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Focus on aquaculture at St Petersburg Global Seafood Forum Well managed and affordable, Alaska pollock is seafood industry staple EU-Japan agreement should beneďŹ t European seafood exporters is a member of the FISH INFO network

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In this issue

Challenges in Albanian fisheries are being addressed The fisheries and aquaculture sector in Albania has seen signs of development recently, which suggest that over the next few years production and exports are likely to increase. These positive changes include the work being done towards identification of allocation sites for aquaculture, a reduction in some IUU fishing as inland fishermen take over the job of patrolling their waters, and closer collaboration between international suppliers and local companies in the fish farming sector. In addition, the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international trade in fish and seafood products has shown an impressive increase over the last five years with growth in both imports and exports. Challenges do remain; among others the ban on the export of bivalves to the EU for food safety reasons, and the limit on duty free seafood products that may enter the EU from Albania, but the progress being made on other fronts will hopefully lead to increased growth and greater sustainability across the sector. Read more on page 22 The Seafood Expo in St Petersburg in September featured a Eurofish-organised business platform hosting Turkish fish farming companies interested in the Russian market. Trout, seabass and seabream are species that are produced in large volumes in Turkey and exports to Russia increased significantly between 2012 and 2014, though they have fallen back slightly since then. Seafood consumption in Russia is slightly below internationally recommended levels creating an opportunity for Turkish exports. The companies at the Eurofish Business Platform had beneficial meetings with several potential partners and left St Petersburg confident that deals would materialise. Read more on page 20 Today, by-products and waste from fish processing companies are considered a valuable resource. This is perhaps not surprising considering that this material includes a high proportion of compounds like proteins and fat, minerals, vitamins and enzymes which are highly useful. Extracting them reduces costs and protects the environment making the process chain more sustainable. These extracts can be put to a variety of uses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetics industries. In addition, they can be used in the production of animal feed, biodiesel, and biogas. Other leftovers from fish processing operations such as backbones and heads can be used for human consumption. Ground up fish bones added to flours can provide important nutritional supplements to low-income people around the world. Other useful products include fish skin which is a source of gelatine and can also be made into leather. In short, by-products and their exploitation, are an industry in themselves. Read Dr Manfred Klinkhardtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s article on page 40 Fishing quotas in the EU strive to find a balance between the interests of the industry and the sustainability of stocks. Theoretically both should be in harmony, in practice opinions on what is sustainable and what is not, tend to vary. Defining the allowable catch is based on a multi-stage process involving different institutions that results in peer-reviewed advice. Observers from industry and NGOs also participate in this process. The advice is distilled into a number representing the allowable catch following a political negotiation between European institutions and is typically a compromise between scientific rigour and political acceptability. Read more about the process of setting quotas from page 44 A revolution is sweeping across the logistics business propelled by the spread of technology. RFID chips, data loggers, GPS, and the ubiquitous smart phone are revolutionising the way consignments are registered and traced. It is now possible to follow in real time the progress a package makes to its destination, an ability which reduces the risk of a package going astray in the first place, and makes it much easier to find, if it does. Tracking and tracing enables food to be recalled from supermarket shelves, maintains the integrity of sustainability labels, and contributes to the fight against IUU fishing, among many other applications. As the technology has become better, cheaper, and more widespread a whole industry has developed around tracking and tracing providing hardware and software solutions that range from the simple to the highly sophisticated. Read more on page 58

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Table of News

6 International News

Events

16 Lower supply in conjunction with strong demand for pelagic species Changing herring trends on major markets

18 Aquaculture highlighted at the Global Fishery Forum, 14-15 September 2017, St Petersburg Russian farmed seafood production expanding rapidly

20 Eurofish Business Platform facilitates the presence of Turkish delegation at St Petersburg event Expanding international markets for Turkish farmed fish

Albania

22 EU-compatible legislation has been approved and will now be implemented The path to EU accession is a demanding one

24 The Albanian fisheries and aquaculture sector Perceptible progress in many fields

29 Seabass and seabream production in Albania is likely to receive a boost Established company finds new partners

32 The Orikumi Lagoon supports a small-scale fishery Traditional fishery could use a helping hand 34 Vast new processing complex will boost product range, employment at Rozafa Plans for canned products to be realised soon 36 The inland fishery in the Shkodra Lake Stocks benefit as fishermen-rangers reduce illegal fishing 38 Forward-looking trout farmers invest heavily in infrastructure Portion-sized trout for the national market

Fisheries 40 Fish entrails and processing waste as a raw material Higher profits through industrial and culinary usage 44 A number of institutions are involved in deciding how much fish can be harvested from the sea The complex path from stock analyses to fishing quotas

Front cover: A ďŹ sh weir on the channel linking Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Orikumi Lagoon with the Ionian Sea. Fish returning to the sea from the lagoon are funnelled into a trap and are harvested by the ďŹ shermen. 4

www.eurofishmagazine.com

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Contents Processing 47 Croatian processor supplies range of exclusive products to up-scale buyers High quality raw materials are the secret

Species

(CC BY-SA 3.0) Map based on https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Location_European_nation_states.svg by Hayden120 and NuclearVacuum

49 Climate change threatens one of the most important fish resources Currently, the status of Alaska pollock is still stable

Trade and markets

53 Elimination of tariffs, quotas to benefit EU exporters EU and Japan agree on a comprehensive trade pact 56 Market report small pelagics Global small pelagics landings expected to grow seven percent in 2017

Technology 58 Track and trace technologies are revolutionising transport logistics Delivery routes and whereabouts in real time

Fish Infonetwork News

Worldwide Fish News

61 News

Belgium

pages

Croatia

Denmark

page

pages

Estonia

page

Iceland

pages

Italy

page

Latvia

page

Norway

pages

Spain

page

Switzerland

page

Turkey

page

United Kingdom page

United States

pages

7, 8, 10, 14

62 Events

6 12, 15 11 8, 12

12, 15

7, 11

Guest Pages: Javier Garat 63 Needed: Simpler rules and greater balance between environmental, economic, and social dimensions Fighting the landing obligation

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 5 / 2017

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Croatia: Carp ďŹ ghts for its rightful place in European aquaculture Globally, carps dominate freshwater farmed finfish production, whereas in the EU they form less than a third. European producers are trying to find ways of promoting the nutritional, environmental, social, and cultural values of carp farming in Europe. The International Carp Conference, an event launched by fish farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; associations from Central and Eastern Europe six years ago, was hosted this year by the Croatian Chamber of Economy in Zagreb on September 21-22. More than 150 carp farmers from Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Serbia met to share their experiences and to identify solutions to common problems at this fourth edition of the event. Debates were focused on production and market data and trends, consumer perception analyses, improvements in traditional farming systems, as well as on the impact of climate change on carp production. Eurofishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ekaterina Tribilustova gave a presentation on consumer perception of farmed fish in Croatia, while other presentations covered Poland, Romania and Hungaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of the EMFF to support carp farming; and the economic losses

The 4th International Carp Conference hosted by the Croatian Chamber of Economy in Zagreb adopted the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Zagreb Declaration & Resolutionâ&#x20AC;? which will be distributed to the European Commission and other bodies to draw attention to the challenges faced by European carp farmers.

caused to pond farming by protected fish-eating birds (such as cormorants). The health management of farmed carp and biosecurity aspects were also discussed, with special attention given to the status of KHV (koi herpes virus) as a notifiable disease and to the scientific evidence

for downgrading it to the status of regular disease. Aquaculture legislation: too much or not enough, was the title of a debate on the impact of legislation on fish farmers and on the methods of changing the regulatory framework through the Aquaculture Advisory Council, Marketing Advisory Council, Federation of European Aquaculture

Producers or national fish farmers' associations. The conference concluded as it has in the past with participants adopting a declaration, which will be forwarded to the European Commission, European Parliament, and national governments to bring greater attention to the issues faced by carp farmers.

UK: Vast potential space for marine aquaculture Aquaculture production in the EU has remained largely stagnant for years while growing rapidly in many other parts of the world. Among the problems facing the sector in the EU are stringent regulations, bureaucracy, and a lack of suitable sites for both freshwater and marine farming. While this is clearly a challenge for the sector in Europe, in the world as a whole, areas suitable for marine

farming far exceed that required to meet the projected demand for seafood, according to a paper by an international group of scientists in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution. Led by Rebecca Gentry from the University of California, the authors report that current total landings from capture fisheries could be produced in 0.015ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of the global ocean area. Space, in other words, should not

be the constraint on expanding global mariculture production. The authors found that areas of over 11.4m square km are potentially suitable for the cultivation of finfish and more than 1.5m square km for growing bivalves. Areas with the highest potential were located mainly in warm tropical regions, so countries where marine finfish production is currently concentrated such as Norway, Chile,

and China may not be the ones to produce the most farmed finfish in the future. The researchers suggest that the gap between growth potential and current production is due to factors such as social, political, economic or regulatory rather than biological or spatial. So, if the EU manages to address those issues, farmed fish production should increase, despite the relative lack of space.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Belgium: EFF created jobs, but had less success achieving conservation goals The European Fisheries Fund, the structural fund to implement the Common Fisheries Policy in the 2007-2013 programming period, was recently evaluated in an independent study. The authors found that the fund could claim some successes in its support of the fisheries sector, but also identified areas where performance could have been better. In

particular, the report pointed to the creation of about 17,000 jobs mainly in the processing sector and through the Community-Led Local Development initiative. Thanks to the fund the EU fleet was modernised, ports and landing sites upgraded, the added value of fish increased, vesselsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fuel efficiency improved, and fishing became more selective.

Fishing capacity declined as a result of vessel decommissioning; over half the reduction in tonnage was supported by the EFF. However, the report also points out that in terms of sustainability, EFF-supported reductions in fleet capacity may not have been longlasting, and that the fund could have been used better to promote the sustainable exploitation of

stocks and to achieve broader conservation objectives. All in all, the evaluation found that the EFF had only been moderately successful in achieving its objectives. In response, the European Commission has pointed out that many of the issues raised in the report are being addressed in the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the successor to the EFF.

US: Understanding better the impacts of bottom trawling can help policy makers A new study by an international team of scientists published in PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States) analyses the impacts of bottom trawling on the seabed and the organisms that inhabit it. The team lead by Jan Geert Hiddink

from Bangor University in the UK performed metaanalyses of experimental and comparative studies to estimate the extent of depletion of marine organisms, and the recovery rates of seabed biota. The researchers showed that depletion of marine life in and on the

seabed was closely linked to the depth of penetration of the seabed by the trawl used. Otter trawls penetrated the seabed on average by 2.4 cm and caused the least damage, while hydraulic dredgers dug down to 16.1 cm and caused the most of the different types of

gear surveyed. The research is relevant to different stakeholdersÂ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the fishing industry, conservationists, administrators, and certification bodies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as it illustrates the tradeoffs between catching fish and the impact of this activity on the surrounding ecosystem.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Belgium: EMODnet Initiative seeks new and innovative ways of using open marine data EMODnet is organising a threeday open data hackathon from 15-17 November 2017 in Antwerp Belgium called the Open Sea Lab where participants can dive into vast resources of European marine open data. The EMODnet bootcamp will bring together experts in European marine data management from EMODnet with specialists in innovation from IMEC, a research and development organisation focused on digital technologies, to help turn innovative ideas into working applications. The

potential of marine resources is huge, but so too are the pressures on them, creating a responsibility to manage them sustainably. Access to accurate and adequate marine data has never been more important and EMODnet is working to provide this. The open data relates to many aspects of the physical and chemical state of our European seas and oceans, their depth, the geological structure of their seabeds, the habitats that they support, the biodiversity that inhabits them and the human

activities that take place there. This information is an under-utilised resource which can be used in innovative ways to solve problems or to create new applications. The Open Sea Lab will match-make and bring together teams and will involve ideation, co-creation, prototype development and validation by mentors. For more information visit www.opensealab.eu. Interested in applying as a team or as an individual? Â Then please submit your applications

to www.opensealab.eu/applications. This is an excellent opportunity to improve your skills, network with experts and possibly win one of the great prizes on offer!

