

The machines are built to function in cold and humid environments, and the construction is modular, allowing for easy expansion of capacity. The equipment is managed using programmable logic controllers and

a control panel, where instructions can be stored and retrieved. Recently, the company undertook an ambitious, global development program, diversifying their drying and thermal processing technologies for nuts, cereals, spices and herbs. Because of this diversification, an Italian private equity fund specializing in environmental sustainability, acquired the company in January 2017, in a management buy-out operation backed by the managers who had successfully led the company to in recent years.

PolďŹ sh, June 2017, Gdansk

A compact, exhibitor- and visitor-friendly show Gdansk is Poland’s fourth largest city and its largest seaport, situated on the southern edge of Gdan´sk Bay, by the Baltic Sea. Every two years Gdansk hosts Polfish, the International Fair of Seafood Processing and Products, the 14th edition of which took place on 7-9 June. Polfish is Poland’s only seafood trade show, and one of the largest in Central and Eastern Europe.

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nyone who has exhibited at or visited a seafood trade show knows that one of the primary benefits of these events is simple one-to-one contact with buyers, sellers, and anyone else who is important to one’s business success. Zatoka-Tech, a Polish supplier of equipment to fish processing, fishing and aquaculture, chose to exhibit at Polfish to meet new potential customers, and to showcase their latest grading machine for flounder. “We think this will be big push in the market. For us Polfish is a very good show – we met some completely new companies�, says Marek Zabczynski, the General Manager.

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One of the many visitors to Polfish was Mark van Hoven, Marketing Director of Cretel NV, Belgium. The company offers fish skinning machines for all kinds of fish, as well as crate washers. The reason for visiting Polfish was to find potential vendors for the processing equipment that could present Cretel in Poland and other Baltic states. “Processors in these countries have fish,â€? says Mark van Hoven, “So‌ they need our machines. Polfish is a rather compact exhibition and I can see the opportunities for our company. Maybe we shall be coming here for the next edition with a booth, and not just visiting.â€?

Poland is a big market with all sectors of the seafood industry represented Whether it’s meeting new or old contacts inside the venue or outside, the value of attending industry events such as Polfish can be immense. Valdur Noormaagi, Managing Director of the Estonian Association of Fishery believes that Polfish is an opportunity to learn what competitors are doing, while at the same time to line up customers for raw material coming from Estonia. “It is very good that every second year such a fishery exhibition is

held in Central Europe,� says Mr Noormaagi, “The Polish fisheries sector is developing fast – the processors year by year are improving their products and there are also modern technologies. Poland is a big market and it makes sense to come here.�

Several organizations exhibited at Polfish, including government-sponsored promotion agencies. For example, the ProChile Commercial Bureau had an exhibit alongside ten of its country’s companies and the Norwegian Seafood Council reappeared with a big booth after missing three editions of

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The Eurofish Business Platform created synergy effect for all the participants.

the event. Host country Poland brought its Department of Fisheries of the Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland Waterways, as well as the Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARMA), which promotes the use of EU funds under the Fisheries and the Sea Operational Programme.

Scientific and academic participants included the National Marine Fisheries Research Institute (MIR) and the West Pomeranian University of Technology Szczecin (Faculty of Food Sciences and Fisheries).

As it does every edition, Polfish also included conferences and seminars at its 2017 event. The Norwegian Embassy in Poland sponsored the Norwegian-Polish Aquaculture Forum aimed at fish farmers as well as potential investors, with information on

technology developed in Norway for the growing land-based fish farming business. EcoTerm and Carrier Transicold Polska sponsored the Responsible. For. Freshness Pomeranian Transport Refrigeration Forum for businesses in the refrigeration sector.

Norwegian Seafood Council optimistic about Polish market Describing the Polish seafood market, Gitte Hannemann Mollan, Norwegian Seafood Council’s (NSC) Director for Germany and Poland notes that consumption of salmon in Poland has been decreasing as prices remain high.

Worldwide demand for salmon has exceeded global production and as a result the international price of salmon has increased the last two years. And today, Asian markets – and the US – take a

bigger share than European markets. So, short of supply and worldwide competition for salmon keep prices high everywhere. However, NSC sees potential in Poland.

Ms Hannemann Mollan explains: “When we look at the Polish market we can see annual fish consumption per capita is 12.5 kilos and this can be increased.

We can also see potential for cod and other white fish, as Polish consumers are used to eating this kind of fish. We see good potential for Skrei, which is cod from the Barents Sea, as its white and firm meat is very special.�

Around 80 restaurants in Poland are already serving this fish. NSC are co-operating with chefs and food bloggers to tell the story and to build the brand, as Skrei is a trade mark. The fish is distributed through both the HoReCa sector and retail chains like Metro and Carrefour.

At Polfish NSC introduced the new trade mark “Seafood from Norway� to the Polish market. Launched at Brussels’ Seafood Expo Global last April, the new trade mark: “Seafood from Norway�, will slowly replace the old trade mark “Norge�. The old label contained a picture of a fisherman, but nowadays

The Norwegian Seafood Council’s new logo will be the focus of a media and promotion campaign to be launched later in 2017.

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[ EVENTS ] aquaculture is the biggest sector in the Norwegian fisheries industry; and besides, the old logo was competing with other brands.

The goal was to find a label which would go well together with the other exporters’ brands. “The new logo is very clear,� said Hannemann Mollan at Polfish, “and you need only 2-3 seconds in the store to spot it. And we also believe that this trade mark is a better story-telling for all Norwegian exporters. They can combine their own brand with the Seafood from Norway label and sell better.�

Some Norwegian exporters have already started to replace the old logo, some will do it at the end of summer and in autumn, but most of the change will take place next year. There are big costs involved in replacing a brand. Later this year the NSC will launch a media and promotion campaign for the new label in every market globally.

Success for participants at Eurofish Business Platform As part of the Polfish 2017 fair, Eurofish International Organisation sponsored a Business Platform for companies from its member countries. Companies were given the opportunity to exhibit at the trade show and to promote their products and services through the Business Platform, which was organised at the Eurofish joint stand, in co-operation with MTG SA Gdansk International. The Business Platform facilitated meetings and dialogue between exhibitors and visitors alike, by providing a place where companies could meet and talk with potential business partners.

Participants in the Business Platform included UAB Baltijos Delikatesai, a Lithuanian producer of canned fish. Valerij Karakulov, 34

the company’s Deputy Director, said that its products are certified to meet international requirements and are exported to the USA and Africa as well as throughout Europe. The Polfish fair, and the Business Platform especially, allowed the company to increase its already strong presence in the Polish market and elsewhere in Central Europe; in addition, contacts were made with suppliers of processing machinery, containers and other inputs.

Randa Ltd. from Lativa participated in the Business Platform to promote their new product chips from cod skin, a tasty and healthy snack, which has already created a lot of interest from the consumers’ side – the youngest of them observed was one and a half years of age, and the oldest was 88!

Oskars Grosmanis, the company’s CEO, seems to be very satisfied with the show due to the high quality of visitors and beneficial meetings he had at his counter. “The platform provides us more visibility compared to what we could get exhibiting separately.

I’m very grateful to Eurofish for the possibility to exhibit, which has proved very useful for us,� adds Mr. Grosmanis.

An Estonian participant, Kalma Kaubandus OĂœ , catches, processes and exports freshwater fish such as pike-perch, pike, and bream from Lake Peipus.

The company has its own fleet of fishing vessels, and processes and sells fresh or frozen fillets to customers in Germany, France, Switzerland, and Finland. Andrey Ulukhaniyants, CEO of Kalma Kaubandus, is optimistic about his company’s prospects in Poland. “The Polish market has high potential. The processing sector is big and highly developed, the country’s population is big, and the diversity of fish products

on the shelves is very high. And the Polfish exhibition has left a very good impression.�

The space-efficient size of the Polfish fair makes business contact easier, and companies tend to send their top officials. This was expressed well by Daniel Buhai, general manager of the Romanian seafood processor Miadmar HDP SRL. “The Polfish show is compact but this allows to get good contacts and better connections – it is easier to meet people and to talk to them – and the level of visitors is very high, a high percentage of decision-makers. We received a lot of valuable information and have already agreed about future meetings and contracts. We saw a lot of new products which are a source of inspiration for us. And we can see from people’s response to our products that there is a market here for the future. Our traditional Romanian salad from freshwater fish roe was a success.�

Another Business Platform participant was Meotida Sp. z o.o., a Polish importer of fish products from the Dalmatian region of Croatia – anchovies and sardines, which are now available in more than 200 shops all over Poland, as well as the Czech Republic and Austria. The company has also increased the range of products importing bluefish, Black Sea sprat, red mullet, and sea snails from Bulgaria - species that are unique and not widely available on the Polish market. Describing the show, Roman Smirnov, Meotida’s co-founder, stated, “Polfish is a good and busy show and everyone can find something for the future growth of the business. We can see that representatives from traditional shops and retail chains are all here as visitors, they just are not “jumping� on the sellers, as normally it is other way around. We

are very happy that Eurofish took the initiative and organized this Business Platform and it is a beneficial to the companies exhibiting at this platform: visitors are coming to see one company and they end up talking to all of us which is a big advantage.�

Planning for the future Three days of the show were busy and went very fast. Reflecting on the event, Monika Pain, the Polfish Project Director, says, “this year we had a lot of visitors from Central and Eastern Europe, especially Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine who are interested in buying Polish products and technologies.â€? In fact, during the show, Polfish had visitors from these and 28 other countries, including Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Turkey, the UK, and Poland among others. Many good reviews and success stories from exhibitors and visitors alike attest to the commercial benefits of this small but regionally valuable seafood show. “I’m happy with the show and received very positive feedback from the exhibitors,â€? Ms Pain continued, “as we are always asking them how they liked the show and what we can do better, which part of the industry was not present, so we can focus our efforts for the next time. And of course, there are different tendencies in the market so a product for which there is no demand now may be wildly popular in two years. Almost 90 of the exhibitors are satisfied with the show and met their targets, and look forward to coming again.â€?

Aleksandra Petersen aleksandra.petersen@eurofish.dk

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[ EVENTS ] Slow Fish, May 2017, Genova

Working to change consumer attitudes to seafood The eighth edition of Slow Fish 2017 gathered Italian and international participants, fishermen, producers, researchers, and mobile food stalls from different European regions in Genova for the event focused on fish and sea resources. The biannual event was held at Porto Antico, Genova, from 18 to 21 May.

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low Fish is an event organized by the Liguria region and Slow Food, an association founded in Italy in 1986 to defend the diversity of gastronomic cultures and to counter the spreading influence of fast food.

Artisanal food production contributes to maintaining biodiversity Slow Food, which is now present in 160 countries, concentrates on the defence of agri-food and biodiversity. Paola Nano, Press Office Director, observes that Slow Food was the first organization in the world to speak about biodiversity – not in terms of the disappearance of wild animals, but in terms of food disappearing. Talking to small and local food producers and farmers, all those who were keeping the old products and traditional ways of producing food the artisanal way, revealed that this is also a very important part of biodiversity and something that helps defend food against diseases and other challenges like climate change. Lack of biodiversity contributed to the severity of the potato famine in the middle of the 19th century, when potato blight ravaged the variety of potato that was cultivated all over Europe, resulting in the death of a quarter of the Irish population.

To find a variety of potato that could withstand the disease scientists

went to Peru, the birthplace of the potato, where biodiversity was greater. They crossed several varieties finally creating one that proved resistant to the disease. This is the reason why defending agriculture and biodiversity is so important, says Ms Nano. In fisheries this extends to supporting small scale fisheries in coastal areas – the ones who still fish using traditional techniques, which are sustainable – not taking more fish from the sea than they need, she adds.

New agreements should improve international collaboration in the Mediterranean Slow Fish was inaugurated with a video message from Karmenu Vella, the European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries who stated that in the last few months there had been two important policy developments: the signing of the MedFish4Ever Declaration for Sustainable Fisheries by ministers from 13 countries in the Mediterranean, and the 10-country agreement on the Initiative for the Western Mediterranean.

These are steps that go beyond the boundaries of the Union, set clear objectives on the sustainability and defence of marine and coastal ecosystems, and will help to create a new and collaborative system for fisheries management. The great heritage of our sea, both in terms of

biological and economic resources, is at risk. We have the precise and collective responsibility to implement these tools in the years to come. Mare Nostrum [Our sea] clamours for help, and it’s time to act, said the Commissioner.

Silvestro Greco, advisor to the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Protection of Land and Sea, and Chair of the Slow Fish Scientific Committee, highlights that there are 22 different states on the Mediterranean, seven of them are members of the European Union. The risk is that the sea is going to be reduced to a ‘res nullius’ (nobody’s thing), for which no one will take responsibility. The challenges stem from overfishing, global warming, water contamination caused, among other factors, by marine littering.

Educating consumers on how they can contribute When confronted with how an event like Slow Fish could help with solving some of the above-mentioned issues, Paola Nano explains that the message from the event is that the attitude towards food, in this case seafood, needs to change. Slow Fish pushes the public towards consuming species which are not threatened, species at the lower end of the food chain, and species that are less known. It also reminds people to take an active stand against global

Paola Nano, Press Office Director of Slow Food stresses the need to change people’s attitude towards food and to take an active stand against pollution and global warming.

warming and pollution. To emphasise the point, Mr Greco, who is also a chef in his spare time, made a dish at the event with jelly fish, a species at the lower end of the food chain that is little used in most countries. Slow Fish tries to make it easy for people to make choices when they buy fish and he believes that by changing consumption habits trends can change and that these changes can have an influence on the global market. It is difficult, he adds, but we believe we have to change things from the root.