Until the turn of the century, mackerel were an uncommon sight in Iceland. But in 2016, mackerel was the third most caught and third most valuable fish, bringing in EUR87 million or 8 percent of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total catch value. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The mackerel story is perhaps one of the most striking, demonstrating the changes taking place in fish stocks in the North Atlantic in recent years,â&#x20AC;? Ă&#x201C;lafur S. Ă stĂžĂłrsson, a scientist at Reykjavikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MFRI), which advises the Icelandic government on catch levels, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Waters around Iceland have risen 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in the last 20 years and increasing ocean temperatures are changing fish stocks, with southern species swimming north and northern species moving even further in search of the temperatures they favour, and shifting fisheries accordingly. Increasing water temperatures, however, do not only bring positive aspects. Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans making them progressively acid. This

NASA, USA

Iceland: Warmer waters change stock distributions for good and bad

Rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere increases the acidity of oceans to the detriment of many forms of marine life.

could have serious effects on sea life. New diseases are also appearing and although it is still unclear how much of a factor rising temperatures play, Icelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scallop stock has collapsed and there have been mass deaths of herring. Fishing was once the largest industry in Iceland, but has been overtaken by tourism and energy. Still, nearly 20 percent of Icelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

economy is directly or indirectly related to fishing. The impact of climatic changes require the industry to be nimble - an ability it is already showing, Icelandic experts say. It took the Icelandic fishing industry between 2-4 years to fully adapt to the increased supply of mackerel investing in new equipment and developing new product lines and marketing

mechanisms. The changes in fish stocks are a regional phenomenon. A November 2016 report by ICES, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, analysed 19 fish species in the North East Atlantic and found 16 showed changes in stock distribution. The report mentioned environmental conditions as the main cause of these changes.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Latvia: Processing industry shows tentative signs of recovery from the loss of markets The Russian ban on imports of processed fish products from the EU has closed markets in Russia as well as Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, to seafood processors in Latvia and Estonia, who have a tradition of exporting to these countries. Ukraine, another former market for processed fish, is struggling with a depreciated currency, political uncertainty, and emigration. As a result, Baltic fish processors are resorting to dumping prices in a bitter fight for market share, reports the Baltic News Service. The chairman of a leading Latvian processor has questioned whether any of the companies are making profits and suggested that there will be a restructuring

of the industry in the future as all the players are suffering losses. The government has also stepped in with an initiative that will allow companies to defer the payment of taxes thus giving some respite to a beleaguered industry. Although it only postponed the payment of taxes, it was a useful signal in support of the industry, says Didzis Smits, President of the Union of Latvian Fish Processing Industries, which was noted by other institutions such as banks. Today, Mr Smits feels that the industry although still in difficulty has turned the corner, and efforts to build new markets in western Europe, Japan, and the US are starting to bear fruit.

Parts of the fish processing industry are making losses as traditional markets in eastern Europe stay firmly closed.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Belgium: EU operators now all use electronic documentation system for blueďŹ n tuna

Switzerland: WWF expresses â&#x20AC;&#x153;deep concernâ&#x20AC;? about MSC certiďŹ cation of tuna ďŹ shery

The bluefin tuna, an iconic species in the Mediterranean, has long been subject to overfishing. In the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, a 15-year recovery plan was adopted by ICCAT, the body responsible for management of the fishery, in 2006 and amended several times in the years since, contributing to an increase in abundance of the species. Among the measures that have been taken to detect fraud and prevent IUU fishing of bluefin tuna is one replacing paper-based catch documentation with an electronic system. In 2017 for the

The certification of the Northeastern Tropical Pacific purse seine yellowfin & skipjack tuna fishery to the Marine Stewardship Council standard has elicited objections from the WWF. The organisation was worried that the impact of the fishery on dolphin populations had not been sufficiently examined and addressed. These concerns led to the appointment of an independent adjudicator, who has upheld the certifying bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to certify the fishery. WWF finds the outcome â&#x20AC;&#x153;deeply troublingâ&#x20AC;? and says it shows inconsistencies in

first time all European operators used the electronic system, reports the European Commission. Since the recovery plan was introduced and amended, analyses of stock assessments by the scientific committee of ICCAT have shown an increase in abundance of the fish as a result of which quotas have been increased in each of the three years to 2017. The recovery plan remains in force until 2022 but, following the next stock evaluation by ICCAT, will be assessed by the Commission to see whether its objectives are being achieved and whether it needs to be adapted.

the way the MSC standard is being interpreted by certifiers. The problem lies in the fact that dolphins are sometimes associated with schools of tuna in the Eastern Pacific and targeting the fish contributes to high dolphin mortalities. The WWF, which was behind the creation of the MSC in 1997 though the two organisations have been independent for many years, continues to support the MSC, but maintains that the certification of this particular fishery does not meet the MSC standard and recommends that seafood buyers do not consider it sustainable.

Turkey: Major seabass and seabream producer expands to the Caribbean Kilic Deniz, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest producer of seabass and seabream has started production of these two species at a recently acquired facility in the Dominican Republic. The fish will be used to supply markets in north and south America. The juvenile fish were transferred from the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hatchery facilities in Turkey and introduced into tanks at the site in the Dominican Republic. They should reach market size by 2018. Kilic has been investing abroad for some years now. The expansion into the Caribbean follows endeavours to establish a trout farming facility in Albania, and a fishmeal and fish oil production plant in Mauritania. Ihsan Bozan, deputy president of the board, said that the company is also looking at other African countries, for example Somalia, as potential targets for investment. The company currently produces some 60,000 tonnes of fish, mainly

Kilic Deniz has started production of seabass and seabream in the Dominican Republic

trout, seabass and seabream, each year. About 70ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of the production is exported including to

the United States. Mediterranean fish should do well in the Caribbean and from the Dominican

Republic it will be logistically easier to supply the US and other markets in the region.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Estonia: Where lies the future of European coastal communities? Among the activities organised by Estonia as the current holder of the Presidency of the EU Council is a conference on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. Participants at the event, jointly hosted with the European Commission in Tallinn on 12-13 October 2017, will discuss not only how the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund is supporting the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy, but also current and future challenges

to coastal communities and how policy should adapt to these circumstances. The conference, titled Beyond 2020: Supporting Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coastal Communities, takes place against the backdrop of a new discussion initiated by the Commission on the future of EU finances following the departure of the UK and potentially bigger claims on the EU budget from areas such as migration, defence, and internal security.

The Estonian Presidency of the EU and the European Commission are mutually organising a conference to discuss the implementation of the CFP and challenges of coastal communities.

USA: Senate committee massively reduces proposed cuts in funding for NOAA The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the federal office responsible, among other areas, for studying and managing marine and coastal ecosystems and resources, was threatened with reductions of USD820m in the Trump administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

budget proposal for 2018. This, however, was whittled down to USD85m by the Senate Committee on Appropriations. The appropriations bill funds the NOAA by USD5.6bn for core operations including fisheries management, ocean monitoring,

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and aquaculture research. Innovative monitoring technologies and state-led schemes to support fisheries management are among the areas that will benefit from new funding. Proposals from the administration to reduce funding for ocean

research and to eliminate programmes like Sea Grant, Coastal Zone Management Grant, and the Regional Coastal Resilience Grant were rejected by the committee which elected to maintain funding at current levels or to increase it.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Iceland: International Coldwater Prawn Forum, 9 November, Reykjavik

Focus on climate change and sustainability Once every two years the International Coldwater Prawn Forum brings together ďŹ shermen and ďŹ shermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s associations, processors, traders and scientists, as well as individuals and organisations to its coldwater prawn conference, where the most recent developments, trends, challenges as well as the future of the sector are discussed. This year the city of Reykjavik will host the conference, which will open its doors on 9 November. According to the organisers, Gemba Seafood Consulting, over 175 participants have already registered for the event and a total of more than 200 delegates is expected this time. The conference this year will focus

on climate change, and how these changes will impact the production of coldwater prawn, as well as other species in North Atlantic and PaciďŹ c areas. The conference will also introduce a new session, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The CEO Hour,â&#x20AC;? where top managers from Royal Greenland, Ocean Choice, Icelandic Export Center and Stella Polaris will talk about increasing the level of value addition for prawn products, about the importance of sustainability, and about the prospects for the sector. The coldwater prawn industry sources from wild catch and therefore has its ups and downs. The harvest over the past several years has

been declining and the total quotas in 2017 amount to around 170.000 tonnes. In general, since 2004 when the industry peaked, harvest volumes have dropped by more than half, while prices have tripled, and the markets reportedly have adapted to the low supply. Jens Henrik Moeller, secretary for the ICWPF says, the attention and the high number of

delegates gathering at ICWPF2017 in Reykjavik shows the conference is attracting professionals from the seafood sector because it provides them with â&#x20AC;&#x153;the high level scientiďŹ c and commercial information necessary to succeed in this complex and continually changing business.â&#x20AC;? The ICWPF conferences have been organized every other year since the mid-eighties.

Norway: New cage biomass measuring technology promises high level of accuracy A device to accurately estimate the biomass of fish in the cage is one of the candidates for the innovation prize at AquaNor, an aquaculture technology event in Trondheim. The device combines the use of laser beams with sophisticated software to analyse the images. A reliable estimation of the biomass in a

cage has a bearing on profitability, and as estimations get even more accurate they can provide the farmer with a treasure trove of data. Sven KolstĂ¸, CEO of the company that has developed the technology, says that the margin of error is currently 3 to 5ď&#x2122;&#x201A;, a figure he expects to reduce to 1ď&#x2122;&#x201A; by the end of the year. At

that level of error, biomass can be determined on a daily basis and the results used to adjust feed levels, and other parameters that have an influence on the growth of the fish. The information can also be used to compare the daily growth in different cages or at different sites. The device comprises two

cameras with slightly different fields of vision and a structured light generator. The structured light enables micro millimetre measurements of complex surfaces so that the software analysing the images can generate accurate estimates of the weight of the fish, and thereby the biomass in the cage.

Denmark: Synergies abound as ďŹ sheries bodies move in with food and agriculture council Five organisations based in Copenhagen, the Danish Fishermen Producer Organisation, Denmark Pelagic Producers Organisation, Danish Seafood Association, Marine Ingredients Denmark, and the Baltic Sea Advisory Council, held a housewarming in August 2017 to celebrate their move into new offices at the Danish Food

and Agriculture Council, Axelborg, in central Copenhagen. The move brings fisheries under the same roof as the farming and food industry of Denmark, including businesses, trade and farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; associations. It was a good turnout with neighbours from the Danish Food and Agriculture Council, representatives from the Danish fisheries

administration, members of the five organisations, scientists from the Danish fisheries research institute DTU Aqua, as well as other contacts, associates and friends. Svend Erik Andersen, president of the Danish Fishermen Producer Organisation spoke on behalf of the five new tenants, saying he looked forward to a

mutually beneficial relationship with those working with primary production in agriculture. He also referred to the recent changes in the Danish administration with the fisheries portfolio being shifted to the ministry of foreign affairs following a critical report from the auditorgeneral on the management of fishing quotas.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Spain: Upgrade beneďŹ ts several bivalve producing areas in Galicia EU regulations govern the production and sale of live bivalves for human consumption. Production areas are classified A, B, or C following regular tests to determine the level of bacteria in the shellfish. Production from unclassified and prohibited areas may not be collected or sold. The classification decides how the shellfish are treated after harvesting to ensure they are safe for consumption. In Galicia a number of areas have recently moved up the classification rank. Parts of the Pontevedra, Cedeira, and Betanzos estuaries, for example, have progressed from B to C. The promotion means that bivalves from these parts can be marketed for human consumption after purification in an

Improved classification of bivalves in Galicia means products can now be sold for human consumption.

approved plant or after relaying in an approved class A relaying area or after being subjected to an EC approved heat treatment

process. Mussels from an area classified as C, on the other hand, need relaying for at least two months in an approved relaying

area followed, where necessary, by treatment in a purification centre, or after an EC approved heat treatment process.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Italy: FAO report details the impact of microplastics on seafood safety and security microplastics in wild populations, nor do field observations show evidence of negative effects from microplastic ingestion at the population or community levels in aquatic organisms. While the presence of plastics alone is a cause for concern, the fact that they are often combined with other chemicals such as plasticizers, antioxidants, flame retardants, ultraviolet stabilizers, or accumulate substances from the surrounding environment such as persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances, may cause adverse health effects in humans. However, the potential human health impacts of microplastics in seafood should not be seen in isolation, but in the context of the health benefits derived from seafood consumption. The book is freely downloadable from the FAO document repository at www.fao.org.

FAO FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE TECHNICAL PAPER

ISSN 2070-7010

Contamination of water bodies with microplastics has been, with good reason, a subject of much media attention over the past few years. In 2010 between 5m and 13m tonnes of plastic are estimated to have entered the oceans, according to a new FAO report, and the figure is likely to increase as global plastic production is predicted to grow from 322m tonnes in 2015 to more than 1bn tonnes in 2050. Much of the plastic entering the oceans is thought to be from abandoned or lost fishing gear, but plastics form a significant part of most of the equipment used in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, which could also be a source of this pollution. Over fifty commercially important species from invertebrates to fish have been found to ingest microplastic debris, but the authors also point out that at present there is no direct evidence of trophic transfer of

615

Microplastics in ďŹ sheries and aquaculture Status of knowledge on their occurrence and implications for aquatic organisms and food safety

A new report from the FAO details the present state of knowledge and the occurrence and effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms.

Belgium: New campaign creates awareness of garbage in oceans Every minute the equivalent of a truck of garbage, over 20 tonnes, is dumped in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oceans contributing to the deaths of millions of marine animals including sea birds, seals, whales, dolphins and turtles. The presence of plastic, a major component of waste, is already widespread in the marine environment and is predicted to get worse in the future. According to some estimates by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the seas and 99ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of seabirds could have ingested plastic. To highlight the problem aquariums

across the globe are participating in a campaign to inform the public about the issue, its causes, and consequences. Participating aquariums will fill one of their exhibitions with plastic to dramatically depict the global reality of marine litter. The campaign will also serve to promote the upcoming Our Ocean conference (www.ourocean2017.org) which was held on Malta on 5-6 October 2017 and where world leaders are expected to deliver commitments that will aim to undo some of the damage from human actions on the oceans.

Ocean waste may exceed number of fish by 2050 if measures arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t taken.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Denmark: Fisheries portfolio moves to Norway/Australia: Rapid growth in farmed ďŹ sh may lead to hearing new minister In a minor cabinet reshuffle Prime one of which, the Danish AgriFish deďŹ ciencies Agency, will now be split to reflect the latest political developments. The new independent Fisheries Agency will report to Ms Ellemann. According to a press release from the prime ministerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, containing the impact of Brexit on Danish fisheries, which catches large volumes in UK waters, will call for closer international cooperation and justifies the decision to move fisheries to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Danish Fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Federation reacted with surprise at the change, but looked forward to working together with the new minister for the benefit of the sector. Johannes Jansson/Norden.org

Minister Lars LĂ¸kke Rasmussen moved the fisheries portfolio to Karen Ellemann, Minister for Equal Opportunities and for Nordic Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Fisheries was previously part of the Ministry of Environment and Food. The portfolio shift reverses to some extent the trend towards consolidation seen in the administration of the food and veterinary sphere over the past years, reports the daily, Politiken. In 2015 the ministry of environment was combined with the ministry of food, agriculture and fisheries, and in 2017 it was restructured in to a single department and four agencies,

In the heads of bony fish are tiny crystals of calcium carbonate called otoliths (the two white apostrophe-shaped structures) that are involved in hearing and balance.

A team of scientists from the University of Melbourne, the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, and the University of Bergen has found that the accelerated growth rates of farmed fish may have an impact on their hearing, according to a recent paper in the Journal of Experimental Biology. A deformity in the otoliths (tiny structures of calcium carbonate in the skulls of bony fish that help with hearing and balance) was first discovered more than five decades ago, but Tormey Reimer and her colleagues now think they may have found a cause for this development. The problem arises when aragonite,

the normal crystal form of calcium carbonate, is replaced with vaterite, another form. Ms Reimer found that this condition was more prevalent in farmed than in wild fish. To test this, the scientists investigated different batches of farmed salmon and found that the fastest-growing fish were three times more likely to have vaterites than slow-growing fish. Although the precise reason for rapid growth leading to the formation of vaterite is still unknown, the study suggests growth rates need to be taken into account, when considering fish welfare, as the hearing of the affected fish will be compromised for life.

Karen Ellemann, the Minister for Equal Opportunities and Nordic Cooperation, and now also for Fisheries.

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[ EVENTS ] Lower supply in conjunction with strong demand for pelagic species

Changing herring trends on major markets During the North Atlantic Seafood Forum in Bergen, Norway, Kontali projected a total increase of 7% for landings of pelagic species in 2017, assuming that the next season for anchoveta in Peru would be normal. Increased landings of pelagic species for human consumption are expected, including Atlantic herring, Atlantic mackerel and blue whiting.

Market development for Atlantic herring followed a downward tendency in the total supply with the dominant position of Norway on the EU market. As in the case of mackerel, a strong price increase for frozen herring fillet from Norway was evident in 2015 and 2016 (19ď&#x2122;&#x201A; in NOK and 23ď&#x2122;&#x201A; in EUR). The outlook for pelagic markets in 2017 foresees a continuously strong demand for herring and mackerel,

Ronny Rosenberg

lobal catch and utilization of pelagic species decreased 1.9ď&#x2122;&#x201A; to 19.5 million tonnes in 2016, compared to the year before. Of this amount, 10.4 million tonnes were for human consumption (-0.2ď&#x2122;&#x201A;) and 9.2 million tonnes were for fishmeal and fish oil (-1.6ď&#x2122;&#x201A;). As the global supply of Atlantic mackerel is getting tighter, a strongly increased price level for frozen mackerel from Norway was supported by weak NOK. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2016/2015, frozen mackerel from Norway registered 22ď&#x2122;&#x201A; growth in NOK and 17ď&#x2122;&#x201A; in EUR. On the contrary, price development for frozen mackerel from Iceland registered 5ď&#x2122;&#x201A; growth in EUR and 4ď&#x2122;&#x201A; drop in ISK in the same periodâ&#x20AC;?, said Gunn Strandheim, fisheries analyst at Kontali. Norway keeps the leading position for the supply of Atlantic mackerel in all Asian markets, while the Faeroe Islands dominates the supply in the Russian market.

The session on pelagics provided the latest information on developments in the fishmeal and oil industry, a topic of particular interest for many in the audience.

along with weakening price levels, especially for herring, although they are still vulnerable due to fluctuating currency rates.

Anticipated increase in the fishmeal production Latest developments in the fishmeal and fish oil sector were discussed by Enrico Bachis, Market Research Director of the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation (IFFO), who noted that 2016

might be remembered as the weakest performing year due to El Nino environmental conditions, which persisted since 2014. While 2015 ended with an overall rebound of the fishmeal output due to bigger quotas in Peru, the global fishmeal production had the lowest records of 4.4 million in 2016, as the result of below average landings in Peru and Chile. Lower yields caused a further decline in the fish oil supply on the global level, well below the 900,000 tonne threshold.

On the contrary, 2017 looks promising in almost all producing countries with a total of 5 million tonnes of fishmeal output and 900,000 tonnes of fish oil production. Consumption around the globe has adapted to the reduced availability of marine ingredients with lower but more strategic consumption. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aquaculture industry continues to be the main consumer of both fishmeal and fish oil. At present, 70ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of the fishmeal output is consumed by the aquaculture sector,

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[ EVENTS ] 6ď&#x2122;&#x201A; by the chicken and 22ď&#x2122;&#x201A; by the pig industry. Comparison with the year 2005 is impressive, when 30ď&#x2122;&#x201A; was consumed by the pig sector, 14ď&#x2122;&#x201A; by the poultry industry and only 64ď&#x2122;&#x201A; by the aquaculture sector. Proportions of usage in fish oil sector are different: 73ď&#x2122;&#x201A; is consumed by the aquaculture sector and 21ď&#x2122;&#x201A; used for direct human consumption. Back in 2005, 86ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of the fish oil was consumed by the aquaculture and just 8ď&#x2122;&#x201A; used for direct human consumptionâ&#x20AC;?, said Enrico Bachis.

Pacific herring as a substitution of Atlantic herring in Russia

Although they have some regional differences, the markets of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine are characterized by common features, such as declining per capita consumption of fish and seafood, lower volumes of herring on the market, relatively stable sales of pelagic species and similar consumption habits. Their differences are declining import of herring in Russia and Kazakhstan along with mixed import trends in Belarus and Ukraine, and the dominance of Pacific herring on the Russian market as opposed to higher volumes of Atlantic herring in Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.

Herring is the most popular fish species in many Eastern European countries, especially in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine. The present situation and outlook for pelagic demand on those markets was presented by Ekaterina Tribilustova, from Eurofish International Organization, who compared the state of the markets and market supply of herring in 2013 and 2016.

The Russian market has always been supplied with domestic Pacific herring, and its catch reached 398,000 tonnes in 2016, constituting 8ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of the total catch of fish and seafood in Russia. After the food embargo, the total import of herring into Russia declined from 165,500 tonnes to 50,000 tonnes from 2013 to 2016. The market responded with a re-orientation toward domestic

Pacific herring and active substitution of Atlantic herring in the processing sector. Consequently, the proportions of the supplying countries changed: in 2013, Norway was responsible for 57ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of the Russian import volume of herring, followed by the Faroe Islands (24ď&#x2122;&#x201A;) and Iceland (9ď&#x2122;&#x201A;), while in 2016, the Faroe Islands was the main country (65ď&#x2122;&#x201A;), followed by Belarus (18ď&#x2122;&#x201A;) and Greenland (14ď&#x2122;&#x201A;).

Traditions and price drive Pacific herringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popularity Russian export of herring decreased from 261,500 tonnes to 100,000 tonnes in the same period. Presently, the share of Pacific herring on the market is estimated at ca. 70ď&#x2122;&#x201A;. Although the national consumption of fish and seafood decreased, herring is the most popular species on the market due to culinary traditions and its affordability. According to the survey made by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center and the Russian

Participate in the

INTERNATIONAL COLDWATER PRAWN FORUM

Pollock Association, 88ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of Russian consumers bought fish and seafood regularly in 2016. In general, 87ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of consumers had preference for frozen products, 74ď&#x2122;&#x201A; for light-salted products, 54ď&#x2122;&#x201A; for smoked products and 48ď&#x2122;&#x201A; for fresh and chilled products. Herring tops the list of the most popular species in Russia, where 84ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of consumers buy it and 75ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of consumers buy salted herring. Mackerel and Alaska pollock are the next favorite species, bought by 77ď&#x2122;&#x201A; and 62ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of consumers, respectively, followed by salmon and cod. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The markets will continue to be price-sensitive and fish consumption strongly depends on the fluctuation of consumer purchasing pricesâ&#x20AC;?, said Ms Tribilustova. Increasing shares of Pacific herring and outsourcing of production of Atlantic herring is expected in Russia. There is no foreseen substitution of Norwegian herring in Belarus in the production for export, while a partial switch to Baltic herring is evident in the domestic markets in Belarus and Ukraine.

With support from:

November 9, 2017 Reykjavik, Island

EKZd, d> Ed/ ^ & &KZhD

See more on www.icwpf.com

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[ EVENTS ] Aquaculture highlighted at the Global Fishery Forum, 14-15 September 2017, St Petersburg

Russian farmed seafood production expanding rapidly The Global Fishery Forum in St. Petersburg hosted experts from the ďŹ sheries and related industries of various countries. Interest in the event exceeded all expectations: over 1,600 delegates came to St. Petersburg from countries representing half the global catch and two thirds of global aquaculture production. including 173,900 tonnes of fish and 31,300 tonnes of fingerlings. According to the State programme for the Development of the Fishery Sector, aquaculture production is set to reach 232,000 tonnes by 2030. The latest production figures for the first half of 2017 recorded 71,000 tonnes, 17ď&#x2122;&#x201A; higher compared to the same period in 2016. Growth in the sector has been facilitated by the new Law on Aquaculture and various mechanisms to support the companies. According to Vasily Sokolov, the potential for industry development is based on the large capacity of the domestic market, lower production costs due to devaluation of the

national currency, increased efficiency of production, qualified personnel, and governmental support for the sector. In particular, support is provided to investment projects focused on production of sturgeon species, purchasing technology for farming of sturgeon species, and for building, reconstruction and modernisation of aquaculture facilities. Other types of support are directed at farming of other species and for the purchase of fish feed and fingerlings. Considering the current national consumption of fish at 18.7 kg per capita and the recommended levels are 22-24 kg, we lack 3.5-5.5 kg of fish per capita for our populaiton of 147m. Market potential in Russia is estimated therefore

at between 490,000 tonnes 780,000 tonnes, concluded Vasily Sokolov, and many of the measures needed to achieve this production are being implemented at the different levels of government.

Realistic evaluation of opportunities and threats is necessary if the sector is to succeed The attraction of the aquaculture sector for investments was stressed by Yuri Kitashin, who noted that market demand and potential, necessity for import substitution, favorable natural conditions and businesses with high profitability provided an excellent framework Pavel Shchukin

n his address welcoming the participants and guests, Ilya Shestakov, Russia's Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries, alluded to St. Petersburgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history as a venue for seafood events. The current forum however, he said, is more ambitious that those in the past, and will offer industry, government, and scientists a common platform, where trends on the world market are balanced with the state of ecosystems. Per Sandberg, Minister of Fisheries of Norway, reminded attendees that the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population would soon reach 9 billion people and that fisheries and aquaculture would play a major role in providing food to all these people. The session on aquaculture, which was moderated by Ekaterina Tribilustova, Eurofish International Organisation, included discussions on the development trends in the sector, barriers regarding governance, risks, and key factors for success.

Support and favourable legislation foster growth An in-depth overview of the Russian aquaculture sector was provided by Vasily Sokolov, Deputy Head, Federal Agency for Fishery of Russia, who noted the active development of the sector in the past years. In 2016, the production volume reached 205,300 tonnes,

The aquaculture panel comprised (from left) Alexey Tukavin, First Deputy Governor of the Murmansk Region; Vasily Sokolov, Deputy Head, Federal Agency for Fishery; Yury Kitashin, President, Aquaculture Union; Alexander Novikov, President, Union of Russian Sturgeon Farmers; Pablo Berazaluce Maturana, Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Republic of Chile; Wu Yanqiang, General Director, Dalian Seafood Production Company Banchuidao, China; and Ekaterina Tribilustova, Market Specialist, Eurofish International Organisation.