More information on Slow Foods activities can be found on www.slowfood.com.

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Estonia takes over the presidency of the EU Council for the ďŹ rst time

Finding the right compromises is crucial The rotating 6-month presidency of the Council of the EU falls to Estonia from July 2017. The Council, along with the European Parliament, is the main decision-making body of the EU, where ministers from EU countries meet to discuss and amend laws and coordinate policies. The presidency of the Council plans and chairs meetings in the Council and represents the Council in relation with other EU institutions such as the Commission and the European Parliament. Siim Kiisler, Minister of the Environment, is in charge of the ďŹ sheries under the Estonian presidency and outlines here some of his priorities.

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dministration of the fisheries sector in Estonia is divided between two ministries. Fish stocks, habitats, and quotas are the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment, while commercial fishing, catches, and fish as food belong to the Ministry of Rural Affairs. Both ministries are also represented on the European Union`s Agriculture and Fisheries Council depending on the topics to be discussed. In the case of the presidency, because it falls in the second half of the year, when fishing opportunities (a Ministry of Environment competency) for the following year are negotiated, it was decided that the Ministry of Environment would be chiefly responsible for the fisheries topics under the presidency.

Keeping the goal of MSY for all fisheries on track Essentially, during the presidency Estonia will be responsible for EU and international negotiations, where it must strive to achieve compromises acceptable to all the stakeholders, says Siim Kiisler, Minister of Environment. The target of the negotiations, ultimately, is the effective implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy ensuring, in particular, that maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for all EU fisheries is achieved as 36

envisaged by 2020. If MSY has to be achieved in 2020, then quotas will probably have to be cut, feels Mr Kiisler, which for the concerned Member States is difficult in the short term. As a Member State we feel it ourselves, with regard to salmon for example, but now we are sitting on the other side of the table and need to play the role of honest brokers. But I understand already how complicated it is.

Nobody will like the proposal, and finally a compromise will have to be found that will still allow us to reach MSY after two years.

There are three priorities in terms of fishing opportunities for 2018 that are waiting for the Commission’s proposals. Baltic Sea fishing opportunities which are estimated to be ready for adoption in October; Black Sea fishing opportunities, which should be ready for adoption in December; and then the main Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and quotas file, which too is estimated to be adopted in December. In terms of the multi-annual plans there are again several files, in which the Estonian presidency will be involved. For example, there is the North Sea management plan, which has reached the trilogue stage negotiation between the Commission, Parliament, and the Council of the EU. This is also a multi-stock management plan

Siim Kiisler, Minister of Environment, is in charge of fisheries during Estonia’s presidency of the EU Council.

covering different ground fish and flat fish species. Then there is the Western Mediterranean plan, where a proposal is awaited from the Commission; the Baltic Sea salmon plan, and the Adriatic Sea plan for pelagics.

Proposal for salmon in the Baltic is being dusted off In addition, Baltic salmon, which started as a Commission

proposal in 2011, but which subsequently moved off the radar, is being resurrected. The objective of the plan is to restore salmon populations and maintain them at sustainable levels as well as introduce protective measures.

The plan is to update the 2011 proposal from the Commission, and during its presidency Estonia hopes to have discussions in working groups and prepare for a common understanding.

For Estonia the salmon fishery

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is complicated because it is not a targeted species but gets taken as by-catch. If the salmon quota is reduced it could choke the coastal fishery for the species where salmon is the by-catch bringing it to a close before the end of the year. To try and prevent this Estonia tries to achieve a reasonable solution.

Estonia keenly revives salmon populations in its rivers and makes a determined effort to maintain and strengthen its salmon stocks, observes Mr Kiisler.

Firstly, catches are kept under

control: in the spawning season in November, when the fish is heading to the spawning grounds up the rivers from the sea, volunteers keep an eye to ensure “peaceful spawning�. Fish passes, close to 100 in number, have been built to facilitate the passage of the fish up and down stream. In addition, dams are being removed altogether to create long open stretches of water for the fish, breeding habitats are being restored, and finally a restocking programme is repopulating rivers with salmon. However, he emphasises, the purpose

of the restocking programme for salmon (and other species) is not to provide fishermen with fish to catch, but to kickstart the rehabilitation of salmon in Estonian rivers so that in time self-sustaining populations can be created.

Numerous external issues on the agenda Apart from the negotiations on fishing opportunities, the presidency will also deal with a number of external issues. For example, Estonia will chair meetings on bilateral agreements

between the EU and third countries, such as, Morocco and Greenland, to discuss Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements that expire in 2018. The presidency will also cover multilateral cooperation issues with various regional fisheries management organisations including NAFO, NEAFC (coastal states meeting), GFCM, ICCAT, and CCAMLR. With more than 30 international negotiations to chair the ministry of the environment is unlikely to have a dull moment during the six months of the presidency.

OfďŹ cials in the Ministry of Rural Affairs contemplate a self-sustaining ďŹ sheries sector

Falling support levels encourage new thinking The Estonian Ministry of Rural Affairs, which administers the ďŹ sheries sector (together with the Ministry of Environment), is continuously looking for ways to streamline and simplify the administration. It is also keen for the sector to prepare itself for a world with less support.

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he Ministry of Rural Affairs is responsible for the collection of data regarding commercial catches of fish and seafood in accordance with EU regulations, which cover certain internationally regulated species, and which prescribe the data to be collected. Data is also collected on freshwater species and coastal fisheries which are regulated nationally. While data collection is a continuous exercise, the ministry is developing electronic tools to improve quality and analysis. This, says Ain Soome, Head of the Fisheries Economics Department, should lead to better and more reliable data as it will strengthen control of the data, make it easier to cross check, and, crucially, make data in one database available to

other systems, so that the same data does not have to be collected from the source multiple times. In the case of the coastal fishery a new app for fishermen was developed that will enable fishers to upload their data to a central database from the vessel itself.

Market-based measures may contribute to efficiency These new systems are expected to contribute to the overall simplification in bureaucracy that the ministry is constantly trying to achieve. Although Estonia is hardly the most inefficient country in the EU, there is scope for improvement. Olavi Petron, Deputy Secretary General for

Olavi Petron, Deputy Secretary General for Fisheries Policy and Foreign Affairs Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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Fisheries Policy and Foreign Affairs, suggests that marketbased solutions may be one way to simplify bureaucracy. As an example, he mentions the use of Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQ) which obviate the need for legislation on fishing capacity limits as fishers will themselves adjust their capacity to the quotas they hold. Another point is the use of certain financial instruments to provide companies with support that has to be repaid. This has two distinct advantages. On the one hand, the applicant will probably look more critically at his business plan as he knows the support is not a grant but a loan. On the other, the fact that the support is returned means that it can be turned around again and used to support another company.

A recent instance of support is the construction of a components factory by the three Estonian producer organisations (PO) for pelagics. Out of a total outlay of about EUR10m, some 6m is support from the EMFF. The factory will serve multiple purposes. It will be used for the production of fishmeal and fish oil; in a phase two, the facility will produce high value protein and lipid fractions for use by the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and other industries, finally the factory will mop up some of the fish that was originally intended for the Russian market, but which is now blocked to Estonian exports of frozen sprats and herring. For the POs with their large volumes of herring and sprat it is difficult to add value and to find markets, says Hannes Ulmas, Head of the Market Regulation and Trade Bureau, while for smaller private companies it is easier; they can try making different products and finding niche markets. The PO’s fish components factory 38

with its potential production of high value items is a step in the right direction. It has two main purposes, it will process fish that is too small, or damaged, and it will offer a safety net in case an important market suddenly closes (as happened with Russia). In the latter instance, fishing and production can continue as the output from the factory can be stored and traded later. These advantages are part of the reason that the extent of support (60) for the component factory was approved. The other factor to have played a role was that the facility brought together all the three POs into what will hopefully turn out to be a mutually beneficial collaboration.

Producers need to collaborate more for the benefit of the sector Getting producers to work together is something that the administration is very keen on as ultimately it should make the sector more resilient when support is phased out. In the long term, we believe that the sector needs to understand that it is an important way to work, says Ain Soome, and that they should not rely only on support schemes. He admits that support has been the driver of this cooperation in general; in the case of the component factory one of the preconditions was that the three POs had to work together for the project to be eligible for support. The production and marketing plans that the POs are obliged to release are also a way to foster cooperation between producers as they must get together to discuss when to catch, how the catch should be marketed, how to avoid catching low quality fish, and how to regulate the amount of fish coming into the factory, among other issues.

Ain Soome, Head of the Fisheries Economics Department

These plans are increasingly important also because they are supposed to replace the storage mechanism that will stop at the end of 2018. Storage aid is given when the price of fish falls below a threshold or when there is some other disruption in the market. It thus provides producers with a safety net. Estonia has benefited from this measure because more than 80 of its production is exported much of it to relatively unstable markets outside the EU. But, says Ain Soome, we believe the POs and their production and marketing plans, where fishermen themselves cooperate, add value to the fish, and also are responsible for selling it, are a more sustainable way managing the market.

The same logic applies to the Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) of which Estonia has eight. Among the most useful aspects of the FLAGs is that

they brought fisheries and other stakeholders together creating a partner within the community, with whom the administration could discuss, for example, fisheries regulations. Fostering the collaboration between the different parties is in itself a valuable outcome, says Mr Soome, and the FLAGs have also been active in, for example, improving ports and providing processing facilities to fishers to add value. But again, the question is how long it should continue? We believe it is still necessary to have these groups, but in the long term the coastal fishery has to be sustainable, and live without subsidies.

Weaning the sector off support is not easy Convincing the fishermen of the need for less support, however, is not easy. After all, who would turn down the chance of getting

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support? In addition, if Estonia unilaterally withdrew support it would create an uneven playing field, where Estonian fishers would be at a disadvantage.

It might work, says Mr Ulmas, if the decision to phase out subsidies was taken by all the Member States (MS) individually or made at the EU level. The idea of the support is to introduce some structural changes, he adds, not just replace old investments. In some cases, aid helps when there is a market failure and banks are not offering funding. In this case financial instrument loans can be useful to bring about desirable outcomes, for example in the aquaculture sector, such as energy saving or more efficient use of resources, better cleaning systems to reduce the environmental burden, or greener and more efficient alternatives

to older machinery. In general, says Mr Petron, for the aquaculture sector aid needs to focus more on improving existing farms rather than adding capacity. Estonia is chasing a farmed fish production target of about 2,500 tonnes a year, a threefold increase in the current level. On the salmonid market, locally farmed trout vies with Norwegian salmon. The only way to compete is by offering freshness and quality. This calls for a short supply chain, says Mr Petron, and that is where our support should go.

Given that levels of support are likely to decline in the future, the discussion on getting the actors in the fisheries sector to depend more on collaboration and less on support is clearly an important one.

Hannes Ulmas, Head of the Market Regulation and Trade Bureau

Ecofarm is investing heavily in value addition

Convenience products for the Estonian market The Estonian aquaculture sector comprised some 54 companies in 2015 an 8% increase over the year before. In 2016, production increased by 9% to 868 tonnes with a strong focus on trout which accounted for almost four ďŹ fths of the total. Other cultivated species include carp and eel.

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hile farmed fish and seafood production in total has generally increased since 2012 the trend in production of individual species is more difficult to discern as some data, for example, of eel production, is kept confidential and only included in the generic “Other fish� category.

A PO for the aquaculture sector Both at European and national levels there is a will to increase sustainable production from aquaculture, and one of the instruments to deliver this is the system of Producer Organisations (PO). In Estonia, an aquaculture

PO has been established that brings together five famers with a combined production of 186 tonnes of fish. More importantly, the PO represents 40 of the Estonian trout production, a prerequisite for recognition as a PO. The PO not only buys the fish from the farmers but also processes and markets it. Ecofarm,

as the PO is known, was established in 2010. The main functions of POs are to collectively manage the activities of their members, directing them to sustainable methods of operating, helping them match supply with demand, and supporting them to add value to their production. POs may also promote their Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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trout and large trout. Eel is not part of Ecofarm’s assortment as it is not a very popular fish in Estonia and most of the production is exported to other parts of Europe. According to Mr Ots, eel farmers’ focus on export markets makes them less likely to feel the need to join a PO, particularly when, as in Ecofarm’s case, the target market is mainly the domestic one.

A range of versatile products Henry Ots, the director of Ecofarm, at the PO’s newly opened outlet in the recently renovated Baltic Station Market.

members’ products by using certification schemes, geographical designations, or quality labels.

They can thus play an important role in the market by taking over the added value, sales and marketing responsibilities and allowing the farmer to concentrate on the production, a division of labour, which may be very useful in particular for smaller farms with fewer staff.

Baltic herring and sprat some of which Ecofarm buys and processes under its own brand. We get fresh herring every day which we fillet and then make the fillets into rollmops following our own recipe, says Mr Ots. Apart from this product, the remainder of Ecofarm’s production comes from its members and includes sturgeon, carp, portion sized

The role of Ecofarm is to add value to the product so that it can be sold at a higher price and increase the return to the farmer. To this end the PO has developed in collaboration with a chef both ready to cook and ready to eat products, in the first instance using trout as the raw material. The products consist of trout fillets with a specially developed marinade in a vacuum-packaged tray. The tray can be popped directly into the

oven to give a meal ready to be served and eaten within a few minutes. Ecofarm has developed a few variations on the marinade that are being tested to see which evokes the most favourable response among consumers. The products are versatile in the sense that in winter they can be prepared in the oven, but in summer they can also be used on the grill. Furthering the marketing effort is the sleeve around the tray, which has been created to highlight the product, the brand, and the names of partner organisations. In addition to the Baltic Station Market Ecofarm is also selling its products in Kuressaare on the island of Saaremaa, where it cooperates with a retail store and in Tallinn it has an agreement with a local supermarket chain Selver. With Selver, Ecofarm carries out marketing campaigns to promote its products and find out what tastes are popular. Ecofarm is also hoping to enter into an agreement with Estonia’s biggest supermarket

New outlet shows much promise Ecofarm has just opened a fish counter at the newly renovated Balti Station Market, next to Tallinn central station. The market features both open and closed spaces and one of the latter is used for sales of fish and seafood. Here seafood companies display and sell their products in attractive modern surroundings. Henry Ots, the managing director of Ecofarm, says that the PO’s counter opened very recently and will promote the PO’s brand “Farmare�. Ecofarm’s processing facility is located a few meters away from the facilities of Estofish, one of Estonia’s three capture fisheries POs. Estofish members catch 40

Ecofish collaborates with a pelagic fisheries Producer Organisation, Estofish, from where it purchases herring to be proceed into rollmops, as an additional product be included in the assortment.