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Pavel Shchukin

[ EVENTS ]

Vasily Sokolov, Deputy Head, Federal Agency for Fishery of Russia

Yury Kitashin, President, Aquaculture Union, Russia

for further development of the sector. However, an analysis of examples of unsuccessful aquaculture projects shows that conservative planning and risk management are key factors for the companies. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to move away from so

standardised production modelsâ&#x20AC;?, concluded Yuri Kitashin.

called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Excel-farmingâ&#x20AC;? on paper to realistic farming, and to not overestimate real growth rates, or underestimate losses, risks and costs of management. The best strategy is based on the avoidance of risks and implementation of

The main barriers to the aquaculture sector at the global level were discussed by Ekaterina Tribilustova. Varying interpretations of

legislation at different levels of government, their sometimes contradictory effects, obstacles in getting licenses, and an insufficiently participatory approach are some of the administrative barriers to growth in the sector. Access to allocated zones

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[ EVENTS ] for aquaculture, financial support, a wide range of voluntary certification schemes, and climate change are some of the other obstacles the sector faces in most European countries, she said. Her intervention was followed by some interesting examples of regional development of the aquaculture sector from Alexey Tyukavin, the first Deputy Governor of the Murmansk region, as well as international examples from colleagues from Chile, Japan and China.

Russian Federation, shared his ideas on how to entrench growth in the sector. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The potential for the development of fisheries and aquaculture in our country is enormous. The production of fisheries products can grow annually by 2-3 percent over the next fifteen years, but we have to work for this. In particular, if we can reduce administrative costs and weaken the excessive control of the industry, then the potential will be realizedâ&#x20AC;?.

Arkady Dvorkovich, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the

Ekaterina Tribilustova katia.tribilustova@eurofish.dk

Global Fishery Forum attracts industry, research, administration

High level international participation In addition to the largest Russian companies, the Global Fishery Forum drew delegations from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Faroe Islands, Japan, Guinea Bisau, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Iran, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Namibia, Norway, Sierra Leone, Turkey, USA and other countries. The programme included several sessions, panels, and roundtables, involving over 80 speakers. In addition to the members of the aquaculture panel, participants at the aquaculture session included Alexander Novikov, President, Union of Russian Sturgeon Farmers; Masaaki Fukuwaka, Director, National Salmon Resources Center, Hokkaido National Fisheries Research Institute; Fisheries Research and Development Agency, Japan; Anton Voskoboynikov, Director of Aquaculture, SIGRA Group; and Wu Yanqiang, General Director, Dalian Seafood Production Company Banchuidao, China.

EuroďŹ sh Business Platform facilitates the presence of Turkish delegation at St Petersburg event

Expanding international markets for Turkish farmed fish As one of the services to its member countries, EuroďŹ sh International Organisation occasionally facilitates the participation of delegations at trade fairs around Europe. The Global Fishery Forum and Seafood Expo held in St. Petersburg, Russia on 14-16 September 2017 and organized by Expo Solutions Group together with Roscongress was a good opportunity to bring a delegation of ofďŹ cials and traders from Turkey to Russia. It gave the participants an opportunity both to explore the Russian seafood market and to introduce their products and services.

hough the aquaculture sector in Turkey has a relatively short history compared with other major producers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; starting in the late 1960s with the production of rainbow trout and common carp â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the sector has been steadily expanding both in terms of volumes and species diversity, making Turkey the biggest producer of seabass, seabream and trout in Europe. The number of fish farms as of today is 2,326, of which 1,901 are freshwater, and 425 are marine farms. The total farmed fish volumes in 2016 reached 235,000 tonnes representing 43ď&#x2122;&#x201A; share of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total fish

It is not enough only to produce fish â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one must also participate in trade fairs! Turkish delegation at the Eurofish Business Platform.

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[ EVENTS ] production (farmed and wild harvested) volumes.

Turkish processors focus increasingly on value addition Turkish fisheries products are exported to 80 countries around the world, and seabass, seabream and trout are the main exported species. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Turkish seafood

industry is also taking a big step forward in terms of value addition,â&#x20AC;? says Mr Ozerdem Maltas, head of Aquaculture, DG for Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock. Ten years ago Turkey exported only frozen products but since then the industry has developed and now offers a range of products including chilled, filleted, smoked, breaded, and ready-to-eat from

some 150 processing plants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Russia is a big country and it is a big market for us,â&#x20AC;? continues Mr. Maltas, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now we sell close to 10,000 tonnes every year to Russia, for about 50 million US dollars. For the next ten years we will be focusing on Russia, as well as other Eastern European countries. Fish consumption in these areas is below the recommended amount and there is space to growâ&#x20AC;?.

Eurofish will also organise a business platform at fish International, Bremen, 25-27 February 2018. For more information, contact Aleksandra Petersen, +45 333 777 63, aleksandra.petersen@eurofish.dk

The President of the Central Union of Aquaculture Producers Faruk Coskun says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Russian market is very attractive for Turkey and here in St. Petersburg and at the show, we have noticed that Turkish seabass, seabream and trout are available and popular.â&#x20AC;? The Central Union brings together 18 associations from 18 provinces, which comprise around 1,000 farmers thus representing around half the fish farms and four fifths of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aquaculture production. Approximately 8-10 companies from the association are already present on the Russian market. Companies present at the Eurofish Business Platform have already spoken to several potential partners and the communication has so far been very successful. We are very happy with the business platform arrangement and we hope that in future years we will be able to participate in the show, adds Mr Coskun.

Yavuzlar Seafood company is convinced that it is not enough only to produce fish, but it is also necessary to attend trade fairs. The company has production locations in different cities and recently opened a hatchery. Annual production amounts to 1.7 million fish and 8 million fingerlings and exports go to the Netherlands, Belgium and the UAE. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our products are not yet sold on the Russian market,â&#x20AC;? says Nejdet Yavuz, the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but we have a wide range of products which are already being sold in Europe. We came here to discover the Russian market for ourselves, to see which products are brought here by other exhibitors and to understand if we could compete. It is a great possibility to participate in the show and we are happy to be part of the Eurofish Business Platform â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we all here work as a team.â&#x20AC;? Ozcan Kadem, a marketing executive at Yavuzlar, expressed a liking for Russia and thought the days spent at the fair would have a positive impact on the future of their business as they had managed to communicate with a great number of people at the business platform which hopefully would lead to closer contacts.

Uluturhan Seafood company produces around 1,000 tonnes of trout that is exported to five countries. The company has been interested in the Russian market for several years and this time decided not to miss the opportunity. BeyazÄąt Uluturhan, the company president, found that he had a chance to talk to a great number of people at the show and concluded that they were open and ready for collaboration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had visitors who would come back to us and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure that we will be able to establish long-lasting contacts. The organizers of the Business Platform have provided us with a high quality venue for meeting potential partners and customers,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Kilic Seafood, one of the biggest fish farming companies in Europe producing 50 thousand tonnes of fish and employing over 2.000 people, was also represented at the Eurofish Business Platform. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Russian market is very important to us and we plan to expand our possibilities here,â&#x20AC;? says Hayri Deniz, external consultant. The company is also considering opening a farm there. In the EU and the US the company has almost reached the peak of its abilities, he says, and would like to try something new. Russia is a big country with big opportunities and the Eurofish Business Platform gave us a unique opportunity to promote the Turkish seafood sector, our companies, and ourselves.

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ALBANIA

EU-compatible legislation has been approved and will now be implemented

The path to EU accession is a demanding one Albania is a candidate country to join the EU and legislation governing the ďŹ sheries and aquaculture sector has to be aligned with the relevant EU laws. In the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture this has been a priority for Arian Palluqi, the Director, who discusses here some of the achievements as well as the challenges that are facing the sector. The recent election in Albania enabled a party that was previously governing in coalition to now rule on its own. What changes do you anticipate this will bring to the administration of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Albania. What are the new governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priorities for this sector? After the last election, the new governing programme foresees full support to the fisheries and aquaculture sector, and the implementation of all the EU recommendations mentioned in the different EU Progess Reports (2012-2016). The overall objective is to increase the contribution of the fisheries sector to the economic development of Albania by improving the management and protection of fishery resources in line with the EU Common Fishery Policy. This is to be achieved by building the fishery administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity to design, implement, enforce and monitor the relevant policy measures and regulations. The focus will be the resource and the fleet management including data collection as well as the enforcement of the inspection and control capacity in the sea, in all ports and different landing sites. Laws on fisheries (from 2012) and on aquaculture (from 2016)

have been approved. What are the salient features of these pieces of legislation and which are the issues they address? The law on fisheries has been further completed by bylaws in full accordance with EU Regulations and GFCM recommendations. The second one, the law â&#x20AC;?On Aquacultureâ&#x20AC;? aims to implement AZA (Allocation Zones for Aquaculture). This is a major challenge that combines aspects of spatial planning with those of effective governance, aquaculture sustainability, and environmental friendliness, as well as taking into account the socioeconomic aspects associated with this activity. On the other hand, the preparation of AZA will avoid conflicts between other actors such as those responsible for the development of tourism, conservation of cultural heritage, maritime transport etc. Well-designed policies are important for the fisheries sector, but effective implementation is critical. What measures are being taken to ensure the wholehearted implementation of the laws in both letter and spirit? Further to what I have already said, I would like to emphasise the

Arian Palluqi, Director, Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Albanian Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration

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ALBANIA

commitment of the government and the Fisheries Directorate to move to a new phase of fisheries and aquaculture development in Albania. Change has begun; and there are new challenges to face ahead. The Albanian fisheries strategy from 2016 lays emphasis on good governance, sustainability, a competitive fleet where capacity is in balance with the resource, and alignment with the relevant EU legislation. How far has the strategy been implemented, and has it delivered the results that are envisaged? The implementation of the Albanian Fishery Strategy has started and will continue. With regard to resource and fleet management, the Fisheries Directorate has updated the fishing fleet register in December 2016 with assistance from the FAO AdriaMed project, and has prepared and approved the regulation covering fishery resources management and regulations on the functioning of the fishing fleet register. The aim is to determine the number of fishing vessels/fishing methods as well as to match the availability of resources with fishing effort/capacity, in accordance with the fishery management plans for small pelagic and demersal fish. Enforcement of inspection and control capacity is another important objective laid down in the strategy. The law 80/2017, which contains additions and amendments to the law â&#x20AC;&#x153;On Fisheryâ&#x20AC;? from 2012, clearly defines the role

and duties of fishery inspectors, monitors and observers as well as their relationships, in accordance with the European Council Regulation on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policyâ&#x20AC;?. Albania was granted EU candidate status in 2014, one of several steps in its quest to become a member of the union. Accession negotiations will start as Albania further reforms its institutions. Which do you see as the most contentious points to be negotiated? What impact will accession have on the fisheries and aquaculture sector and will it only be positive? Yes, we strongly believe that by meeting the standards required by the EU of a candidate country, we will soon be able to start the accession negotiations. The fisheries and aquaculture legislation mentioned above has been prepared with EU assistance and those laws are fully in accordance with the Common Fisheries Policy. Our challenge and duty will be the implementation and enforcement of this legislation in Albania. What is more important, is that we overcome the gap between the legislation, which is based on EU standards, and the real situation of the fishing sector in the country. This is not an easy path, and we are aware that after the opening of the accession negotiations we will have to work harder and harder and have to complete our homework, but we are also convinced that the EU will be behind us all the way.

Albania has a history of mussel cultivation in the Butrinti Lagoon and more recently in the Shengjin bay. However, exports of mussels to the EU have been blocked due to sanitary concerns. What measures need to be taken to reassure EU authorities and restart the export of Albanian mussels, and what is preventing the implementation of these measures? The cultivation of mussels in the Butrinti lagoon and the fishing of bivalve molluscs on the Albanian coast are important activities for the fishing sector in Albania. There has been a ban on sanitary grounds on the export of live products to the EU since 1994, and this prevents Albanian producers from exporting bivalve molluscs and eel to EU countries. In close collaboration with the different actors involved (Veterinary and Food Safety Institute, National Food Authority, producer organisations etc) we have prepared and implemented a plan for the annual monitoring of the Butrinti lagoon, and, starting from this year, also one to monitor bivalve molluscs on the natural banks of the Albanian coast. Based on the results of the monitoring, and on the evaluation made by the relevant bodies in the EU, we hope that this issue will soon be resolved. Aquaculture in Albania is both freshwater and marine, finfish and shellfish. The main species to be cultivated are seabass, seabream, trout, and mussels. Some of this production is intended for export, but as all these species are also produced in other European countries,

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what advantages does Albania have that could ensure successful export activities? Our neighbours in the region, Turkey and Greece, contribute with 70-75ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of the total European production of sea bream and sea bass. However, we believe the good quality of fish products from our aquaculture, handling in line with the required EU standards during the entire cultivation cycle, processing the products in EUapproved facilities, implementing quality certification schemes, monitoring the physical and chemical indicators, and controlling for diseases, together with very good water quality and abundance will be keys to the successful export of Albanian aquaculture products. Albania exported some EUR28m worth of seafood last year, the bulk of which went to just two countries, Italy and Spain. What steps is the administration taking to increase the number of export markets and the range of products that Albania exports? Today the fisheries business is global and it is the fishing and processing industry that chooses its partners and markets. From this point of view the administration does not and cannot presume to orient the industry. In fact, the industry gets information on markets and prices faster than the administration. However, the construction of wholesale fish markets in all four of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s ports, as provided for in the strategy, will increase the possibility of attracting more players thus leading to the expansion of the markets.

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ALBANIA

The Albanian ďŹ sheries and aquaculture sector

Perceptible progress in many ďŹ elds Recent elections in Albania have resulted in a change in government and a new minister, Niko Peleshi, at the helm in the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration. The ministry is responsible for the administration of the ďŹ sheries and aquaculture sector, an area which has been seeing encouraging signs of development in recent years.

he fisheries and aquaculture industry in Albania comprises many different activities including marine capture fishing, inland capture fishing, freshwater farming, and marine farming of finfish and shellfish. The country has a total of some 380 km of coastline of which about three quarters is in the Adriatic Sea towards the north and the rest in the Ionian Sea. The two seas have different natural characteristics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Adriatic is wide, shallow and more dynamic, while the Ionian is narrower, deeper, and more stable. There are also several brackish water coastal lagoons with a total surface area of some 10,635 ha. These are fed by the sea, but also often have rivers draining into them that bring nutrition from upstream and dilute the salt content of the sea water. Lagoons offer many species a place to feed and breed, thus providing fishermen with a resource. In addition, Albania has considerable freshwater resources in the form of lakes, rivers, and streams. Lake Shkodra, Lake Ohrid, and the Greater Prespa lake, are the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest and support freshwater capture fisheries, while rivers and streams are used to supply fish farms often cultivating trout. Domestic production of fish and seafood has risen from approximately 4,000 tonnes in 2002 to over 8,000 tonnes in 2014, though it has fallen back the last

couple of years. From 2006 to 2014 total production has never fallen below 7,000 tonnes. Official statistics divide production into marine capture, inland capture, coastal line fishing, coastal lagoon catches, aquaculture, and mussels. The biggest contribution to the total comes from marine fishing, thanks to Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production of small pelagics, anchovies and sardines, which are caught in large volumes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; about 2,800 tonnes in 2016. Inland catches too have generally stayed around 1,800 tonnes, while aquaculture production has averaged some 1,300 tonnes the last decade. Output from the coastal lagoons has been more or less consistent at about 300 tonnes a year for the past several years, on the other hand production of mussels has fluctuated significantly from a peak of 1,600 tonnes in 2014 to 300 tonnes in 2016.

The marine fish farming industry becomes more sophisticated As in other countries the Albanian marine aquaculture industry has been recognised as a source not only of healthful protein, but also of economic and social security particularly in the coastal communities where it this kind of farming can be established. The marine farming industry includes the production of seabass and seabream in cages off Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ionian Sea

The seabass and seabream farming industry is using more advanced technology and exporting production to the EU.

coast where the water is deeper compared to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Adriatic coast. Albanian production is modest and the industry is still in its infancy, but there is no lack of ambition. So far, there are

no hatcheries or feed producers in Albania, and fingerlings and feed, two vital raw materials, have to be imported. The industry is developing and producers becoming more sophisticated

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Mussels are farmed on ropes in the Adriatic Sea and in the Butrinti lagoon. However, they may not be exported to the EU, a factor that has contributed to a drop in production.

Trout farmers grow the fish in raceways fed by rivers or ground water. Many of them also have hatcheries though feed is typically imported.

as they team up with partners, often from Italy, who provide them with knowhow and technical support as well as feed and juvenile fish. Some farmers are exporting their production while others sell on the domestic market. However, Albania is close to the giants of seabass and seabream production, Turkey and Greece, and nearby countries Croatia and Italy, as well as Spain, and France, all have some production. Albanian producers are aware of the need to compete on quality, proximity to the market, and to rapidly integrate backwards (hatcheries, feed

issues such as the provision of space are now being addressed. Allocation zones for aquaculture (AZA) are an important prerequisite to establish an aquaculture industry in Albania that will provide an alternate source of fish and seafood products. Efforts are ongoing to assess potential aquaculture areas in Albania with a view to identifying AZA. However, a report from a meeting on AZA in Albania in 2015 pointed out that cooperation between the different authorities involved in regulating the aquaculture industry needed to be strengthened. These

production) and forwards (processing, value-addition). The achievements of some seabass and seabream producers is based on lessons learned from previous experiences to farm these species as well as structural changes. Some years ago production volumes were modest and sustaining the activities and growing was constrained by a number of factors, including a lack of space, inability to establish robust links with suppliers and markets, technical issues, and competition from other producers. Some of these

Fish production in tonnes Description I

Total Fishing (1+2+3+4) 1

Marine

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

4,931

4,804

4,919

5,369

5,816

4,128

4,306

2,500

2,287

2,374

2,681

2,780

2,396

2,830

Coastline

412

495

506

640

700

291

580

Coastal lagoons

219

229

369

278

286

261

364

1,800

1,793

1,670

1,770

2,050

1,180

532

Aquaculture

Inland waters

1,022

1,304

1,250

1,585

800

936

604

III

Mytilus galloprovincialis

1,410

1,300

750

1,500

295

302

Total production (I + II + III)

7,363

7,408

7,469

7,704

8,116

5,359

5,212

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration

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include different departments in the ministries of environment, transport and infrastructure, and finance, apart from agriculture, rural development, and water administration. Identifying AZA in marine coastal areas will go some way towards simplifying the procedures that precede production in marine facilities and apart from affecting seabass and seabream farming will also have a bearing on mussel production. These are currently grown on lines in the Adriatic part of the coast, and also in the Butrinti lagoon in the south. Mussels grown in Albania cannot yet be exported to the EU, a source of some irritation for producers, who feel they are making a huge effort to comply with EU requirements. Instead they are sold to domestic customers or to external non-EU markets. The lack of access to EU markets has had a dampening effect on mussel production which was also affected by high water temperatures and toxic blooms in summer. Output fell drastically in 2015 and has not recovered since. &VSPl TI .BHB[JOF

ALBANIA

Albanian seafood imports (EUR thousand) 2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Spain

4,420

5,695

5,793

5,351

9,432

Croatia

4,658

4,133

6,620

9,773

8,502

Italy

2,612

3,761

4,247

6,394

6,139

Greece

2,084

2,766

3,491

3,884

2,794

Estonia

2,619

Canada

2,362

Ecuador

434

636

1,187

2,063

1,334

Greenland China

572

1,020

612

705

1,288

1,008

Others

2,135

2,210

5,289

8,719

8,325

Total

16,918

19,813

27,335

37,555

43,534

imported. Trout farming is a growing activity and the bigger producers are keen to invest in processing facilities to add value to their product. Most of the production is sold on the domestic market. Carp production, on the other hand, is declining. This may partly be because consumer tastes are changing, but also because water bodies where carps grow are now being taken over for agricultural crops. Overfishing and the lack of restocking efforts may also play a role in the decline of carp production.

Notes: - = Nil, 0 = less than 0.5 Source: Institute of Statistics, Albania

Increased investments in trout farms Farmed species in Albania apart from seabass, seabream, and mussels in the sea, also includes trout in land-based facilities and carps in ponds. The trout farming industry comprises some 45 farmers half of which

are tiny outfits cultivating for subsistence, while the remainder produce for the market. Trout is a popular fish to farm as it is not too demanding technically and reaches market size relatively quickly. Many of the bigger operators therefore also have their own hatcheries. Feed, on the other hand, is typically

Coastal lagoons are a source of small volumes of high quality fish most of which is sold on the domestic market. The most common species caught by the lagoon fishermen are wild seabass and seabream, different species of mullet, and eel. A commonly used gear is the fish weir, a barricade made of plastic or wooden canes, that is placed at the mouth of the channel

Inland fishing is also carried out with fish weirs, structures that funnel the fish in to a trap. Here the weir on the Buna river as it enters the Shkodra lake.

between the lagoon and the sea, and funnels the fish as they try to return to the sea from the lagoon into a trap. The gentle nature of the fishing prevents physical damage to the fish, and after harvesting the fish is transported usually in refrigerated vans to buyers. Fish weirs are however not the only type of gear that is used in the lagoons. Trammel nets and fyke nets are also set by the fishermen in different parts of the lake and at different seasons. The latter are used to target eel in particular. Lagoon fishermen are licensed to catch fish from the lagoon, but they are also often charged with responsibility for the health of the lagoon. They must ensure that water flows in and out of the lagoon are not impeded, illegal fishing is prevented, and that the environment of the lagoon is not compromised in any way.

Inland fishermen take the fight against IUU activities into their own hands Albania has a significant inland fishery amounting to about a quarter of the total fish production in the country although catch volumes from the inland fishery fell abruptly to 532 tonnes in 2016 from 1,180 tonnes in 2015. According to Mimoza Cobani from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration, the decline in inland fisheries production in 2016 was mainly because of certain administrative measures, and does not reflect a collapse in the stock or the fishery. The fisheries law calls for the creation of co-management areas (that are jointly managed by the administration and the fishermen) and preparatory to these areas being legally created, the licenses of fishermen

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ALBANIA

Fatmir DĂŤrguti, the manager of the Shkodra lake fish weir, Mimoza Cobani, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Administration, and Bardh Isufi, a nature conservationist.

in the Shkodra and Ohrid lakes were suspended. The drop in production is presumably only a temporary setback caused by an administrative measure rather than for cyclical or structural reasons, she says, and the creation of these co-management areas, where both the administration and the fishermen have a say, should lead to

a more sustainable fishery in the long term. The inland fishery is mainly in lakes, of which three are very large, Shkodra, Greater Prespa, and Ohrid, and are shared with other countries, Shkodra with Montenegro, the Greater Prespa with Greece and Macedonia, and the Ohrid with Macedonia. Shkodra lake is one of the largest lakes in the

Albanian seafood exports (EUR thousand) Italy Spain Romania Greece Others Total

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

5,660 525

6,905

8,484

13,974

16,240

930

1,654

3,066

5,317

3,181

1,800

436

1,361

1,252

1,241

568

517

1,237

2,412

3,707

9,933

8,788

12,736

20,704

28,305

Notes: - = Nil, 0 = less than 0.5 Source: Institute of Statistics, Albania

Balkans, though the Albanian part is only about a third of the total and has a surface of 142 sq. km. Commercially-fished species in the lake include common carp, roach, crucian carp, bleak, mullet and eel. The Ohrid is well known for its population of an endemic species, the Lake Ohrid trout (Salmo letnica) for which there is a restocking programme. A hatchery along the lakeshore close to Pogradec breeds and releases juvenile fish into the lake. The restocking programme is intended to maintain the environment of the lake and to provide fish for the fishermen there. The Ohrid lake also holds stocks of common carp and chub. The Greater Prespa is populated mainly with carps of various kinds as well as eels, catfish, and perch. Fisheries in the lakes are managed by

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fisheries management organisations (FMO), bodies comprised of the fishermen that delegate the day to day management to a smaller group led by a manager. The work of these management bodies is often complicated by their reliance on government structures which are often weak and ineffectual. In addition, FMOs may find themselves battling local interests that stand to lose from well managed fisheries, or measures that protect the environment.

Better collaboration against illegal fishing provides grounds for optimism The Shkodra lake is connected to the Adriatic Sea some 40 km away by the Buna river and fish from the sea travel up the river to the lake &VSPl TI .BHB[JOF

ALBANIA

at certain times of the year and return to the sea the same way. As the river enters the lake it is bifurcated by a small island, that is now privately owned by Bardh Isufi, a nature conservationist. For a long time erosion has been eating away at the island and for the last 12 years Mr Isufi has been working to slow down this process. The two channels created by the island in the river are equipped with a fish weir, a structure that has existed in one form or another for so many years that the Shkodra dajlan (fish weir in Albanian) has become synonymous with the city. The current version of the fish weir dates back to the 70s, but according to Fatmir DĂŤrguti, who manages the fishing activities on the island, does not produce as much fish as it should. Two decades ago more than 20 people were working at the weir because the production demanded it. Today not even four or five people are necessary as production is low and the fish are only caught for six months in the year. Among the reasons is pollution

as both locals and tourists can be careless with their rubbish some of which ends up in the river. Today catches of mullet for example are 5-6 tonnes a year in contrast to 250 tonnes 30 years ago. Other factors contributing to the decline in catches include the administration at the local and central levels which do not enforce the laws, sedimentation, illegal construction on the lake shore, lack of rainfall, corruption, dams along the river, and a failure to invest in maintenance of the lake. Carp is another species that used to be caught in the weir, but overfishing has reduced the catches to virtually nothing, says Mr DĂŤrguti. One way to restore stocks, he feels, would be to start a restocking programme, where young fish are bred at a hatchery and then introduced into the lake, a procedure which is successfully carried out at the Ohrid lake for the koran, an endemic trout species. But the main problem is rampant overfishing, where for every licensed fisher there may be two or three illegal ones.