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This trendy packaging is used for a range of ready-to-cook products that the PO has developed and that are based on portion-sized trout or trout fillets.

chain Coop. It will be something of a challenge, admits Mr Ots, to supply Coop, as the volumes will be large and they will need to be supplied on a regular basis. The products being considered are mainly the portion-sized trout, herring, as well as smoked sturgeon.

In Estonia too are reflected many of the consumer trends that are prevalent in other parts of Europe. Ready-to-eat and readyto-cook fish products are popular for the speed with which they can be prepared and consumed and the convenience of not having to worry about cleaning fish, dealing with bones, smells, etc.

Ecofarm also offers fresh fish, but margins are obviously not as good as on the value-added products. It is now seven years since the PO has been operating, but as Mr Ots says it is a long and slow process to build up a reputation as a reliable partner.

Understanding the market and developing increasingly sophisticated products is also something that happens step-by-step.

We have to build a brand, trust, and offer tasty products, none of which happens overnight.

Convenient packaging enables sales from smaller outlets too While trout products get most of the attention at the moment, Mr Ots is keen also to start doing something with carp. Currently carp is being sold whole or as fillets, but there are plans to develop products from carp and test the market’s response to them. The reason is simple – sales of the ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat products is where the growth is.

Since November 2016 when the first product was launched sales have been growing steadily, says Mr Ots. Another advantage of the value-added products is that they do not occupy much space, nor do they create a mess, for example, by dripping melt water from ice, and so they can be sold from even small shops as long as they have a refrigerated display unit.

Supplying fish in the required volumes may become a challenge Today Ecofarm has five members, but Mr Ots is confident that more will join in the future. Fish prices are high at the moment

The fish enclosure at the newly renovated Baltic Station Market hosts several purveyors of fish and sea seafood, each with its own display counter.

and everybody can sell their production, so there is little incentive to join a PO, but if that were to change, he expects a surge of interest in Ecofarm. In addition, levels of EU support are declining, which may also encourage more farms to join the PO. Apart from managing Ecofarm, Mr Ots also has his own trout production unit where he grows portion-sized trout as well as smolts to supply to other farms. He thus knows to some extent what production volumes are going to be at these farms. This allows Ecofarm to launch campaigns

with the supermarkets because it knows it can get the fish it needs to meet the demand created by this promotion. This is becoming increasingly important because significant progress has been made on the post production side of the operation, says Kristi Ilves from the Department of Fisheries Economics in the Ministry of Rural Affairs, on the product development, marketing, sales, and distribution, but now Ecofarm needs to secure the production so that it can reliably meet the demand for its products

Ecofarm TO Lemmetsa Audru vald 88311 Pärnumaa Estonia Tel: +372 5883 9011 assistent@ecofarm.ee www.ecofarm.ee www.farmare.ee

Product forms: Ready-to-cook trout products, ready-to-eat smoked and marinated products, fresh ďŹ sh and ďŹ llets Markets: Estonia Outlets: Selver retail chain, ďŹ shmongers Volumes: Up to 300 tonnes of trout

Director: Mr Henry Ots Species: Rainbow trout, sturgeon, carp, Baltic herring

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Läänemaa FLAG is putting 10-year strategy into action

Local efforts for long-lasting beneďŹ ts Supported by the Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) project under the EMFF, Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) are comprised of local partnerships that respond to the speciďŹ c issues in a certain region. Within Estonia, this bottom-up approach builds on the needs identiďŹ ed primarily by their small-scale coastal ďŹ sheries.

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LAGs bring together the private sector, local authorities and municipalities, and civil society organizations to create employment and improve working conditions for the fishermen. Rather than having most of the operations carried out remotely in Tallinn, the eight Estonian FLAGs thrive on a bi-directional exchange of knowledge: local fishermen cooperate and apply for funding for projects that will help their own communities, and, at the same time, learn the processes and workings of the bureaucracy.

FLAGs differ from Producer Organisations Of the eight FLAGs in Estonia, six are coastal and two are inland. The average budget for

each FLAG is ₏3 million euros, with the largest receiving up to ₏4.5 million and the smallest with ₏1.2 to ₏1.3 million. An intermediate body checks that all project procedures are correctly followed, determines whether they are approved for funding, and monitors the FLAGs throughout the projects. While in previous periods, FLAGs had to have at least 60 of members from the fishing sector, new EU regulation stipulates that none of the interest groups represented could make up more than 50 of the FLAG; this unfortunately resulted in the removal of some fishermen from FLAGs to accommodate the new rule. However, many of the FLAGs are still fisheryoriented and remain separate from the producer organizations, allowing them to focus on

Margus Medell, head of the FLAG, Läänemaa Rannakalanduse Selts, that is helping to add value to fishermen’s catches.

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providing benefits to small-scale coastal fishermen through localized projects. Liis Reinma from the Ministry of Rural Affairs, comments on the advantage of having such a small, concentrated group of Estonian fishermen to oversee, “There are very big countries and a lot of managing authorities do not know what their FLAGs are doing, but Estonia is such a small country that you have a very good overview all the time of what is happening.�

landing sites, which were previously left in the same poor conditions as they were from Soviet times. While there were 43 landing sites as of 2013, 89.3 of landings were concentrated in 13 of them. Over 53.8 of funding went to port renovations to provide fuel, build small shops, and set up facilities for refrigeration and chilling. The ports are now cared for and monitored by local municipalities, along with help from the Environmental Ministry.

Collaboration for improved working conditions and higher incomes

Consumption studies were conducted around the local market.

Results showed that if consumers had higher incomes, they would purchase more fish.

This aligned with the trend of increased consumption during a healthier economy. Surprisingly, however, when the

According to Ms Reinma, one of the biggest achievements of the previous period was the renovation of local ports and

Mart Vahtel, one of three fishers who owns the processing facility in the basement of the fisheries house in Dirhami.

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economy declined and prices of meat decreased to three times cheaper than that of fish, consumption of fish remained the same. To increase profits, fishermen are realizing that they must cooperate with each other to maximize their sale revenues. “They are becoming more like businessmen,â€? says Liis Reinma. “Before the funds came only from fishing‌they came to the plant and they wanted to sell right away this fish and go home. But now they are probably thinking more wisely how to make more money from it.â€? It is especially important for the fishermen who get smaller catches to think about ways to add value to their fish to sell it for higher prices.

One example of cooperation among the community fishermen was the development of a non-profit fisheries house in Läänemaa, staffed by eight fishermen. Started in 2008, the facility includes small freezers and chillers, small cars to transport fish, and selling pavilions to help increase marketing and employment opportunities for the local fishermen. It also serves as an overnight lodging option for fishermen from other ports. The basement is rented out by a company owned by three fishermen, who pay for the import and processing of Norwegian salmon in the facility. The factory processes half local raw material and half imported salmon. It is an example of how a single project can branch out and help diversify the fishermen’s activities so that the port can run year-round.

After ports are renovated by investments from local municipalities, they are given to the fishermen to use during the fishing season, while fishery tourism and other activities keep

the port viable when the season ends.

Small-scale fishing seldom provides an adequate livelihood There are 158 fishermen in the Läänemaa region, a slight increase over previous years, and at least 80 are involved in the region’s FLAG. While mostly from small-scale coastal fisheries, the fishermen are still very different in terms of background, income share, and catches. Over 10 years ago, a quota of 10 nets was enforced to concentrate the efforts of the fishermen, making their activities easier to control for the small number of inspectors. However, fishing rights can be purchased for a fee, and the fishermen who use fishing as one of their primary sources of income blame recreational fishermen for using up their fishing rights.

Since fishery is a seasonal activity and catches vary depending on the weather, most fishermen must find other more stable sources of income. Over 2/3 of fishermen receive an income from fishing that is less than the average minimum salary, and 79 of fishermen have separate paid employment. Other incomes also come from agriculture, forestry, and tourism sectors. The main fishing period runs from May to October, although in the spring time, some areas are closed off to allow for herring and pike perch spawning seasons, as well as bird migrations. While fish prices and landings have increased significantly, incomes have not, because of inflation and increased costs of fishing gear, fuel, and other materials. Furthermore, fishery scientists are unclear about reasons for the substantial increase in catches and cannot directly confirm the

The harbour master of the port in Puise is also a fisherman with a small processing unit, where he dries, freezes or smokes fish.

improvement of fish stocks. Thus, one of the main objectives for the FLAGs is to increase producer income.

Läänemaa’s priorities set for 2025 Planning for the Läänemaa county strategy began in December 2013 and included over 112 participants over 12 meetings to decide the FLAG’s priorities moving forward. The strategy sets goals for 2015 to 2025 and divides funds up among five activity lines. Firstly, 30 will go toward increasing on-site fish processing and marketing activities. This includes the establishment of a cooperative society of fishermen to manage transport, preservation of products, processing, and sales. Another 30 will fund more restoration of small fishing ports and landing sites. One goal is to develop at least seven full-service ports in the Läänemaa fisheries area, so more fishermen have refrigeration chambers to store larger

volumes of catches. Diversification activities will receive 27 of funding for trainings for new technologies and services to help fishermen secure year-round income. Fishery tourism will be a focus, since Läänemaa is wellknown for its nature preservation sites and bird-watching areas.

Social welfare activities, such as trade shows, maritime exhibitions, and educational projects, will take up another 10; these local events will serve to preserve the Läänemaa fishing heritage and strengthen fishermen’s community identity. Finally, 3 will be invested in restoration of spawning grounds, a new initiative that involves cooperation with the Environmental Board and fishery scientists. Through this 10-year plan, the Läänemaa FLAG hopes to not only protect the livelihoods of the Estonian fishermen but also popularize and animate the fisheries area for those without family roots in the fisheries sector.

Jessica Ho, jessica@eurofish.dk Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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PĂľlula Fish Rearing Centre monitors and stocks salmon in Estonia

Securing the future of wild salmon Estonia has a salmon ďŹ shery in the Baltic Sea, where catches though small have stayed fairly stable hovering from ďŹ ve to seven tonnes between 2012 and 2016. The ďŹ shery is based largely on restocking efforts that are carried out at the PĂľlula Fish Rearing Centre, which since 2014 has been part of the State Forest Management Centre. The facility has released about ďŹ ve million juveniles, four ďŹ fths of which were salmon, since 1997.

T

he Pþlula Fish Rearing Centre was established in 1994 to rear and replenish Estonia’s stocks of salmon. Since then the facility has added the breeding and release of sea trout (2001) and since 2016 has begun experimenting with producing whitefish and grayling. Between 2001 and 2005 brown trout were also bred and released into Estonian rivers. Salmon, an iconic species in the Baltic Sea region, has historically been present

in 12 Estonian rivers, but dam building, destruction of habitats including suitable breeding grounds, and overfishing are among the reasons behind the need for restocking efforts. Ms Kaire Martin, Director General in the Ministry of Environment adds that over the years different activities have been carried out to improve conditions for salmon.

Since 2013, for example, there is a legal requirement to grant free migration both upstream

Kaire Martin, Director General in the Ministry of Environment 44

and downstream to salmonids in salmonid rivers. As a consequence, almost 90 fish passages have been constructed of which 70 have been for salmonids. By recovering salmon habitats and opening these migration routes not only do salmon populations become stronger, she says, but many other fish and aquatic species benefit too.

Self-sustaining wild salmon populations in three rivers The main migratory species in Estonia are salmon, sea trout, river lamprey, and whitefish.

Atlantic sturgeon too used to be found in the Narva river, but is now extinct largely because of the construction of dams which prevented access to or destroyed spawning areas. Atlantic salmon spawns in 12 rivers of which three have native salmon populations and where no releases are carried out, seven have a mix of native populations and fish bred at the hatchery, while fish in two rivers are based almost exclusively on releases. The stocks in the different Estonian rivers are genetically similar to each other, except for the Pärnu river stock. Estonian restocking efforts in the Gulf of Finland, where 11 of the rivers discharge, are based on spawners from the Kunda river, which is one of the local wild stocks, while the Pärnu river, which discharges

into the Gulf of Riga, is stocked with material from the Daugava river in Latvia. The Pärnu is the biggest river system in Estonia with a catchment area of about 7,000 sq. km. Most of this is free, but the Sindi dam some 14 km from the sea currently blocks the lower reaches of the river.

Further upstream are two other dams, but good fish passes there ensure free passage.

Salmon parr density shows upward trend The extent of available salmon spawning areas in the different rivers today amounts to some 78 ha of a total potential of about 190 ha.