Fish from the weir is sold in the city and the proceeds are divided among the workers, many of whom have been working there for many years and remember nostalgically the times when catches were abundant. Despite the many factors that are working against the weir fishery, Fatmir DĂŤrguti is optimistic. He sees the work done by the FMO with Arjan Cinari as the manager as something that can be built on. Nowadays, if I see illegal gear or equipment on the lake or the river, I can call Cinari and he organises for it to be seized. Our collaboration has improved and we work together for the good of the lake and the fishery which ultimately will benefit the fishermen.

Trade booms as Albania imports and exports more Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fisheries sector also includes a dynamic processing industry producing for the domestic market as well as for export.

Preserved anchovies are Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most valuable export. Here the salted fish are filleted prior to being placed in jars.

Labour in Albania costs a fraction of what it does in the EU making the country an attractive destination for labour intensive processing activities such as anchovy filleting or cold water shrimp peeling. Preserved anchovies, usually salted and filleted, are Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest export amounting to over two thirds of the total in value. The raw material is imported from Spain, Italy, and Croatia or is from Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own catches. Processing raw material imported from these countries has the advantage of circumventing restrictions placed on the duty-free import into the EU of products from Albania. The cold water shrimps, either raw or cooked, are all imported. In general, the main sources of imports in 2016 were Spain, Croatia and Italy followed by Greece, Estonia, and Canada. Imports into Albania have increased more than 2.5 times between 2012 and 2016 to reach EUR38m. Imports of squid and shrimp are processed for sale on the domestic market, as is locally caught fish and seafood. The big processing companies have facilities certified to international standards, BRC, IFS, ISO etc. to guarantee food safety and quality, and some of them are also certified to the Marine Stewardship Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chain of custody standard. Export values have also risen significantly reaching EUR28m in 2016 from EUR10m in 2012. Italy, Spain, and Greece are the main destinations for seafood from Albania. There have been a number of positive developments in the Albanian fisheries and aquaculture sector, on which the new administration can build. The goal should be a sustainable industry that contributes further to the economic and social development of fisheries-dependent coastal and inland areas and to the country as a whole.

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ALBANIA

Seabass and seabream production in Albania is likely to receive a boost

Established company ďŹ nds new partners

oday the picture in the case of seabass and seabream production seems rosy. A newish venture between Sheme Kondi, managing director of Almarina and an Italian company, Panittica, is likely to contribute to a significant increase in Albanian production of seabass and seabream over the next years. The collaboration between the two companies is deep with the Italian partner supplying fingerlings, feed and even cage-building expertise to Almarina.

Facilities are certified to international standards Sheme Kondi is no stranger to the fish farming business. In the past he had a collaboration with an

Israeli group for the production of seabass and seabream. When that stopped he found a new partner in Panittica some two years ago. Production has already started â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the first batch of market-sized fish was exported in the summer to markets in the EU. We have everything needed in terms of licences and certification to export our products, says Mr Kondi. Almarina is currently exporting whole round fish on ice that are packaged at its certified facility in the nearby town of Orikum. We are certified by GlobalG.A.P., IFS, and have a HACCP plan in place, he adds, to demonstrate to our customers the quality of our products and to show that the company is a serious business partner. The main destinations are currently

Compressors used to fill the air cylinders that the divers use to maintain the nets and cages and keep an eye on the fish.

Almarina

Production from the aquaculture industry in Albania consists primarily of seabass, seabream, and mussels in marine water as well as rainbow trout in freshwater raceways. In addition, small quantities of carps (silver carp, common carp, grass carp, bighead carp) are also produced in freshwater ponds. Production of the main farmed species has moved in different directions over the last ten years, however total production stayed more or less stable in the six years to 2014, hovering just over 2,000 tonnes. In 2015 production fell by almost a third primarily due to a collapse in mussel production, for which increases in seabass and trout output could not compensate.

Sheme Kondi (left), managing director of Almarina, a company that is farming seabass and seabream for export to the EU, and Donato Pennacchio, sales manager at Panittica, a close partner of Almarina.

A vessel mounted feed-dispensing machine is used to deliver the feed to the cages. The company has two such machines.

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Almarina

ALBANIA

which is a quicker fish to farm than seabass as it grows to market size in 15 months, while seabass takes a little longer. The process of expanding the farm in preparation for the expanded production next year has already begun. With the help of experts from Panittica, Almarina is having two batteries of sea cages built. Each battery will comprise 10 cages 30 m in diameter. The site has the capacity for more cages, but Mr Kondi is keen that production does not exceed what is environmentally sustainable.

matter such as uneaten feed and faecal particles do not accumulate under the cages but are carried away. The decision to site the cages far from the coast was also influenced by the potential enactment of new legislation on AZA, Allocated Zones for Aquaculture, which is currently being discussed, but the main reason was the positive impact on the quality of the fish. A year after putting the first batch of fingerlings into cages, the fish are ready for market and the quality is excellent, according to Mr Kondi.

The cages will be moored semioffshore, says Donato Pennacchio, sales manager at Panittica, at a distance 2,000 m from the coast. Although the risks and the costs of both building and servicing the cages increases the further away from the coast they are placed, there are also benefits for the fish, for the environment, and for other users of the shore such as tourists. The depth of the water where the cages will be moored is 52 m, says Mr Kondi, and there are currents against which the fish must swim giving them more muscle and less fat and improving the quality of the flesh. The currents will also ensure that organic

Production of rainbow trout also being considered Seabass and seabream cultivation is only possible in the southern part of Albania from Vlora to the Greek border, in the north the sea is too open and the water too shallow. A number of companies farm small quantities of the two species for sale on the domestic market, but Almarina is one of the few to focus more or less exclusively on exports. However, together with his partners, Mr Kondi is also looking to diversify his production and is considering the culture of rainbow

Currently the product is distributed chilled on ice, but Mr Kondi expects to start processing the fish in the near future.

Italy and Germany, where the fish is sold fresh to supermarkets.

Entire production intended for markets in the EU Mr Kondi is aware of the need to distinguish his product from those of other suppliers of seabass and seabream and once he is producing to capacity he is keen to add greater value to the fish, by gutting, filleting,

smoking or otherwise processing. This year (2017) he expects production to reach 1,000 tonnes, which would be more than the combined national production of the two species, while next year the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s production is expected to grow to at least 2,000 tonnes. Almost the entire volume this year will be exported to the EU, he declares, with only a minor fraction reserved for the domestic market. Seven tenths of the production is seabream,

The four chambers of the feed dispenser are loaded with pellets of different sizes which are then mixed in a pre-programmed proportion by the machine.

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Almarina

ALBANIA

Seabream being harvested and loaded into tubs that are filled with ice for delivery to the packaging facility.

trout, species with which one of his Italian partners has considerable experience. Mr Pennacchio is more cautious, as he feels the most important is to know the market. Production of rainbow trout is relatively straight forward, he says, the problem is ensuring a market. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seabass and seabream is currently destined mainly for Italy, but from there it is freighted further to Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium, so that Almarina already has a toehold in these market too. At the moment the production of seabass and seabream starts in spring when fingerlings three to five grams in size are put into the water, however, in September

and October as the water cools down larger fingerlings of around 20 g are introduced into the water as they are more robust and can better withstand the lower temperatures. By the time the new cages are ready Mr Kondi anticipates he will need a supply of fingerlings each month to restock the cages as they are emptied. To sell two or three thousand tonnes of fish a year will call for a stock of at least 1,000 tonnes of fish at all times, he explains. The major cost of any carnivorous fish farming activity is the feed and to contain this cost Almarina has an Italian partner with its own feed processing unit. Feed produced at this factory is not for the market, but intended purely for partner companies which, apart

from Almarina, also include trout producers. Almarina has accomplished much in the space of two years. With the support of the Albanian administration it has made the

investments, got the licences, established partnerships, and started production. If everything goes to plan aquaculture production in Albania is set to increase dramatically over the next years.

Almarina Or Srl Orikum, Vlora Albania Tel.: +355 68 4013389, +355 69 8296075 Managing Director: Sheme Kondi Production: Seabass and seabream Cages: 2 x 10 cages of 30 m diameter

Volumes: 1,000 t (2017), 2,000 t (2018 anticipated) Product form: Whole round ďŹ sh on ice Markets: Italy Customers: Supermarkets Employees: 35 (of which 15 on the farm)

"Advertising in EUROFISH MAGAZINE enables us to reach many more potential exhibitors and visitors to POLFISH (International Fair for Seafood Processing and Products). Our long lasting relationship with Eurofish, helps us to promote POLFISH widely at fish shows as well as directly to individual companies." Â´ International Fair Co., Poland Monika Pain, POLFISH Project Director, Gdansk Contact EUROFISH on +45 33377763 or info@eurofish.dk to learn how we can help you effectively reach your audience.

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ALBANIA

The Orikumi Lagoon supports a small-scale ďŹ shery

Traditional fishery could use a helping hand The small-scale ďŹ sheries sector in Europe makes an important economic, social and environmental contribution to thousands of coastal communities across the continent. The sector is a source of jobs and healthy nutrition through a sustainable activity that often has a long tradition.

ithin the EU, landings from the small-scale fishery sector amount to about EUR2bn or a quarter of the revenue from EU fisheries, and four fifths of the vessels in EU fleets and about 40ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of the fishers belong to the small-scale sector. Smallscale fisheries vary from country to country and sea basin to sea basin. Particular geographical features such as deltas, lagoons, and coastlines influence the choice of vessel and gear used by small-scale fishers. According to the FAO, while large-scale fisheries land more fish only 80ď&#x2122;&#x201A; is for direct human consumption in comparison to almost every fish caught by a small-scale fisherman. Within the EU smallscale fishing refers to vessels of less than 12 m that do not use towed gear. Instead, small-scale fishers typically use traditional gears, drift and fixed nets, hooks, lines, pots, and traps to target multiple species.

Maintenance of the lagoon is fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility The small-scale fishery sector is of particular importance in southern Europe. In Albania too small-scale fisheries are well represented â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both in the marine and in the freshwater environments. One of the features of the Albanian coastline is the presence of lagoons. These water bodies are separated

The fish weir at the mouth of the Orikumi Lagoon, where it opens into the Ionian Sea. The structure is used to channel fish into a trap.

from the sea by a narrow strip of land and, depending on their origin, are strongly influenced by the accumulation of sediments carried by rivers on their way to the sea. Albania has eight coastal lagoons of which six are along the more northern Adriatic coast, while two are along the Ionian Sea coast. Lagoons are categorised into those formed by alluvial sedimentation and those formed in rock, and the two southern-most lagoons, Orikumi and Butrinti, belong to the latter category. The Orikumi Lagoon lies close to the town of Orikumi some 20 km south of

Vlora along Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ionian Sea coast. The lagoon has a surface area of 800 ha making it the smallest but one of the coastal lagoons. The lagoon is owned by the state, but a group of fishermen has the rights to fish the four commercially important species, mullet, eel, seabass and seabream, that frequent the lagoon. Their contract with the state specifies also that they are responsible for maintaining the lagoon, including making sure that the inflow from the rivers into the lagoon and the outflow from the lagoon into the sea are not blocked. These efforts are designed not only

to ensure catches of fish, but also to support the complex ecosystem that the lagoon represents.

Fewer fish in the sea also impacts productivity of the lagoon Fish from the sea enter the lagoon for different purposes, says Mimoza Cobani, from the Albanian Directorate of Fisheries. Some enter to feed from the nutrient rich water brought by rivers; others to reproduce; and yet others to escape changes in temperature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; water in the lagoon being shallow

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ALBANIA

Once in the trap the fish can easily be retrieved by the fishermen. The method is gentle on the fish resulting in a high quality product.

Bledi Leskaj, together with eight others, fishes in the Orikumi Lagoon. The group is also responsible for maintaining the lagoon, keeping the inflow and outflow channels free of obstructions, and preventing poaching.

temperature changes are more rapid and more marked than in the sea. These fish form a resource that is exploited by the fishermen using different gear such as gillnets, trammel nets with a 37 mm mesh size, fyke nets, and hooks. However, the main gear used by the fishers responsible for over half the total catch is the fish weir (dajlan in Albanian), a gate-like structure constructed of wood and plastic canes placed at the mouth of the channel that connects the lagoon with the sea. The Orikum weir is kept open for about four months in the year generally from 15 March to 15 June. The rest of the year it funnels the fish that try to return to the sea into a trap from which the fishermen can easily scoop them out. The yield from the lagoon is modest, in the decade to 1990 it averaged about two tonnes of fish per year, a figure that fell to 1 tonne per year in the five years to 2000. Bledi Lekaj, one of the lagoon fishermen, says the catch last year

was just over a tonne, but according to him it has been gradually decreasing. There are fewer fish in coastal waters due to illegal fishing, he feels, and that has an immediate impact on the volumes that enter the lagoon. Another reason he thinks is the presence of fish farms. Feed that is supplied to the cages may attract wild fish, which do not then need to enter the lagoons to feed. Finally, the generally poor situation of stocks in the Mediterranean may also contribute to a reduction in the number of fish entering the lagoon.

and seabass, with eel coming in last. The group comprises nine fishers, a number which has not changed for years though individual members are replaced when a fisher retires or dies. The group also owns three two-man boats which are used to fish in other parts of the lagoon using nets or traps. The proceeds from the sale of the fish are divided among the members of the group every four days. A small proportion of the total is used for common purposes such as maintenance work on the lagoon or repairs to or replacement of the gear.

Cold storage could contribute to better price The fish is collected from the nets and the weir and brought ashore and taken immediately to markets in Vlora and even Durres. The fish is of very high quality as it is very fresh and caught with gear that

The fishery is managed by the fishers in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Water Administration. When the fishers estimate that enough fish has moved into the lagoon from the sea, they inform the ministry which gives permission to close the weir. Catches of mullets dominate the production, followed by seabream

The Orikumi Lagoon Area: 799 ha Fishermen: 9 Boats: 3 Production: About 1 tonne annually Products: Fresh, whole round ďŹ sh on ice

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does no damage to the product. It could thus fetch a good price. The fact that it often does not is a result partly of natural and partly of infrastructural factors. The peak season for catches is in November and December. But as this is the peak season for all the lagoons, the market is flooded with this fish and prices drop. It would be much better if the peak catching season were between June and September coinciding with the tourist season, says Mr Leskaj. His group together with another that fishes in the neighbouring lagoon, Narta, are together in a Fisheries Management Organisation (FMO). But due to an erratic electricity supply the FMO has not been able to establish a cold store, a facility that could help the fishers stagger the supply to the market and support the price they get for the products. If that could be resolved the fishers may benefit more from the quality of their fish.

Species: Mullet, seabream, seabass, eel Peak season: November December Markets: Vlora, Durres

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ALBANIA

Vast new processing complex will boost product range, employment at Rozafa

Plans for canned products to be realised soon Rozafa is the biggest player in the Albanian seafood industry and one of the most notable in the Balkans. The company has a ďŹ&#x201A;eet of vessels operating out of the port in Shengjin in the Adriatic and in addition has extensive facilities processing ďŹ sh and seafood which are exported to the EU and recently even to the US.

new highway joining Tirana to Elbasan, an industrial city in the geographic centre of the country, is nearing completion. The highway, which includes a 2.5 km tunnel, will reduce the travel time between Elbasan and Tirana to some 30 minutes, and create a fast link to Durres, Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main port, west of the capital. Among the beneficiaries of the new road will be the company Rozafa, which two years ago started work on a 10 ha complex that will include processing facilities, cold stores, restaurants, worker amenities and offices.

EU limits are a constraint for development Roland Kristo, a consultant for Rozafa, explains that the complex includes areas for the processing of anchovies, shrimps, cephalopods, and bigger finfish. One of Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important exports is salted anchovies, a delicacy that is particularly popular in Spain and Italy. At Rozafa, fresh anchovies from Croatia, Italy, Spain, as well as caught by Rozafaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own fleet are layered with salt in large drums and allowed to mature over a period of several weeks. Once they are ready the fish are filleted by hand, a fiddly process as the fish are so delicate after salting. The fillets are then sealed in jars with oil. One of the constraints

Shrimp are peeled manually for the demanding Scandinavian market.

Albania faces in the export of these products is the limit placed by the EU. According to Mr Kristo, by using raw material from Italy and Spain these limits can be circumvented. Rozafa has a fleet of nine vessels of which four are licensed to catch small pelagics. Outside the small pelagics season all the vessels use bottom trawls to catch whitefish, shrimp and cephalopods, and molluscs. Some of these products are sold fresh on the domestic market or supplied to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurants. Exports of fresh fish are limited as the volumes are relatively small. In the

factory deepwater rose shrimp caught by Rozafa fishing vessels are frozen and packaged for sale to Italy and Spain. The species is caught in Albanian waters in the Adriatic Sea and is one of the principal species fished using bottom trawls. Rozafa catches about 300 tonnes of this species a year. The market for the product is both within Albania and outside. It depends on the size of the shrimp and the demand on the market and the company adjusts its production to cater to the requirements it faces. The product is peeled and frozen and packaged for the wholesale market in large bags. Deepwater rose

shrimp is not the only shrimp species that is processed by Rozafa. The company is one of the biggest processers of coldwater shrimp (Pandalus borealis) for the Scandinavian market. The shrimps are cooked and frozen on board the fishing vessel and at Rozafa the product is peeled and packaged and distributed to the retailer. Some of these shrimp are certified to the Marine Stewardship Council standard so the processing plant also meets the chain of custody requirements demanded by this standard. In this case Rozafa has an agreement with the retailer who organises the supply of raw materials.

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ALBANIA

Rozafa does the processing and sends the finished product to the retailer. The production is seasonal with increased volumes in June, July, and August, and again in November, December, and January, when the number of workers and even shifts increases to cater to the demand.

Move to new complex gives better access to labour Most of the processing operations take place at the Elbasan complex, but the company has maintained its original processing facilities in Shengjin, but now most of the production there is intended for a client in Italy. The move to Elbasan was primarily to take advantage of a larger pool of potential employees. As a former industrial town with some very big factories there is a large number of skilled and unskilled workers in the city and the surrounding area. To facilitate the commute workers must make to the factory Rozafa has a fleet of buses to pick up and drop off the workers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of the facilities the companies offers its staff. Other perks include canteens and a kindergarten for the

workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; young children, and in the future, a grocery store, a fitness centre, and training facility are planned. Although many of the processing facilities are up and running, the complex is not yet complete. The company has plans to create facilities for the manufacture of canned tuna, canned sardines, and marinated products. Another project is to use the waste from the processing operations to make fishmeal and part of the complex will be dedicated to this activity. This will save not only on the cost of having it transported and treated by the local municipality, but will also create a resource that can be sold, or in case Rozafa decides to branch out into the aquaculture business, can be used to make fish feed pellets. With 1,000 employees to take care of the company also plans to start a shop for the staff, where products procured at bulk prices can be sold at cost for the benefit of the workers and their families. The entire complex should be completed by the end of next year, by which time the total investment will amount to some EUR10m and the number of employees will have swelled to 2,000 people.

Gjergj Luca, the owner of Rozafa, feels the quota on Albanian exports imposed by the EU is an unnecessary constraint on the seafood industry.

Legislative framework exists, but implementation needs to improve Gjergj Luca, the man behind Rozafa, is following the progress in Albaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application to join the EU. He considers accession a positive development and one that is supported by the majority of Albanians. For different industrial sectors, however, there will be different challenges, he says. In the case of the fisheries sector Albania has already enacted all the relevant EU legislation, however, in terms of implementation it is lagging. In the processing sector we face a number of constraints, most importantly the quota on duty-free products that the EU applies to imports from Albania. Mr Luca also asks why it

is that a country like Albania that is within Europe and a candidate country to join the EU has to compete with North African nations in the export of anchovy, sardine, and tuna to the EU. These quotas are a major constraint for an industry that for its part is sparing no effort to meet EU standards of quality and safety. The hard work we are doing to join the EU should be acknowledged by removing the obstacles and constraints that block the flow of our products to the EU, he argues. Rozafa is working towards a point when the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products and brands will be displayed on supermarket shelves in the EU. The company is already selling to the demanding Scandinavian market and will use that experience to break new ground in other EU countries.

Rozafa Rr Luigj Gurakuqi Tirana Tel.: +355 4 222786 ďŹ sh@rozafa.al Managing director: Gjergj Luca Employees: 1,000 Markets: EU, Albania, Asia (Hong Kong)

Salted anchovies are filleted by hand and placed in jars for export to Italy and Spain.

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Products: Anchovies, sardines, tuna, whiteďŹ sh, bivalves, shrimp Vessels: 9 Processing facilities: 10 ha complex in Elbasan, other facilities in Shengjin Other activities: Fishmeal manufacture, restaurants

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ALBANIA

The inland ďŹ shery in the Shkodra Lake

Stocks beneďŹ t as ďŹ shermen-rangers reduce illegal ďŹ shing The Shkodra Lake the biggest lake in south eastern Europe, is shared by Albania and Montenegro. The Albanian part of the lake supports a ďŹ shery involving over 400 ďŹ shermen that is managed by a ďŹ shery management organisation (FMO). The FMO has taken the responsibility of selling the ďŹ sh on the market and is also in the process of building and equipping a processing factory to create a range of value-added products (gutted ďŹ sh, ďŹ llets, smoked ďŹ sh and ďŹ llets).

rjan Cinari, the manager of the FMO, has over the years built up the facilities of the organisation so that today it has storage facilities where fishermen can keep their fish preparatory to selling it. The FMO Shkodra Lake says Mr Cinari, was established in May 2003, and registered in 2011. The FMO was formed in response to the need to protect the lake against illegal fishing, which had become rampant in the 80s and 90s following the downfall of the former regime. The organisation stood for regulated and sustainable fisheries in compliance with the law that supported the members. We were looking for a change for the better, emphasises Mr Cinari. The fishermen themselves felt the need for this change to another way of working. With the support of a World Bank project and the ministry the fishermen were organised into a cooperative. Since, however, the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;cooperativeâ&#x20AC;? had several negative connotations, and was associated strongly with the former regime, the association decided to call the body itself a fisheries management organisation.

FMO faces challenges from different quarters The support from the World Bank and the ministry resulted in the rapid creation of several fisheries organisations, first for marine

waters, then for inland waters. Before the organisation was formed, recalls Mr Cinari, fishers were just going to the lake and fishing for themselves without considering the consequences of their actions on the resource. As a result nobody knew what the situation was, how many were fishing, how much fish was being taken, where and how it was being sold, what was the stock situation, what rules were being followed etc. When first it was formed the FMO faced opposition from those who benefited from the status quo and from others who did not understand its purpose. Each change of government, at the local level and at the centre, brought a new set of people with their own ideas about the FMO. With each new government, the work of convincing it that the FMO stood purely for the sustainable management of the lake and the rights of the fishermen, had to start again. However, all this adversity the organisation faced had one positive outcome â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it made the organisation stronger, cleverer, and more determined than ever to defend the interests of the lake and the fishers.

Fishermen plan their fishing activities for the year There are 210 boats corresponding to 420 fishermen fishing on

the lake. All are members of the FMO and pay a license fee to fish. They are artisanal fishermen using selective fishing gear that targets the permitted species and sizes. Fish stocks in the lake are surveyed by expert groups with members from the government, the fisheries directorate, universities, the fisheries laboratory, etc. and are funded through bilateral projects. The lake is divided into zones and each zone is represented by one person in the FMO. The representative presents all the issues related to that zone. Fishing is by season, carp, for example, is fished all the year around, except for the breeding season. Bleak is fished for only six months in the year. Other species such as mullets are only found in certain parts of the lake. All the knowledge about the different species, their habitats in the lake, and their breeding seasons go towards creating a plan for the fishing activities of the fishermen for the whole year from January to December. The plan determines the species, the area on the lake, the type of net and the mesh sizes, and if fishers deviate from the plan they can be sanctioned. At the end of the year all the data on fish catches is presented to the ministry, which uses this information together with the data from

Arjan Cinari, manager of the Fisheries Management Organisation Shkodra Lake (archive photo). The FMO plans to establish its own processing facilities in the near future to add value to the fish caught by the members.

the surveys to determine what the quotas should be for the following year. The FMO then distributes the quotas among the individual fishermen in an open and transparent way.

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ALBANIA

Shkodra Lake is the biggest lake in the Balkans and is shared by Albania and Montenegro. In Albania over 400 fishermen fish the lake for carp, bleak, and other species.

FMO creates a team of rangers to prevent illegal fishing Over the last years the organisation has seen several developments. Today the FMO is applying the law, protecting the resources, preventing the use of certain gears that prevent the free movement of both water and the fish between the sea and the lake. In addition, the FMO has created, with the blessing of the ministry, a team of rangers, fishermen that will keep an eye on the lake and take action when they see signs of illegal fishing. This was a huge step, says Mr Cinari, because it shows that when there is a will to do something it can be done. The change brought on by the creation of this corps of rangers is already perceptible. Boats carrying generators, which are used for electric fishing, can no longer be seen on the lake. From 2014 to the middle of 2015, monitoring the lake for illegal fishing has been done by the fishermen and according to Mr Cinari

surveys of the stock have shown that the numbers of young fish are noticeably more abundant than in the past, a development he attributes at least partly to better control and less illegal fishing. From 2015 to 2016 the FMO was suspended following a decision taken by the previous government, and all activities ceased. As a result illegal fishing increased again to the detriment of the next generation of young fish, whose numbers fell. The FMO however is now active again and has a contract with the government until 2027, which specifies the activities that will be carried out. These have a wide remit and protect the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environment from threats of any kind, illegal fishing, illegal construction, untreated sewage etc.

from its members. However, as it did not have the permission to sell the fish because it did not have the requisite facilities, the fish was being sold through a third party. Now, however, the FMO has been granted the authorisation also to sell the fish. Not all the fishermen used to sell their catch through the FMO, but now almost all of them do, as they get a better price and the whole transaction is transparent. The price is calculated daily by a committee of fishermen and depends on demand and supply. The plan now is to invest in a processing facility where fish can be gutted, filleted, smoked, packaged, and labelled to add more value and to get a better price for the fisherman. The fish will also be certified says

Ambitious plans to invest in value addition including branding

The FMO plays an important role in the protection of the lake and the resources it contains. It can sell the catches from its members directly without going through middlemen and is now looking at increasing the value of the fish by establishing a processing facility for gutting, filleting, and smoking. These developments have occurred despite the opposition towards the organisation from some quarters. However, as Mr Cinari says, the adversity has only served to make the organisation stronger, and in time people will realise that the FMO is working purely in the interests of its members and of the lake.