The construction of fish passes has over the years gradually been adding to the available spawning area, but there are still significant areas that are closed, in particular on two of the rivers that host pure wild salmon populations. The institute monitors the results of breeding and release activities by electrofishing to estimate parr density at some 70-100 sites in about 50 rivers annually, an effort that was initiated in 1974. The sites chosen are the same each year allowing comparisons to be made from one year to the next. The parr density is calculated per 100 sq. m of river bed. This is a standard method throughout the Baltic Sea and enables therefore also international comparisons. In general, parr density has been increasing over the last decade, says Dr Martin

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this is not the case. In general, in the Baltic Sea, northern stocks are doing well while southern stocks are weak, and in a mixed stock fishery this is a problem, because by fishing the abundant stocks, the weak stocks are also over-harvested. To mitigate the situation, attempts are made to reduce the open sea fishery and to direct the fishery towards the healthiest stocks.

Martin Kesler, head of the Centre of Salmon and Trout, Estonian Marine Institute

Kesler from the Estonian Marine Institute at the University of Tartu.

From smolt trapping efforts scientists can monitor the number of smolts that migrate from the river. The smolts caught in the trap are all tagged and then released upstream from the trap. They migrate downstream again and some are caught in the trap. The number of tagged salmon that are caught indicates the trapping efficiency of the smolt trap. Since 2014 a new method has been deployed, but this is to count spawners. A counter made by an Icelandic firm is used to monitor the passage of fish in the river by tallying them as they swim through a tunnel. Data from the counter reveals the size and gender of the fish among other information. This gives the overall number of spawners, the results of stocking, and also indicates whether there are enough spawners for that river. If this number is low, it could suggest a problem at sea or in the river that is preventing the return of sufficient numbers of spawners.

Stocks can be rehabilitated with the right mix of measures Efforts are also made to guard the rivers during the spawning

Kunnar Klaas, head of the PĂľlula Fish Rearing Centre

season and according to Dr Kesler poaching has decreased significantly over the past five years. Many of the rivers are small and not very deep so the spawners are highly visible and easy to poach. Taken together these measures (rehabilitation of habitats, construction of fish passages, prevention of poaching, reducing fishing pressure) show that when problems in the rivers are solved it is possible to gradually rebuild wild populations of salmon. If the fish can escape the salmon fishery in the sea and arrive at the river in abundant numbers, then it is a fairly reliable indicator that the stocks are not being overfished, says Martin Kesler, either in the open sea or at the coast. This is valuable new information that the monitoring programme has revealed and it is used to make more accurate assessments of stocks – information that will be used to calculate salmon TACs (Total Allowable Catches) and quotas. Salmon management is complicated by the fact that in the Baltic Sea there are a couple of very big rivers that produce most of the wild salmon in the sea. One of these is the Tornio river, which forms most of the border between

Finland and Sweden, and produces about one and a half million wild smolts every year. The other is the Kalix river in Sweden. These rivers, both of which empty into the Gulf of Bothnia, are big and in pristine condition and therefore more suitable for salmon. The stocks in these rivers are doing well and according to Dr Kesler could be fished more. Further south, however, the greater human influence has resulted in weaker stocks. In the Gulf of Finland, into which most of Estonia’s salmon river empty, and which lies in the Central Baltic, the trend is generally positive. But further south

Restocking efforts draw on different seed material Every year salmon are caught from the wild and the milt and eggs are collected in October/ November and incubation lasts through the winter. Around the end of February, depending on the temperature, the eggs hatch. The hatchery is supplied with water from a spring that is 4-6 degrees in temperature all the year around. When the salmon larvae start feeding around April, however, they need water at 8 degrees, so a heat pump is used to increase the temperature of the water.

Despite this, says Kunnar Klaas, we want to emulate the conditions in nature as far as possible, so that the fish have a smooth

The Sindi dam is set to be removed opening up a 100 km stretch of the Pärnu river for the benefit of migratory fish. The project is among the biggest nature conservation works in Estonia.

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start when they are released.

Apart from the Gulf of Finland and Gulf of Riga salmon, the hatchery also released its first batch of whitefish juveniles in the fall of last year. Whitefish is known to inhabit the Pärnu river and the newly-initiated breeding efforts at the Pþlula hatchery have resulted in the release there of 30,000 juveniles so far, says Kunnar Klaas, the head of the hatchery. However, the whitefish production is still at an experimental stage and the hatchery is only producing enough to carry out trials. A further novelty is the production

of grayling and, Kunnar Klaas adds, the first experiments with crayfish, and even perch are planned in coming years. The purpose of the laboratory is to restore weak populations, but the ultimate objective is to have healthy, self-sustaining populations of fish. Once all the factors that lead to weak stocks have been identified and resolved, the hatchery’s role as a breeder of restocking material will become superfluous and it can concentrate on other research.

As Mr Klaas says, the hatchery’s restocking activities are only one part of the effort to regain

naturally sustainable fish stocks.

We also disseminate information about the work that we are doing to inform the public about the issues facing these fisheries.

And the fish bred at the hatchery are used to support the work of

scientists who need the material for their experiments. In short, although focused on restocking efforts, the PĂľlula facility is a multifaceted organisation contributing to the development of science.

Pþlula Fish Rearing Centre Lavi kßla, Rägavere vald 46705 Lääne-Viru maakond Estonia Phone: +372 527 8245 kunnar.klaas@rmk.ee www.rmk.ee

Head of Centre: Kunnar Klaas Main activities: Fish breeding for restocking Species: Salmon, sea trout, brown trout, whiteďŹ sh Employees: 8

Migratory fish will benefit greatly from unblocking the Pärnu river

Removing the Sindi dam

Acquisition of the dam was but the ďŹ rst step in what promises to be a massive nature conservation project. And adding to the complexity are the politics. For the town of Sindi (pop. 4,076) the dam has long been a symbol of the city. Although currently unused, the dam was built in the 70s for a wool factory which employed many of the local people. KĂźlli Tammur, the project

manager from the Environment Agency, points to a ďŹ sh pass that was build next to the dam in 1977, but the ow of the water is too rapid to allow the ďŹ sh passage, so less than 1% of the potential numbers actually get through. The project involves the removal of two other dams on the Pärnu river as well as nine smaller dams on tributaries, but the work involved in removing the Sindi dam is the most extensive. Part of this is caused by the need to accommodate requirements from the town to maintain an open-air swimming pool currently upstream from the dam. Now that the environmental impact assessment has been carried out the construction work can start, but this phase alone it is expected to take two years at a minimum.

Ms Tammur expects the entire project to take at least ďŹ ve years and to cost EUR9m, of which 85% will be support from the EU Cohesion Fund. However, if all goes well, the townspeople can look forward to a new and attractive waterfront to make up for the loss of their dam.

Kßlli Tammur from the Estonian Environment Agency looks forward to creating a long stretch of unfettered access along the Pärnu river for migratory fish.

The fish pass built next to the Sindi dam does not function as it should as the water flow is too strong. Only 1% of the fish make it upstream.

The Sindi dam across the Pärnu river generates strong feelings. On the one hand is the local government which considers it one of the town’s attractions, while on the other are environmentalists who say the dam blocks the passage of migratory ďŹ sh. Two years ago the owner of the dam and the Ministry of Environment came to an agreement allowing the government to purchase the dam and restore the Pärnu river salmon population. Making the dam passable is expected to have a signiďŹ cant inuence on salmon stocks as it will give the ďŹ sh a 100 km long stretch of river as opposed to the current 14 km.

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Latikas processes locally caught freshwater ďŹ sh as well as imports

Creating new products from old species Estonia produces just under 3,000 tonnes of freshwater ďŹ sh per year. This is a relatively small volume seen in relation to catches from the Baltic Sea, but some of the freshwater ďŹ sh species such as pike-perch are highly sought after on international markets.

O

ther freshwater species have a ready market within Estonia and some companies are experimenting with new products made from these in order to differentiate themselves. One of these is Latikas, a family owned company, located in Tartumaa at the southern part of the Peipsi lake. Neidi Narusing, the sales and marketing manager, says Latikas is a processing company that also owns fishing vessels and can thus meet most of its requirement of raw materials from its own resources. Among the products the company makes is minced fish meat made from freshwater bream.

Minced fish means no bones Like many freshwater species, bream is a rather bony fish and mincing the meat is one way of addressing that problem as the bones get finely minced as well and can no longer disturb the consumer. The fish is filleted first, of course, as the fillets are boneless and also valuable.

What is left is then minced and made into fish burgers. Two thirds of the content of the burger is fish meat, while the rest is onion, potato, and carrot. In the company kitchen three cooks are preparing fish, frying the fillets and making the burgers. We find that three

is a good number, observes Ms Narusing, with more time gets wasted, while fewer means everything cannot be done on time. Altogether six cooks operate the kitchen in two shifts of three each.

The company also produces a range of smoked products including bream fillets and Arctic char, which is imported from Poland, as well as other species that the company catches itself.

In fact, most of the production is based on Latikas’ own catch, says Ms Narusing. Catches of bream alone amount to some 300 tonnes per year, and in addition there are harvests of pike, pike-perch, perch, and other species. The main catching seasons for bream are in the spring in March and April, and again in September and October. The price the company pays the fishermen is determined by the season. The price for pike and pike-perch varies with the season, while the price of bream is more or less the same. As the catches arrive in the boats they are unloaded and taken immediately into the facility to be sorted.

Fish that is to be sold whole goes in one direction, while fish that is to be processed – gutted, filleted, etc. – goes in another. There is still a market for whole fish, which is sold at wholesale markets as well as by fishmongers, because there are customers who prefer it. Hauls of bream tend to large

and the company cannot process all of it at one go, so a lot of it is frozen. But whole frozen bream is a product too that we sell to customers in Latvia and Azerbaijan, says Ms Narusing, many of whom prefer the smaller fish, which they smoke. In theory they could get the smoked fish from us, points out Ms Narusing, but they smoke it in a different way in Azerbaijan, which may be why they would rather import the whole frozen fish and process it locally. Bream is popular in Azerbaijan because it exists there too and is well known.

Adapting product range to market demand The mix of products has been changing over time shaped by tastes as well as the availability of

certain species. About a decade ago pike was highly demanded, but then that changed and pikeperch and perch became popular instead. But now, since the company has started selling in Tallinn, where people eat a lot of marine fish, herring, flounder, and this year also garfish, are some of the species that the company processes for this segment.

Essentially, we try and provide the market with what it wants, says Ms Narusing. The production of bream fillets and minced bream meat is however a reaction to what Ms Narusing calls a problem with the bream market, that started around the time of the Russian embargo on imports from the EU. This also affected the market for roach. Now many of the customers who want bream are those who can afford little else,

Bream is processed in a number of ways. Here, a butterfly style gutted fish preparatory to smoking.

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Estonia’s freshwater fisheries Producer Organisation

Closer collaboration beneďŹ ts all

A fishing vessel of the kind used on Peipsi lake.

for example those in Moldova and Azerbaijan. But the price they were willing to pay was so low that it was not worth it for the company to catch it, freeze it, and deliver it thousands of kilometres away.

About half the company’s bream production is exported, while the other half if sold on the domestic market. However, the Estonian market is somewhat segmented, with smoked bream popular in the southern part of the country, but less so in the Tallinn area. In addition, consumers in the north prefer smoked fish made from fresh fish rather than frozen. Neidi Narusing explains that the frozen bream can sometimes develop a slightly bitter taste and admits that she herself prefers fresh to frozen bream. The minced bream meat has provoked interest among buyers in Latvia and Finland.

Fishing rights are concentrated among the big companies The fishery is fairly typical of the Peipsi lake, where the company owns the licenses to fish and some of the vessels. Fishers with vessels but without licenses work for the company using its licenses. They then do not have to pay for the use of the license, but the fish they 48

catch is sold to the company with whom they have contracts. Ilmar Metsanurk, who leads the Peipsi lake PO, explains that in the case of inland waters (and some coastal waters), fisheries are managed not by using quantity-based quotas, but by the number of nets a fisherman owns. In this case the rights to fish are not associated with specific vessels – as is the case with the Estonian sprat and herring fisheries in the Baltic Sea – but belong to certain companies that often have owned them historically. Many of the fishers on the Peipsi lake and other inland waters have plied their trade under contract to the companies that own the fishing rights, a tradition that continues today. These fishing rights can be traded, but the price is high, and most individual fishers cannot afford them. Hannes Ulmas from the Ministry of Rural Affairs points to an increasing concentration of the Peipsi lake fishing rights over the last 20 years in the hands of a few companies. They saw the value of the rights and when they could afford it they bought more.

The Peipsi lake PO was established in 2015 and today has eight members, including some of the biggest companies operating on the lake.

While all the members are ďŹ shing companies, half of them also have processing facilities. In the freshwater ďŹ shery in Estonia, a PO is only recognised if it has at least ďŹ ve members and a minimum of 40% of the Estonian catch of a certain species. In the case of the Peipsi lake PO, members represent 40% of the Estonian catch for bream, thanks mainly to Latikas, which catches 300 tonnes of bream a year out of a total Estonian production of bream of about 650 tonnes (2016).

Latikas is thus an important member of the Peipsi lake PO, says Mr Ilmar Metsanurk, the leader of the PO. The idea behind forming a PO is two-fold, he explains. It works to secure members a minimum price for the ďŹ sh, and by bringing producers together it may also be able to demand a higher price as it can offer larger and more stable volumes, making it more attractive to buyers. In addition, since the PO can offer larger volumes it can eliminate the middle men and negotiate directly with the end buyer. On the other hand, joining a PO calls for a certain degree of cooperation among the members and not all are prepared to do this. The Peipsi lake PO started out with 11 member companies and Mr Metsanurk does not rule out that one or two more will opt out in the future. However, he is optimistic that once the PO starts functioning as intended more companies will apply to join. Similar issues plagued Estonia’s pelagic POs as well when they were ďŹ rst established, but today they represent 90% of the Estonian catch of sprat and herring and are collaborating on setting up a component (ďŹ shmeal, ďŹ sh oil, and other products) factory. Mr Metsanurk has ambitious plans for the PO. If all goes well he would like the PO to buy the ďŹ sh from its members and take over the marketing and sales activities, leaving the companies to concentrate on the production. But ďŹ rst and foremost, he says, the companies need to trust each other more and to start to work more closely together before the PO can really get up and running.

More employees needed as processing area expands Latikas has existed for the last 25 years though in Soviet times

Ilmar Metsanurk (right), the head of the Peipsi lake Producer Organisation and Hannes Ulmas, Ministry of Rural Affairs.

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and for about 10 years after that its activities were restricted to just catching and trading the fish, the processing operations started some 15 years ago. Currently the company is building a new and larger processing area that will replace the old one.

The new facility is almost complete and is expected to start operating within a few weeks with a few additional employees.

Finding them, however, is not easy as Mehikoorma is a small

place and almost all those that can be employed are already in jobs, says Ms Narusing. Filleting bream is also not easy to do by hand as it has to be skinned first and it is a difficult fish to fillet. Automation is not the answer as the quality is not the same as when hand-filleted. The old processing area will be used to host the smoking ovens, traditional brick ovens that use firewood, which the company uses to hotsmoke products.

Latikas Mehikoorma Meeksi vald 62511 Tartumaa Estonia +372 5885 5770 latikasou@hotmail.com Ower: Mr Margus Narusing Sales and marketing director: Ms Neidi Narusing

Species: Bream, pike, pike-perch, other locally caught freshwater species; salmon, herring, ounder, Arctic char Products form: Whole, gutted, ďŹ llets, minced ďŹ sh meat, burgers Processing type: Fresh, frozen, smoked, fried Shops: 3 (Tartu, Tallinn, Tartumaa) Employees: 32

Kallaste Kalur processes freshwater ďŹ sh for domestic and export markets

Existing processing unit gets a new owner Kallaste Kalur is a ďŹ shing and processing company located on the shore of the Peipus lake in Kallaste. Founded in 1992 the company was bought last year by an entrepreneur with interests in ďŹ shing, as well as in transport and logistics.

J

anar Nurmoja, sales manager, and Marek Värs, production manager, who are involved in the day to day management, are veterans of the fish business having both studied and worked in other companies from the sector.

The new owner has been occupied mainly with the transport and logistics industry, but he has long been interested in fishing, and even before buying Kallaste Kalur had been buying fishing rights in Peipus lake. He started with fishermen in Rannapungerja and then decided to take it a step further by buying Kallaste Kalur and the associated fishing rights.

Focus on quality all along the value chain The company’s fishing vessels are now based at two ports, Kallaste,

where the processing facility is based, and Rannapungerja, some 50 km to the north. The company’s fishing rights are used by its own employees as well as by independent fishermen under contract. The latter catch the fish and then sell it to the company at the prevailing market price. We pay a fair price for the fish, says Mr Värs, because otherwise the fishermen would sell it, wherever they could get a better deal. A good relationship with the fishermen also helps to ensure the quality of the fish. As the first link in the value chain it is very important that the catch is handled properly on board and stored on ice as soon as it has been sorted by species. Vessels based at the port at Rannapungerja return there to unload the catch, which is then carried by road to the processing facility in Kallaste as this is faster

A fishing vessel docked a few meters from the Kallaste Kalur processing facility.

than sailing. Rannapungerja too has ice facilities which supply the vessels and the trucks that transport the fish. The company primarily processes the fish caught by its own vessels, but if the price is good, then raw material is also sourced from other fishers.

Altogether the volumes of raw materials the company is processing amount to some two tonnes of fish a day on average, which is converted mainly into fresh and frozen fillets. At the Kallaste port, the fish is first graded, then washed and put on ice or frozen. To add Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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as it has a much shorter shelf life.

If it cannot be used by a certain date it must be discarded.

A new smoking unit that will be used to smoke whole perch and bream and, when the season starts, also vendace, as well as fillets of pike-perch and pike.

to the product range the company has invested in new smoking ovens which should be commissioned soon. Currently the plan is to smoke whole perch and bream and, when the season starts, also vendace, as well as fillets of pikeperch and pike.

Sales on domestic market set to increase The company has been exporting most of its production to other European countries, with a small

fraction going to the domestic hotels, restaurant and catering sector, but now, says Janar Nurmoja, we are looking more closely at the Estonian market and have started selling in Tallinn and Tartu, as well as a few smaller cities, with sales going mainly to the Horeca sector in the form of five or ten kilo boxes of frozen fillets.

Frozen fish is easier to use as the buyer can buy a large quantity and then store it if necessary, using it little by little. Fresh fish on the other hand is more complicated

Fishing is unpredictable and the volume of raw materials fluctuates significantly, with periods when quantities are small and others when they are very large. At these times, the raw material is frozen so that it can be used at times when there is a lack of fish. In the winter pike-perch, bream, and pike are the main species that are targeted, while in spring it is perch, pikeperch and burbot. In the summer,

when fyke nets are used, the catches are mainly perch. Thus, pike, pike-perch, and perch, are the main species caught in terms of volumes. To improve the quality of the catch and the yield from the fishing activities the company has introduced better monitoring and control of temperature, and other measures to increase the shelf life of the products. Partly as a result, says Mr Nurmoja, the company has not only managed to retain the clients that were buying from the facility before it was taken over, but has also added new customers.

Kallaste Kalur Ltd TÜÜstuse 1 Kallaste Tartumaa 60104 Estonia Tel: +3727452740 Fax: +3727452743 info@rannapuura.ee www.rannapuura.ee Sales manager: Janar Nurmoja Production manager: Mr Marek Värs

Volumes of raw material: 2 tonnes per day Species: Pike, pike-perch, perch, bream Products: Fresh and frozen ďŹ sh and ďŹ llets, smoked ďŹ sh and ďŹ llets (planned) Markets: Switzerland (perch); France, Germany (pike-perch), Estonia Buyers: Horeca, retail chains

Peipsimaa helps increase tourism

Increased marketing for Lake Peipsi The Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) of the Lake Peipsi region has representatives from 21 out of 23 total municipalities in the Peipsi region, with the remaining two located farther away from the lake. All represented municipalities share borders with either Lake Peipsi or one of the smaller neighboring lakes in the region.

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ust under 300 fishermen have permits for Lake Peipsi, and 60 have permits for the other small lakes. Many of the fishermen who have permits for the smaller lakes also fish 50

in the Emajogi river, the largest river in the area. Because of the numerous fishing areas around Lake Peipsi, even before the creation of the FLAG, 60 to 65 of the fishermen were members

of an active fishermen union that established fisheries policies and catch regulations that are still in use today. Comprised of 129 members in total, the Peipsi FLAG includes many of

the fishermen from the union, along with members from the processing industry, fishery companies, non-profit organizations, producer organizations, and local municipalities. Of

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Adding value, by smoking for example, and creating a sales outlet that is attractive for locals and tourists is one of the ways the Peipsi lake FLAG hopes to reinvigorate the fisheries sector in the area.

the fishermen in the FLAG, 30 are self-employed while 40 are employed by larger companies.

Increasing automation leads to declining employment in fisheries Over the last few years, the number of fishermen has decreased. While the general population of Estonia has also declined, this decrease in the number of fishermen is also due to developments in the fisheries sector such as increased automation. After Estonia gained independence 25 years ago, fishery was a popular industry. However, more efficient gear and advanced machinery gradually began to replace manual labour. Machines could put 300 nets into the lake at a time, while typically only 10 nets are done by hand.

Fishermen also must deal with the unstable and seasonal nature of the industry. The active fishing season often lasts only four months.

January is most commonly known for ice fishing, when tourists from

Latvia and other countries arrive for this popular winter time activity. The season peaks in April, when the ice melts, followed by a restriction period to allow for spawning. Perch catches peak in August while roach catches peak in April and May, but those are also popular times for hobby fishermen. The most active month is September, when fishermen have a short two to three-week span before the quota is full to use active fishing gear. Prior to the establishment of the FLAG, in November and December when the quotas were filled, fishermen would go, for example, to Finland to find employment in other industries like construction.

Priorities for marketing and increasing value The EFF programme, which ran from 2007 to 2013, dedicated 60 of the budget to the renovation of the 10 most active ports around the region, and 25 to diversifying activities for the fishermen to have year-round incomes. While 30 of the current budget will still go

toward renovating two more ports, the on-going program targets marketing and processing activities to add value to the fishermen’s products, along with diversification activities for fishing companies to expand to other sectors like forestry, agriculture, and tourism.

FLAG has ambitious plans to boost the sector Named the Lake Fishing Sea Strategy, the program will run from 2015 to 2023. The strategy capitalizes on Peipsimaa, a cooperative body formed during the last period among the FLAG and four leader bodies. Peipsimaa establishes close relations with neighbouring countries like Finland, Latvia, Russia, and the Netherlands, to share knowledge and experience. They host joint activities, such as ice fishing competitions and a 10-day festival that features workshops, lake excursions, and marketing stands by local food processors stationed along the Lake Peipsi coastline. As a result, tourism in the area has increased, and foreign

bicycle groups and cars from Japan, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Italy are often seen traveling through the region.

Moving forward, the FLAG hopes to increase cooperation between companies and producer organizations to help fishermen process more raw material and find new international markets. It aims to create shops and selling places for local consumers, particularly in Tallinn, along with basic processing facilities to provide services for making fish fillets, fish preserves, and smoked and salted fish. The PO also wants to have its own supermarket to sell fresh fish and processed products. Additional food festivals will be held to animate the area, with food stands selling fish burgers, fish soup, and fish meat.

To protect the livelihoods of the local fishermen, the FLAG stresses the importance of marketing the area to increase fish consumption as well as promote other activities during the off-season.

Jessica Ho, jessica@eurofish.dk Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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Fisheries Information Centre

A broad network of information exchange

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ince 2016, the activities of the Information Centre have been funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund under two frameworks: “Grant for the Promotion of Cooperation between Scientists and Fishermenâ€? and “Grant for the Promotion of Cooperation between Scientists and Aquaculture Operatorsâ€?. To better coordinate the activities of the centre it has a council consisting of the umbrella organizations of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, various higher education institutions, agencies supervising fisheries, and representatives of fishing areas. Six people work daily in the centre, with recently renovated offices in Pärnu at their disposal.

Baltic Sea Fisheries Forum holds its first meeting One of the Information Centre’s activities includes facilitating the exchange of knowledge among neighboring countries, so governments can learn from and share information on the status of their fisheries. An example of this international collaboration was the first meeting of the Baltic Sea Fisheries Forum, which the Information Centre organized with the Estonian Association of Fishery in Pärnu in April this year.

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At the forum, Olavi Petron, Deputy Secretary General for Fisheries Policy and Foreign Affairs of the Ministry of Rural Affairs, gave a long and thorough overview about the current state and future perspectives of Estonian fisheries sector. It became clear in the presentation that the Estonian fisheries exhibit the same tendencies as those in Europe and around the world. Natural stocks of most fish species have been managed at levels that are unlikely to allow for an increase in catch, and almost a third of ocean fish stocks suffer from overfishing. Mr Petron’s overview also revealed that Estonia still cannot keep up with the rest of the world in its ratio between fish produced by aquaculture and fish caught in the wild. In 2014, farmed fish was consumed in similar amounts to wild fish around the world, but since then the percentage of farmed fish has increased globally, while in Estonia aquaculture production has stayed at the same level, leaving much room for development.

The presentation by Didzis Ĺ mits, a representative of the Latvian Association of Fisheries, also revealed that to remain competitive in the future, the fisheries sector must emphasize

JĂźri Vlassov

The Fisheries Information Centre was established In 2011 at the University of Tartu with the support of the European Fisheries Fund.

It is a one-stop-shop for the ďŹ sheries sector (ďŹ shing, aquaculture, ďŹ sh processing and marketing) and consumers of ďŹ sh and ďŹ shery products to obtain up-to-date know-how, training and advice. It also aims to promote consumer awareness and lifelong learning in the ďŹ sheries sector through the dissemination of scientiďŹ c and legislative information, experience and good practice.

Speakers at the Baltic Sea Fisheries Forum, (left to right) Hartwig Retzlaff, Deutsche See; Aina Afanasjeva, Eurofish; Valdur Noormägi Estonian Association of Fishery; Olavi Petron, Estonian Ministry of Rural Affairs; Janis Endele, Karavela Ltd; Didzis Šmits, Latvian Association of Fishery.

innovation. Like Estonian fish processing companies, who were largely dependent upon the eastern market, Latvians were also seriously influenced by Russia’s decision to close its borders to European fish products.

This forced Latvians to seek new markets and put more effort into product development. In doing so, Latvians have also managed to set completely new standards for innovation. By renaming their sprat, a fish rarely found in the Western world, to “sardines�, a fish common to all of Europe, the canned food factories producing sprats survived even after Russian borders were closed.

Carl-Erik Spring from the Finnish Fish Processing Industries’ and Fish Traders’ Association, Aleksei Kuzin from the Association of Fish Industries of Russian Federation, Sofia Lepke from Ultrafish, Ja-nis Endele from the Latvian company Karavela Ltd. and Aina Afanasjeva from Eurofish made forward-looking presentations at the forum as well. On the second day of the forum, foreign visitors were introduced to the fish processing company AS Japs in Pärnu along with the refrigerating plant of the producer organisation Estonian Fishing Association in Audru. Based on the enthusiastic response of the participants, it

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Toomas Tuul

ESTONIA

fish scientists held lectures and answered questions, and various workshops took place at every port.

Fishermen and consumers were also brought together, and anyone who was interested in directly ordering fish likely still received fishermen’s contact details. The event, despite the extremely bad weather, was so successful that it will now be held annually.

Ensuring the participation of future generations

Toomas Armulik (left), Head of Fisheries Information Centre, and Tarmo Tamm, Estonian Minister of Rural Affairs, give a talk in the port of Leppneeme during the Open Fishing Port Day.

seemed that such a forum could become an annual tradition for the Baltic countries.

Centre works with all the stakeholders in the sector In addition to hosting large-scale meetings, the Fisheries Information Centre works to improve the state of Estonian fisheries on a dayto-day basis. It organizes and carries out training courses and information days based on the changing needs of the fisheries and aquaculture sector. It governs the communication of scientific research to fishermen, ensuring that decisions concerning fishermen and fishery resources are discussed with the fishermen themselves before any action is taken. Fishermen and aquaculture operators can also commission smaller-scale studies of an applied nature. Studies on adding value to algae, the realization of autumn-spawning herring, the parasites of sea trout, and the reproductive potential of natural population, are under way.

The Information Centre issues a yearbook titled “Estonian Fishery�, with English translations,

and publishes an overview of economic indicators of fishing companies. The Information Centre also issues textbooks for aquaculture operators and the fishing sector in various languages. In addition to print publications, the Information Centre takes advantage of digitalizing their services, developing a web-based learning environment for those wishing to obtain a commercial fisherman’s professional certificate, along with smartphone applications about fishing restrictions and one titled, “Fish Guide�.

Using a variety of media to raise consumer awareness To raise consumer awareness, the Information Centre disseminates fishery-related information to the public and popularizes fish consumption. It has set up a Facebook page, “Surely Everyone Eats Fish� that has over 2,000 followers, and commissioned the production of TV programs and media publications to promote commercial fishing. The centre also regularly takes part in public events and festivals, setting up tents to promote fish.

As part of “Estonian Food Month�, the Information Centre organizes an “Estonian Fish Week� focused on domestically produced fish, to raise the interest of consumers and catering establishments in local fish products.

At the end of April, the Information Centre collaborated with the Ministry of Rural Affairs to host another event for the public. The “Open Fishing Port Day� involved eleven different ports around Estonia. The event was meant to show the Estonian people that there are 200 busy ports around Estonia that employ hundreds of fishermen. One of the main features of Open Fishing Port Day was to have been the many fishing boats at the port, giving visitors the opportunity to buy fresh fish directly from the boats and the fishermen themselves.

Unfortunately, due to a snowstorm and winds blowing at 25 m/s, it was impossible for the fishermen to go out to sea from most ports. However, fish sellers came, fishermen allowed children to practice fishing, fish chefs baked Baltic herring and shared recipes,

Meanwhile, a generation that is not used to eating fish and shows no interest in fisheries is growing up. The Information Centre has taken on the responsibility of educating youngsters on fisheries. The Fisheries Information Centre has conducted hundreds of training courses promoting fish and consumption of fish for school students around Estonia. It has also organized almost 100, eight-hour fisheries-related training days for older school students along with a multi-day fishery camp for students of various schools in Estonia, where the emphasis is on presenting the commercial fishery through practical activities. It has issued fishrelated workbooks and an app for children, while a “Fish ABC� premiere is also underway.

The Information Centre has justified its existence during the years of its operation, because there is practically no day when someone from the fisheries sector or aquaculture operators does not contact the centre with new ideas or collaboration plans. It has become clear that for the successful development of the fishing industry, it is not enough to pour concrete into the quays; instead, people must be educated, regardless of the size or type of involvement they have with the fishing sector.

Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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Construction of new ďŹ shmeal factory underway

A successful collaboration among three POs The idea of creating a factory in Estonia that would convert sprat and herring into marine ingredients to be used for ďŹ sh feed and other purposes has been discussed for a while. Earlier this year the three Estonian producer organisations for pelagics ďŹ nalised plans to establish such a factory and construction commenced.

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ince the Russian ban on seafood imports from the EU and Norway, Estonia has had to find an alternative source of consumers for nearly half of their sprat and herring exports.

Much of it was redirected to Ukraine, but also to Denmark and Sweden, for a variety of purposes including fish feed and animal feed. The three Estonian pelagic POs have now got together to build a factory for marine ingredients to be used both for fishmeal but also for higher value products.

The months leading up to February were filled with land scouting and research, and paperwork to get the construction permit approved. Mart Undrest, managing director of the Estonian Fishing Association, the largest of the three POs, says they were looking for a very specific plot of land. The location had to be close to the deep ports, the fishing regions, highways, and ferry connections to best suit their purposes. They selected a location five kilometers north of Paldiski, and two kilometres from human habitation, since the smell from the factory could be a problem. As the location is devoid of electricity or a sewage system these had to be included in the plans. The total investment in the project was 10 million euros.

Support from European Maritime and Fishery Fund (EMFF) was pegged at a maximum of 75

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though not exceeding EUR6m, giving a self-financed component of EUR4m.

Conservative steps in the initial stages In the first stage of production, Mart Undrest predicts the factory will be able to process 300 tons of raw fish per day (25 to 30 thousand tons per year), which is about a third of the overall quota of POs in Estonia and elsewhere.

The rest of the raw material will continue to be processed in other production units for human consumption. The annual production of fishmeal is expected to be around five thousand tons, along with 2200 to 2500 tons of fish oil. While these estimates lean toward the conservative side, it is important for the factory to take small steps in first getting the production going, emphasising quality and safety over quantity.

Mart adds that they will rely on high prices to ensure that enough attention is paid toward fish quality and the processes of gathering and converting raw material into fishmeal, such as trawling time, cooling time, and cleaning.

As good hygiene practices are essential to preserving the health of the fishmeal and fish oil, and in turn the health of the fish that goes toward human consumption, there are many precautions to take during the manufacturing

Construction of a new fish components factory in Estonia has already started and should be completed by the end of the year.

process; these include keeping machinery clean and uncontaminated and separating ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ areas of the plant.

Building will be finalised in September, so the factory can undergo a thorough testing period by mid-December, and production can start by midJanuary. Inspection testing has already been scheduled, with the machinery procured through a contract with Danish Haarslev Industries. The first stages of production will focus on monitoring the factory’s role in the global market and economy, the quality and size of the fisheries that are supplying the factory, and the type of food quality being produced. While fish by-catches are rarely a problem for waters near Estonia, a part of less than 0.1 of

the total catches, the business has also prepared solutions to adjust for shifts in certain fisheries and stocks in the southern Baltic Seas, where by-catches pose more of an issue. Arrangements have also been made with companies who will buy from the factory; Mart Undrest hopes the partnerships will allow them to learn from these companies, who have much more experience in this sector.

Additional collaboration with Baltic countries While none of the supplying fisheries are currently MSC certified, Estofish is willing to participate in getting certification because the Baltic fisheries are all using the same stock and the same approach. Furthermore, the factory is attempting to work out

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Mart Undrest, managing director of the Estonian Fish Producers Organization, one of the three pelagic producer organisations in Estonia.

a deal to get supplies from vessels from other countries like Denmark and Germany. While some vessels are contracted under other companies like the Danish FF Skagen, Mr Undrest says that sometimes, when there is less fish, it would make more sense for the vessels to stop at their factory in Estonia, rather than making the two-day round trip to FF Skagen to drop off their supplies. These contracts would most likely require the factory to provide certain port services requested by the vessels and to be able to load and unload the vessels quickly. Not all ports can handle the large amount of fish coming in, especially in the spring time during the peak of the fishing season, so some of the excess fish could be redirected there as well.

The factory is set to run on a 10-month season from September to June; the most active trawling period in Finland begins in mid-April, right after fisheries in Estonia begin to wind down.

Finland itself owns one fishmeal factory in Kasnas, but the production capability is not sufficient to handle all the fish, particularly

the large herring quota Finland has in the Bothnia Bay. However, plans for additional fish factories around the Baltic have been circulating, with one or two to be built in Latvia, as well as one on hold in Poland. Currently the biggest fish feed production factories in Europe include FF Skagen, which manages two factories that produce half a million tons, and Denmark-based TripleNine, which produces around 450 thousand tons. While the Estonian Fish Producers Organization has also considered working with POs from other countries on other projects, so far cooperation has not been successful, due to a combination of a lack of interest, a lack of a specific set-up that they require in this type of partnership, and many regulations and thresholds.

Consideration of alternative fish ingredients Extensive research has been done to look for ways to more efficiently utilise fishmeal and fish oil in making fish feed. This sometimes involves mixing them with

alternative ingredients that can provide the same amino acids and nutrients, so less quantity of fishmeal and fish oil is needed.

However, fishmeal contains such a large amount of protein, along with 40 micronutrients highly suitable for human and animal feed; it is hard to find a balance of nutrients from a plant-based diet that will result in a similar amount of health benefits as fishmeal does. Nevertheless, new techniques use more fish by-product and waste, along with supplemental amino acids, to handle the growing demand for fishmeal.

According to a 2016 report by SeaFish, the contribution of fish by-products and waste to total volume of fishmeal and fish oil is about 25 to 35 percent, and is expected to grow. In addition, the market for omega-3 fatty acids, also found primarily in fishmeal and oil, is increasing rapidly, as the two fats are vital for the development of healthy heart, blood, and brain cells.

Decline in global production In the factory, alternative ingredients for fishmeal and oil production such as by-products from fish processing can be used after establishing a stable production process and verifying that these or other alternative ingredients have no negative impact on the quality of the fishmeal and fish oil that is produced. What makes the debate of using alternative ingredients in fish feed production so urgent is the drastic decrease in overall global production of fishmeal in recent years. Peru and Chile, the world’s largest producers of fishmeal, produced a total of 311,000 tons in the first half of 2016, the lowest in the past five years.

Global output of fish oil also witnessed a 35 decline to 156,000 tons during the same period.

Fluctuations in output and export levels can be attributed partly to El Nino, a major climate event that occurs every two to seven years. Warmer Pacific waters and reduced upwellings make it harder for fish to get the nutrients they need near the shores, which significantly drives down catch quantities for South American fisheries. Recent predictions for this year’s fishmeal supply are optimistic, due to the absence of El Nino, which hit hard from 2015 to 2016, and expect a recovery in Peruvian anchovy harvests. However, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) reported a 50 to 60 percent chance that another El Nino will return in the second half of 2017.

Despite the uncertainty in the upcoming year for fishmeal production, however, Mart Undrest observes that the overall trend in demand for fishmeal has steadily gone upwards and he does not see why this should change.

While the Estonian Fish Producers Organization has a business plan that estimates the return on investment of the new plant there is still much room for error, as prices fluctuate depending on the quantity of the catch, how lean the fish are, and the time of year of production. A production output of five thousand tons is still small compared to the one to four million tons being exported by producers in Peru and Chile, who make up 40 of the global output of fishmeal, the factory will have to work with whatever market price is set by those in South America. If grow in demand is coupled with higher prices, the business is likely to prosper. For now, all that can be done as the factory approaches completion is to monitor the global fishmeal market.

Jessica Ho, jessica@eurofish.dk Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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[ PROJECTS ] Project places hitherto unseen emphasis on coastal ďŹ sheries

Finding a formula for Success Coastal fisheries represent about 70% of the total fisheries in Europe and are the lifeblood of coastal communities, supporting subsistence and livelihoods across the region. However, the continuous decline in income and employment in the sector, caused partly by increased competition with large scale fishing, has made imperative the need for innovative responses that are both sustainable and inclusive. term “coastal� is associated more with leisure activities.

A label with a difference

The Success team at Slowfish in Genova presented more than 200 visitors with case studies and movies on success stories from coastal fisheries across Europe.

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urofish Magazine visited the “Success� stand at the Slowfish event in Genova to hear about “success stories� from different European countries and how these can be used as models to improve coastal fisheries in other areas.

Consumers willing to pay more Consumers’ preferences and willingness to pay for fish caught from coastal fisheries was surveyed in eight countries with over 4,000 participants.

The study found that the main reasons for preferring local production of fish was greater freshness, followed by support for the local economy, and shorter transport distances. Consumers were apparently also willing 56

to pay up to 12 more for fish caught from coastal fisheries.

Ms Daurès elaborates, “the first results of this broad analysis at European level highlight that there is a significant opportunity for fresh products and for products from local suppliers.

Overall, consumers say they are willing to pay a substantial premium, though this varies from country to country – high in Germany and Italy and less in Finland.� Fifteen percent of the consumers termed small scale coastal fisheries an important element of sustainable fisheries.

Additional results on consumer perceptions specifically from France and Italy show that the definition of “coastal fisheries� is not always clear, although most

respondents associate the term with ‘local’. In all cases, the words “coastal fisheries� had positive connotations, including ‘higher sustainability’ (both environmentally and economically), ‘better food experience’ with regards to quality and variety, ‘fresher products’ and ‘greater confidence’ in producers. Some negative connotations relate to environmental issues like pollution and overfishing, but the good far outweigh the bad.

When comparing consumer perceptions in larger cities like Paris with smaller ones along the coast, it is apparent that small coastal cities are much more positively inclined towards coastal fisheries than the large inland cities, where knowledge about coastal fisheries is lacking and where the

Positive consumer perceptions towards coastal fisheries can be put to good use. In Brittany, France, where fishermen are economically dependent on their sea bass catch, which makes up more than 50 of their revenue. In the nineties, the fishermen faced strong competition from farmed sea bass imports along with growing competition from large scale fishing vessels. This created the need for diversification and the label, “Association des ligneurs de la Pointe de Bretagne,â€? (Association of liners from Brittany) was created in 1993. Since the label has existed for such a long time it’s success is undeniable with long term statistical evidence.

Sea bass sold by members of the association could charge a substantial higher price than other fishermen. The price premium compared with liners that were not members was about 15 while compared with netters and trawlers it was over 60 per kilo. And the differences in prices increased over time according to data comparisons from 2000 to 2014. “People are confident in our products and know the label signals traditional fishing and guaranteed freshness,â€? says Ken Kawahara, who represents

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[ PROJECTS ] the association. These findings demonstrate that it may be useful to implement a simple generic brand for small scale traditional fisheries, something that is currently being considered for implementation at the national level in France, and that perhaps should also be contemplated at the European level.

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For more information and other success stories visit the SUCCESS website http://www.successh2020.eu where posters and short movies feature different cases.

Or contact Fabienne Daurès on fdaures@ifremer.fr.

Thomas Jensen, thomas.jensen@ eurofish.dk

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SUCCESS in a nutshell

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Coastal Fish is only one of several case studies of the Success project and the first time it is addressed on its own in parallel to other species.

SUCCESS or “Strategic Use of Competitiveness towards Consolidating the Economic Sustainability of the European Seafood Sectorâ€? is a European research project ďŹ nanced over 3 years (2015-2018) and is part of the H2020 Strategy, an EU Research and Innovation programme that provides funds for a seven year period (2014-2020). The overall aim of the project is to reinforce the competitiveness of the European ďŹ sheries and aquaculture industries.

SUCCESS brings together an integrated team of scientists from all ďŹ elds of ďŹ sheries and aquaculture, along with industry partners and key stakeholders. The project consists of different work packages or topics examined from a scientiďŹ c point of view: consumer preferences; how the different sectors organise themselves in management systems and producer organisations; and the ďŹ sh trade value chain covering all actors from ďŹ shermen to consumers.

The SUCCESS consortium includes 24 academic partners (universities, research centres) and non-academic partners (industrials, ďŹ rms) from 11 different countries. For more information, visit www.SUCCESS-h2020.eu .

The first workshop on mussel farming hosted by the SUCCESS project in Cattolica, Italy, 27 May 2017

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iuseppe Prioli, President of the European Molluscs Producers Association (EMPA), presented an overview of the European and Italian mussel sector and its main opportunities. In 2014, 450,880 tonnes of mussels were farmed in the EU. Spain is the biggest producer, with 195,375 tonnes, compared to Italy, which produces 63,731 tonnes.

Italian mussel sector faces many obstacles to increase production Eraldo Rambaldi, Director of the Association of Mediterranean Aquaculture Producers (AMA) elaborated on the main issues currently concerning the mussel sector.

The lack of spatial planning in Italy is one of the main obstacles prohibiting increased production, since mussel farming competes against many other sectors for the space it needs. Another issue is that the local authorities administer the national regulation in different ways that hinder producers, who are working now to get these problems solved.

The Italian sector consists of many

small, family-based farmers, who are often former fishermen, so the lack of professionalism and small size are also issues that need to be addressed. Merging into larger units or cooperating to form a consortium of producers under one professional seller are some solutions that would help the sector get more bargaining power over supermarkets.

Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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[ PROJECTS ]

The workshop for stakeholders in the Italian mussel farming industry brought together 40 participants representing 30% of the sector.

A case study from the SUCCESS project was presented by Sophie Girad of France’s IFREMER – AMURE Brest. Countries chosen for the study included Spain, Italy, France and the Netherlands as the top four producers in Europe. According to the study, in 2014, about 1,000 people were employed in the Italian mussel sector in 159 companies. The mussel prices indicator for the Netherlands was ₏1,4 per kilogram compared with ₏0,73 per kilogram in Italy, and overall, the blue mussels in northern Europe had higher valorisation when compared with the Mediterranean mussels. The costs structure was also presented; one remarkable result was the labour costs distribution among Spain (62%), Italy (39%), France (33%) and the Netherlands (24%), revealing that the industry is more concentrated in a few companies in the north. Future market perspectives foresee increased demand for organic products and new value-added products; however, it was also discussed at the workshop how organically produced mussels do not always fetch higher prices, making the value of investments in organic certification uncertain. The study 58

mentioned additional bottleneck factors that would restrict the growth of the sector, including the environment (whether natural variations, or other influences causing mussel mortalities or other economic losses resulting from periods of sales closures), the difficulty of obtaining licenses for new sites, the lack of professionalism and organization in the sector’s structure, and the ability of some sectors to increase the valorisation of their products through marketing.

Small companies, big potential Maria Cozzolino from NISEA, an economic research institute specialising in fisheries and aquaculture, also presented an overview of the Italian mussel value chain. One of the main issues discussed at the workshop was the relatively small size of the Italian mussel companies that resulted in limited negotiation power when dealing with supermarkets. The presentation recommended that the Italian sector consider more vertical organization, so it could sell directly to the supermarkets with a much higher valorisation

and profit. Currently, in the French market, 82% of the organic mussels are sold in supermarkets, while in Italy, 65% of mussels is sold in supermarkets from wholesalers.

Ideas for improvement going forward During the afternoon, the stakeholders were very active in presenting their company’s activities and views at the three roundtable discussions.

In the workshop, the participants discussed bureaucratic procedures, certification, management, vertical integration and distribution, and room for future improvements.

One main issue discussed was the demand for market access. One producer of oysters had waited three years for the license to produce. By reducing the bureaucratic control, the licensing process could be made speedier. The banks also limited fish farmers, making it hard for them to get loans. The participants would like to have the same conditions for approving loans as the Italian agriculture sector. Moreover, they would like to see farmer

compensations between regions to be made fairer. Currently, those who lose their production due to weather conditions are subjected to compensations regulated by regional authorities that may vary from 0 to 90%. As the workshop concluded, stakeholders walked away with new market information and the opportunity to have expressed and discussed their views in a good atmosphere.

The meeting at Cattolica represented, for the Italian mussel sector, the first official meeting after they formed an association that would represent their needs and protect their interests. The atmosphere was extremely open to research as well as the exchange of professional experiences. Immediate impacts of the meeting have been a greater cohesion among the mussel producers and a higher interest in improving production performance.

As a result, interest rates have risen both in the comparison of production costs and in the different value chains in the major mussel producer countries, such as Italy, France, Spain, and even Greece, an emerging producer among the four.

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[ AQUACULTURE ] Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture – the constraints and opportunities in its development

Mainstreaming IMTA calls for regulatory change Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), growing multiple species from different trophic levels in a system that reduces the impact of the cultivation on the environment, is potentially a way of rethinking aquaculture as it is known in the west.

One such method is Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), which can help address many of the environmental impacts of aquaculture. IMTA combines the cultivation of several species from various trophic levels and serving complementary ecosystem functions. Several components of IMTA systems have been identified that can be used in different combinations: – fed aquaculture (e.g. finfish), – dissolved inorganic nutrient

suspension extractive aquaculture (e.g. seaweeds and aquatic plants), – small organic particle suspension extractive aquaculture (e.g. shellfish), – large organic particle deposit extractive aquaculture (e.g. other invertebrates and herbivorous fish), and – microbial mineralising component (e.g. bacteria).

The aim is to ecologically engineer systems, developed on a balanced ecosystem-based management approach to aquaculture, for increased environmental sustainability (nutrient biomitigation and other ecosystem services, and green technologies for improved ecosystem health), economic stability (improved output, lower costs, product diversification, risk reduction, and job creation in coastal and rural communities), and societal acceptability (better management practices, improved regulatory governance, nutrient trading credit incentives, and appreciation of differentiated and safe products).

Diversification is essential Monoculture in agriculture is risky, much like investing in only one stock on the stock exchange.

The same is true for aquaculture: putting all your eggs in the same basket is also risky. The future

Thierry Chopin

F

eeding a human population that is not only growing, but is also seeking greater food and nutrition security and dietary diversity will soon be a major challenge. Marine organisms constitute a much-coveted resource for seafood and many other derived products; however, there is a need to reduce the pressure on remaining fish stocks. Aquaculture, which has been growing rapidly to the point of now delivering approximately half the world’s seafood, has developed a controversial reputation in some parts of the world, due to high density operations, environmental degradation, algal blooms, and the increased risk of disease.

Consequently, a major rethinking is needed regarding the functioning of an “aquaculture farm�, and innovative practices need to be developed if we want this sector to become the most efficient and responsible food production system of the future.

Conceptual diagram of an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) operation.

growth of the aquaculture sector hinges on diversification.

Global numbers appear to show some signs of progress. For example, extractive aquaculture of seaweeds/aquatic plants/molluscs/ crustaceans/non-fed finfish now represents 54.4  of mariculture production, the remaining 45.6  being fed species. However, this extractive/fed aquaculture split is unevenly distributed worldwide.

For example, 97.6  of seaweed aquaculture is concentrated in six Asian countries (China, Indonesia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Malaysia). Consequently, if aquaculture is to make a major contribution, geographical diversification is also needed, particularly in the western world.

IMTA could provide this diversification and broaden the western, predominantly finfish aquaculture industry away from a monoculture model, improving business cases, increasing resilience and improving the societal acceptability of this industry.

Revisiting the management of aquaculture within an integrated coastal area management (ICAM) approach It would be a complete illusion to think that an aquaculture farm functions only within the limits of a few buoys, arbitrarily placed in the water by humans. Its management should be based on an Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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Adrian Hamer

[ AQUACULTURE ]

Cultivating kelps with scallops at Magellan Aqua Farms Inc. in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. From left to right: Caroline Longtin (postdoctoral fellow), Kasper Brandt (summer student), Steven Backman (owner of Magellan Aqua Farms Inc.) and Thierry Chopin (Scientific Director of the Canadian Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Network).

Integrated Coastal Area Management (ICAM) strategy, considering different spatial and temporal recapturing strategies to recover the different types of nutrients: – large particulate organic nutrients should be managed within the farm, – small particulate organic nutrients should be managed within the farm or around its immediate vicinity, – dissolved inorganic nutrients should be managed at the ICAM scale either when produced directly or after remineralization of the organic matter.

This means that entire bays/ coastal areas/regions should be the units of IMTA management, not relatively small finfish sites.

IMTA was never conceived with the idea of being viewed only as the cultivation of salmon, kelps, blue mussels and other invertebrates, in temperate waters, and only within the limits of existing 60

finfish aquaculture sites. This would be a very reductionist view of IMTA. That’s how we started in Canada, in order to be able to conduct experiments at sea, within the limitations of the regulations presently in place, rather than extrapolating from small tank experiments in laboratory conditions, which is always dangerous.

It is time to open the Pandora’s box of regulations and develop new ones based on the recognition of the ecosystem scales at which aquaculture sites operate.

IMTA systems should and will continue to evolve. Because the IMTA concept is extremely flexible and can be applied worldwide to open-water and land-based systems, marine and freshwater environments, and temperate and tropical climates, there is no ultimate IMTA system to feed the world. Different climatic, environmental, biological, physical, chemical, economic, historical, societal, political and

governance conditions will lead to different choices in the design of the best suited IMTA systems.

It is not enough to consider multiple species (like in polyculture); they have to be at multiple trophic levels, based on their complementary functions in the ecosystem.

They should also have an economic value. Integration should be understood as cultivation in proximity, not considering absolute distances but, instead, connectivity in terms of ecosystem functionalities at the ICAM scale.

There is nothing that says that only one company should be in charge, producing all the IMTA components. There may need to be several companies coordinating their activities within the ICAM.

IMTA is not only a catabolic cascade, but is circular in nature Because of societal obsession with observable organic “waste�

accumulation at aquaculture sites, and associated regulations, we risk not understanding the implicit need for IMTA to be circular. To date, we have mostly focused on the catabolic aspects of IMTA: the set of ecosystemic and metabolic pathways that break complex organic molecules down into simpler inorganic molecules, usually while releasing energy.

However, a cascade continues to operate only if the natural cycle of water continues, or, in the case of an artificial cascade, if hydraulic systems have been engineered to send the water back up. If we want IMTA to continue to operate (be sustainable), some serious bio-engineering will also be necessary. If we, one day, succeed in developing very efficient catabolic IMTA systems, we could end up with a large amount of inorganic molecules, visually not easy to document, but potentially exceeding their levels of being beneficial nutrients and, then, being used by nuisance opportunistic species (macro- and microscopic harmful algal blooms).

Out of sight should not be out of mind. It is, consequently, very important to work on, understand, and use efficiently the anabolic aspects of IMTA: the set of ecosystemic and metabolic pathways that construct complex organic molecules from simpler inorganic molecules, usually while consuming energy. The organisms capable of this conversion are cultivated commercially opportune, or naturally occurring, autotrophs, such as macro- and micro-algae and aquatic plants, which can form the crucial inorganic extractive component of IMTA. It is important to put IMTA in its context of bio-inspired design, biomimicry, law of conservation of mass, circular economy and ICAM, to understand its full long-term relevance and design appropriate regulations.

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Thierry Chopin

[ AQUACULTURE ]

The principles of marine IMTA (MIMTA) can also be applied to landbased, freshwater systems (FIMTA), also called aquaponics. Yarrow, mint, lettuce, chamomile and nasturtium after six weeks of growth at 13-15 °C in effluent collected at a commercial salmon hatchery.

Valuing extractive species for more than their food trading values

accounted for and used as financial and regulatory incentive tools (e.g. nutrient trading credits).

To bestow full value to seaweeds and other extractive species in IMTA systems, they need to be valued for not only their biomass and food trading values, but also for the ecosystem services they provide within a circular economy framework (e.g. nutrient biomitigation, irrigation-less and deforestation-less food production, oxygen provision, habitat restoration, carbon sequestration, coastal acidification reduction, etc.). The value of these ecosystem services should be recognized,

We need to change our attitudes and business models to evolve from the linear approach (one species – one process – one product), used far too often with fishery and aquaculture products, towards the Integrated Sequential Biorefinery (ISBR) approach (one species – several processes – several products). This fits very well with the circular economy approach, in which by-products are no longer considered wastes but co-products, which can be valued in other applications. For

example, seaweeds, mostly cultivated and used in Asia for human consumption, can be used in many applications. They can be used in the production, on one hand, of a wide range of bio-based, high-valued products (food and feed products/ingredients/supplements, biopolymers, fine and bulk chemicals, agrichemicals, biostimulants, pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, functional foods, biooils, botanicals, pigments) and, on the other hand, of lower-valued commodity energy carrying molecules for heat and power (biofuels, biodiesels, biogases, bioalcohols) and biomaterials.

Seaweeds can also have an impact on climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and decreasing coastal acidification. Shellfish hatcheries are noticing increased mortality in larvae, which cannot properly calcify their shells. It would be interesting to combine seaweed and shellfish aquaculture operations where seawater would first go through seaweed tanks, to reduce acidity, before being piped into the mussel tanks where it would help larvae calcify properly. The IMTA multi-crop diversification approach (fish, seaweeds and invertebrates) could be an economic risk mitigation and management option to address pending climate change and coastal acidification impacts.

IMTA systems could be associated with offshore wind farms. These are often exclusion zones where no other activities are permitted.

Using the pillars of wind turbines as infrastructures for IMTA systems would allow for the combination of these two activities, and, consequently, reduce their footprint through sharing, which should increase their respective societal acceptability.

IMTA could also be a model of benign aquaculture practices

compatible with activities in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

IMTA can provide jobs in sustainable development related activities (local eco-tourism, seafood production, restaurants, etc.) for local communities, which are, then, not displaced, as has been the case with the development of reserves for well-off tourists. IMTA can also provide local food and nutrition security, alleviate poverty, and contribute to the socio-economic resilience of local communities.

Eco-tourism could significantly help the aquaculture sector gain societal trust and licence to operate. As IMTA development is presently hindered in several countries (including Canada) by obsolete policies and regulations, and MPAs are not always easy to establish, teaming-up would help validate their convergent approach through a number of concrete case studies.

The need for enabling regulations instead of maintaining regulatory hurdles For IMTA to be developed, implemented and scaled up in Canada (and other jurisdictions) some seriously impeding regulations need to be addressed and changed into enabling and flexible regulations, so that they do not continue to be unnecessary, hampering, regulatory hurdles.

Regulations governing aquaculture are often designed with a single species/group of species in mind, just like fishery regulations, and can inhibit a more holistic approach by not considering species interactions and an ecosystem-based management approach.

To move toward an ICAM approach, effective and coordinated regulations that enable new practices, new industries, and establish new markets are Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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[ AQUACULTURE ]

Rethinking for whom the IMTA concept is the most appropriate in the western world Based on experience acquired over the last 17 years, it appears that very small players in the industry struggle to implement the necessary systems, while large players, who need IMTA the most, prefer to focus on their core business, typically salmon. Like in many sectors, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seem to be the most interested – they are flexible and innovative, and want to differentiate themselves, particularly as their industries are affected by consolidation. The combinations of co-cultured species will have to be carefully selected according to a variety of conditions and criteria. Within an effective IMTA system, peak production may not be achieved for any of the species. Rather, the focus would be on optimising sustainable production and the overall performance of all the combined species in the long term.

Concluding remarks Moving IMTA along the research, development, and commercialisation (R&D&C) continuum, in the western world, will require profound regulatory changes. It will also require the demonstration of the validity of the concept at multiple levels. If evidence of increased environmental sustainability and societal acceptability have been provided in recent years, the economic stability demonstration remains to be further established, especially over the long term. It will be important to explore opportunities for diversification, the source of further development in the aquaculture sector.

About the author Thierry Chopin was born and educated in France. He obtained his Doctorate from the University of Western Brittany, Brest, France. He moved to Canada in 1989 and is presently Professor of Marine Biology at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John. Dr. Chopin’s research focuses on the ecophysiology, biochemistry and cultivation of seaweeds of commercial value and the development of IMTA systems. He was, from 2010 to 2017, the Scientific Director of the Canadian Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Network (CIMTAN), an interdisciplinary strategic network of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). He is President of Chopin Coastal Health Solutions Inc. since 2016. Dr. Chopin is Past President of the Aquaculture Association of Canada, the Phycological Society of America and the International Seaweed Association. He is a member of the editorial boards of six scientific journals and one professional magazine.

Constanza Chianale

needed. The changes will vary from country to country, but this has been a recurrent source of frustrations for all people promoting IMTA in their respective countries. It is, however, important to engage regulators early on, as trends start to appear, so that regulations are well thought-out, instead of rushed at the last minute, which inevitably leads to delays in commercialisation.

It is time to develop aquanomic principles, as agronomic principles emerged over the last centuries. It is time to morph the Blue Revolution and Blue Economy into a greener and transformative Turquoise Revolution and Turquoise Economy.

It is also important to remain patient, determined and persistent. Science and society need time to think and evolve. IMTA will not happen overnight, especially in the western world, which presently prefers monocultures, linear processes, and short-term profits.

Thierry Chopin Canadian Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Network (CIMTAN), University of New Brunswick, 100 Tucker Park Road, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada tchopin@unbsj.ca

The author and samples of the dried kelp, Alaria esculenta. An extract of this seaweed could be key to treating Parkinson’s disease.

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] Cold water prawn struggles to compete against its warm water counterpart

Finding the right niche for cold water prawns Organized by NASF, ICWPF and Norwegian Seafood Council, the International ShellďŹ sh Event at the North Atlantic Seafood Forum offered a vision into the complex worlds of shellďŹ sh species, highlighting new trends and the ability of the shellďŹ sh industry to adapt to the volatile markets. Opened by Renate Larsen, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council, the session focused on the global trends in shellďŹ sh, product and market development of various shellďŹ sh categories and consumption of shellďŹ sh.

Kristin Lien, Norwegian Seafood Council, warned of the challenges faced by cold water prawns from the increasing popularity of warm water species.

T

rends in the global shellfish consumption were presented by Kristin Lien from the Norwegian Seafood Council. United States, Europe, Japan, China and the Republic of Korea are the largest destinations for shellfish species as well as the largest markets for prawns. While Europe - Spain, the UK, France and Italy - are the largest consumption markets, consumption trends vary significantly for different shellfish species.Â

Challenges of decreasing consumption of shellfish For example, household consumption of cold water prawns in the UK has been decreasing in 2015 and 2016, while household consumption of warm water prawns has been on the rise since 2014. Based on the EUROPANEL data, this tendency for cold water prawns is especially evident for fresh cold water prawns. The

decline is noticed in all kind of households, including families with and without children, retired consumers and other consumer groups. Consumption of cold water prawns remains highest among consumers over 50 and especially retired consumers over 65.

A similar trend characterizes the household consumption of scallops in France, the largest importing country of scallops

in Europe. Prices increased due to a high demand for scallops coupled with limited global production; as a result, French household consumption of scallops decreased in all types of households during the past few years. However, scallops were more popular than products in the shellfish category in households of young consumers. “There is a big potential on the markets for exclusive shellfish Eurofish Magazine 4 / 2017

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63

[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] species, while in case of prawns, we notice a common trend that warm water prawns have become more dominant. It is a challenging situation for cold water prawns industry to find the right segments which are willing to pay extra for wild prawns in the futureâ€?, said Kristin Lien.Â

Cold water prawns versus warm water prawns The conflicting situation between cold water and warm water prawns was also discussed

by Henrik Espersen of Ocean Prawns. He sees that education of next-generation chefs in the UK is the key to the survival of cold water prawns in the continually changing market. Reappraisal of wild Atlantic prawns, knowledge of how to prepare and use them and awareness of how they can add value to the menu are the most important factors in reinforcing the correct knowledge about cold water prawns as well as maintaining sufficient customer demand.

While chefs can be informed about shellfish on the professional level, how much do consumers know about shellfish?

Charles Boardamn, a director from Icelandic Seachill, tried to find out the who, when and why

of cold water prawn consumption. According to the results from Kantar Worldpanel, occasions for consumption of cold water prawns decreased by 35 from 2013 to 2016 against a 9 growth in consumption of all prawns in the same period.

The main consumers of cold water prawns are women, and of the female prawn consumers, 66 are over 65. Although only 18 of all chilled fish is consumed at lunch, 35 of cold water prawns consumption occasions happen at lunch. Coldwater prawns are more likely than warm-water prawns to be consumed for enjoyment and health, but less likely for their practicality: for the cold water prawns consumption occasions, 84 were for enjoyment, 40 for health, and 47 for practicality. On the other hand, for warm water prawn consumption occasions, 76 were for enjoyment, 27 for health, and 67 for practicality. An interesting observation was that in half of the consumption occasions, cold water prawns were chosen by consumers who wanted a change in their dietary habits.

Appealing to younger consumers, reducing reliance on lunch occasions and highlighting shorter preparation time for

healthy and tasty meals are seen as the main challenges for the cold water prawn markets, whose goal now should be to address the issue of “practicality.�

Shellfish in sushi Detailed review of the sushi restaurant industry and use of shellfish was presented by Lise Lotte Callesøe from Denmark’s Flying Seafood Group Foods.

The popularity of sushi has been increasing in Denmark for many years, and one out of 200 Danes eat sushi on an average day, according to the 2016 survey. Sushi is admired most in the Danish capital compared to other parts of the country, and young people between 15 and 34 represent the most active consumer group.

families with kids for its cheap, fast service and wide meal selection. From the restaurant’s perspective, finding “filler� products and relatively cheap substitutes is a challenge, as is using of all parts of the fish. High-end sushi restaurants are typically viewed by consumers as delicious and innovative, yet time-consuming.

The main challenge for these restaurants is differentiating themselves from buffet-style sushi restaurants. Like the buffet restaurants, take-away sushi restaurants are known to consumers for their delicious, fast, easy and ready-to-eat food. Optimization of preparation process and profitability of business are the main challenges for take-away restaurants.

Shellfish often has a limited application in the sushi industry, compared to other fish and seafood species, so the challenge of higher inclusion in sushi is topical for shellfish producers. The assessment of restaurant categories offering sushi from the perspectives of both the guest and the restaurant gives a better understanding of shellfish products positioning, according to Lisa Lotte.

Integration of shellfish in sushi business highly depends on the niche of the product and type of shellfish species. Yet, the physical attributes of shellfish products and peeling processes represent common challenges, which are tackled by producers in different ways. “Inspiration, creativity, realistic vision of your products, and creation of your own niche form success for shellfish in sushi business�, concluded Lisa Lotte.

Sushi buffet is typically appreciated by young people and

Katia Tribilustova, katia.tribilustova@eurofish.dk

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PRELIMINARY PROGRAM 08:00-09:00 h. REGISTRATION. Centro Social AfundaciĂłn. Policarpo Sanz 24-26, Vigo.

09:00-09:40 h. OPENING 09:40-10:50 h. SESSION I: CLIMATE CHANGE AND FISHERIES: EVIDENCE AND EXPECTATIONS

10:30-10:50 h. PANEL DISCUSSION

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09:45-10:00 h. Impacts on Ecosystems and Fisheries. John Pinnegar, Director of Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation, CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture) UK 10:00-10:15 h. Expectations for markets and trade. StefanĂ­a Vannuccini, Senior Officer, FAO 10:15-10:30 h. Challenges for Managers and Policymakers. Poul Dengbol, Fisheries Management and Coastal Community Development, Aalborg University. Denmark

10:50-13:45 h. SESSION II: REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES – PRIVATE SECTOR AMERICA 10:55-11:10 h. USA. Nicole Kimball, Vicepresident Pacific Seafood Processors Association 11:10-11:25 h. Chile* 11:25-11:40 h. Peru. Darío Alvites, Director of Human Consumption Committee, Sociedad Nacional de Industrias

11:40-12:10 h. COFFEE BREAK 12:10-12:25 h. AFRICA. South Africa. Madoda Khumalo, Strategic Services Executive, Sea Harvest 12:25-12:40 h. OCEANIA. New Zeland*

EUROPA 12:40-12:55 h. UE. Myron Peck, Professor Biological Oceanography and Fisheries Science, Hamburg University 12:55-13:10 h. Norway. Norwegian Seafood Council* 13:10-13:25 h. Iceland*

13:25-13:45 h. PANEL DISCUSSION 13:45-14:45 h. LUNCH

Estonia

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15:05-15:20 h.

15:20-15:35 h.

15:35-15:50 h.

Resource Management Responses. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)* Responses from NGOs. MarĂ­a Cornax, Policy and Advocacy Director. Oceana Climate Change and Trade. Aik Hoe Lim, Director Trade and Environment Division, World Trade Organization (WTO).* FAO approaches and adaptation toolboxes. Audun Lem, Deputy Director of FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and Resources Division, FAO

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15:50-16:10 h. PANEL DISCUSSION 16:10-17:15 h. SESSION IV: FINANCING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE Rabobank* World Bank* African development Bank. Samba Tounkara, coordinator of ClimDev Special Fund OCDE. Simon Buckle, Head of the Climate, Biodiversity and Water Division

17:15-17:30 h. SUMMING UP Arni Mathiesen, Assistant Director-General Fisheries and Aquacuture Dep., FAO

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