Fisheries Management Organisation (FMO) Shkodra Lake

In the past, the fishermen would sell their catches individually. More recently the FMO was authorised to collect the fish

Manager: Arjan Cinari Members: 420 Vessels: 210

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Mr Cinari, so that consumers will know the origin of the fish and will know that it has been caught from a sustainable fishery, who the fishermen is, when it was caught etc. The FMO is preparing a HACCP plan for the facility and will also apply for approval to export the production to the EU. Ultimately the FMO is looking to have a shop that will sell both its own products and others and whatever profits are made will be ploughed back into the organisation for the benefit of all the members. Catches average 90-110 tonnes a year, a figure that has been consistent for the last several years. The main species is carp which amounts to about half the catch and the harvest is closely linked to the weather and, in particular, the precipitation.

Volumes: 90-110 t per year Species: Carp, bleak, mullet, eel

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ALBANIA

Forward-looking trout farmers invest heavily in infrastructure

Portion-sized trout for the national market Trout farming in Albania seems to be on the increase. After several years with a production of around 200 tonnes, output in 2015 doubled to almost 400 tonnes, according to the FAO. Albanian estimates put production in 2016 at 1,000 tonnes from some 45 farms.

n Albania the cultivation of rainbow trout is typically in raceways with water from one of the many rivers or springs with which Albania is endowed. Freshwater farming is hardly novel in Albania. Before the political and economic changes in the 90s, carp farming was promoted by the authorities with assistance from the Soviet Union and China,

but production, according to FAO statistics, was never impressive. Trout farming started in the mid-eighties, as new technologies and new species became available, but then died out. Since the late 90s however production has always exceeded 100 tonnes and even reached 350 tonnes in some years, but the 390 tonnes achieved in 2015 is an all-time high.

Rainbow trout are produced to portion-sizes and sold on the national market.

Italian partners supply feed, and eggs

The trout farms are a family-run business led by Abaz Proda and his cousin Shahin Shehaj. Pictured, Mr Proda (r), his nephew and grand-nephew.

In Gjirokaster two cousins, Shahin Shehaj and Abaz Proda, have established farms next to each other that use the same source of water. Like many of the trout farms in Albania, the two establishments have been built on land that belongs to the family. The advantage of this is that the production license is valid for 20 years. If, on the other hand, the land was public and leased from the state, the production license would be valid for only 10 years, explains Mimoza Cobani from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Water Administration. Farms on privately owned land thus benefit from a longer period in which to get the business up and running without having to worry about

changes in licensing conditions. The two farms have a combined output of 200 tonnes, up from 45 tonnes when production started over 15 years ago. The raceways are organised into four groups and the farmers have invested in a common hatchery to supply the trout larvae. Usually there is only enough larvae to stock the farms, if more larvae are produced than can be used by the farms the excess is sold to other farms. In the hatchery eggs are recovered from the broodstock and fertilised before being incubated and hatched. Occasionally however, for one reason or another, there is a shortfall in the hatchery production and then eggs are imported from Italy or Denmark to compensate. The problem occurred more in the start-up phase of production, now says Mr Shehaj,

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ALBANIA

The raceways are being covered by nets to protect the fish from predatory birds that not only feed on the fish, but also spread disease.

we rarely have to turn to outside providers, and when we do, it is to our Italian feed supplier, who also has connections to hatcheries in Italy.

Attempts to bring down the feed conversion ratio have proved difficult so far The hatchery is well-supplied with broodstock so that 10 batches of eggs are produced each year, from September to the end of January, says Mr Proda. In the warmer weather the period in the hatchery is typically 24 days, which increases to 27 days when it gets colder. After the eggs hatch in the incubator the larvae are placed in small tanks where they remain until the yolk sac has been

absorbed and they can start on dry feed. The fish are also distributed over more tanks to reduce density and giving them the necessary space to grow. The feeding follows a specific programme that is prescribed by the feed producer and covers all the stages of the fish growth. We just mechanically follow the programme, laughs Mr Proda, all the details are provided and we have only to implement it. The feed conversion ratio is 1.2 meaning 1.2 kg of feed are needed to produce a kilo of fish. The cousins are trying to bring the ratio down to 1 kg, but that so far has proved impossible. The fish are grown to between 350 and 400 g, which is the size of a portion, and they are sold only on the domestic market and primarily to distributors in Tirana, Shkodra,

and Saranda. Small volumes of fish are also sold on the local market in and around Gjirokaster. The export market is interesting in theory, but for the moment it is not relevant. Firstly, the domestic market absorbs our entire current production, Mr Shehaj points out, and then the paperwork that is required to export is overwhelming. So, for the moment we are content, but we do not rule out changing our minds in the future.

The dream is to start processing, but not yet The price the producers get for the fish is determined by the distributors so the cousins try to hold their costs down as far as possible. But this is not always easy as factors such as weather, water, and feed prices over which they have no control have an impact on their costs. Adding value to the product, which is currently sold whole round, is a way of increasing the price they can charge, but we are not ready for that step, say the cousins. They are fully aware of the potential of further processing the fish, but want to complete work that has already begun, before embarking on new projects. It would call for building and equipping a factory to gut, fillet, smoke, or package the fish, says Mr Proda, and right now we are already investing heavily in building new raceways, erecting nets above the raceways to protect the fish from birds, and securing the water supply.

Spring water and careful management keep farm relatively disease free The cousinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; farms are on a water source that also has two other farms on it, one large and one small, but both of them downstream. A perennial concern is that the water supply will one day disappear if the weather dries up, a possibility that cannot be discounted given the shifts and changes in weather patterns. This year already they experienced a fall in the volume of water from the source, and Mr Proda, a former professor of mathematics, has therefore designed a system that he hopes will permanently secure the water supply to the farms. It involves creating subterranean concrete-lined channels that supply the raceways and the hatchery with water from other springs that have been discovered in the vicinity. The water source is located slightly higher than the farms and can reach from one end of the farm to the other purely by gravity. It is not necessary to pump the water, which would be an additional and significant expense. There are several advantages to spring water as opposed to river water including that it is usually a constant temperature appropriate for the breeding of trout, and that it is free of pathogens. Good water and management have by and large secured the farms against disease and the odd incident of a bacterial infection that the cousins have experienced was brought under control with the help of their Italian partners.

Trout farms of Kardhiqi, Gjirokaster Owners: Shahin Shehaj, Abaz Proda Activity: Trout farming Facilities: Hatchery, on-growing raceways Water surface: 1.5 ha

Fish are graded to reduce density in the tanks and to achieve a more homogenous distribution by size.

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Products: Fresh whole round trout Volumes: 200 tonnes Market: Albania (Tirana, Shkodra, Saranda,â&#x20AC;Ś) Employees: 8

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[ FISHERIES ] Fish entrails and processing waste as a raw material

Higher proďŹ ts through industrial and culinary usage With the exception of trout, dorade and a few other ďŹ sh species that are traditionally prepared on the bone, ďŹ llets or loins are today the order of the day where enjoyment of ďŹ sh is concerned. But that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that processing waste and other remains that are often overlooked are worthless: indeed, they often contain valuable ingredients and â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if these are processed and prepared correctly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they can deďŹ nitely ďŹ nd interested buyers. Many of these ďŹ sh parts are edible and some of them are even considered delicacies in certain regions of the world.

references when it comes to taste are often contradictory and not easy to understand. Dietary preferences have undergone changes in the course of history. What might in one place be seen as waste can somewhere else be considered a culinary delight. In our part of the world no one would think of eating fish entrails, and even the dark strips of meat from the muscle along the lateral line of the fillet are frequently removed. At the same time a lot of these supposedly sensitive fish eaters enjoy eating slimy oysters without considering that they are swallowing a living animal complete with intestine, gills and other guts. What we know, use and appreciate as food is not only regulated by laws and requirements (for the purpose of food safety, for example) but is also influenced by traditions,

culture or religion. That explains why by-products like skin, liver, roe and other internal organs are rarely seen on our plates although they are at least just as nutritious as the fillets. Even tolerant people will perhaps turn up their noses at frogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; legs, scorpions, locusts or insects that are eaten as delicacies in other parts of the world. Our ancestors were much more robust with regard to their food. One only has to think of snipe that was roasted and eaten whole complete with its innards and bowel contents and was seen as the peak of culinary enjoyment. Today this rather dubious pleasure is forbidden in the EU for reasons of hygiene. An unnecessary taboo since most Europeans would probably be quite happy to do without itâ&#x20AC;Ś With the exception perhaps of some obstinate Italians who in spite of the ban still

Air dried cod heads and backbones (â&#x20AC;&#x153;okporokoâ&#x20AC;?) are used in Nigeria as a basic aroma in stock for soups and stews.

canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do without their â&#x20AC;&#x153;merdocchioâ&#x20AC;?.

Natural seafood aromas that add flavour to a lot of products in the food industry are often made from processing waste.

By-products and waste from fish processing companies contain a large share of organic material. Recycling these raw materials for further usage contributes towards reducing costs, protecting the environment and furthering the sustainability of the whole process chain. Fish wastes contain proteins and fat, minerals, vitamins and enzymes. The

spectrum of their potential usage options ranges from animal feed, biodiesel and biogas to natural pigments and cosmetics, medical and pharmaceutical applications such as dietary products, and nutraceuticals. The value that is ultimately to be found in these products can vary greatly. The more processing and the higher the resulting benefit the larger will as a rule be the generated profit. Fish protein hydrolysates, for example, which are converted

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[ FISHERIES ] to protein rich animal feed via biological fermentation are usually less expensive than elaborately produced isolates such as collagen, keratin or chitosan that serve as functional components in numerous products. Although research and development in this field only really got underway just a few years ago it is already revealing that a lot of useful substances are to be gained from fish and seafood waste and that some of them probably have antimicrobial properties and can also be effective against tumours. Fish waste has to be processed quickly, however, for the organic material has a low biological stability (short shelf life) due to its high water content, its oxidation susceptibility and high enzyme activity.

Chitosan and dried cod heads One of the most popular by-products from seafood processing is chitosan which is produced from the shells of shrimps and other crustaceans. Chitosan is used in the production of cosmetics and pharmaceutical products but also in other fields. Due to its positive charge and coagulating properties chitosan has chelate-building

properties. It binds and flocculates the protein-containing residues found in waste water from the food industry. Apart from that, chitosan has germ-killing effects on bacteria, yeasts and fungi and also film-forming properties. The packaging industry is trying to coat film with chitosan to make packaging materials antimicrobially â&#x20AC;&#x153;activeâ&#x20AC;?. An elegant possibility to make use of fish oil and fat from slaughter waste is also to process it to biodiesel which can be used in its pure form or as an additive in crude oil-based diesel fuels. Slaughter waste is also very suited to the production of biogas. A much more effective usage area for the remnants from fish processing, however, is for human consumption. The best known example of this is unsalted airdried cod heads and backbones that are left over in large quantities during production of stockfish and klippfish in Norway and Iceland. The most important market for this by-product is Nigeria where â&#x20AC;&#x153;okporokoâ&#x20AC;? serves as an aromatic stock for soups and stews: an inexpensive and nutritious food that contains a lot of protein with a long shelf-life plus other nutrients. In Norway alone

Fish leather and gelatine are typical by-products from fish skin. Recently the collagen rich skin has also been used in medical products.

The liver of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is comparatively large and extremely tasty, particularly when fried.

about 50 to 60 million US dollars revenue is generated with the export of dried Gadidae heads.

Leather and gelatine from fish skin A raw material that arises during processing and which is often underestimated is fish skins. Part of the skins, particularly of salmon, tilapia, cod and catfish but recently also skate, shark and sturgeon is already processed to very elaborate, resilient and optically attractive leather but, with that, the full potential is by no means exhausted. One reason for this is presumably the small size of the individual fish skins which forces users to intricate patchwork creations. Usage areas are thus mostly limited to handbags, purses, shoes, jewellery and similar decorative fashion accessories. Fish gelatine is also of great significance. It is produced using hydrolysis of the collagen in fish skin, mostly the skin of cod, haddock and pollock. One advantage of fish gelatine is its chemical composition. Although it contains the same amino acids as other animal gelatines it has a relatively low share of proline and hydroxyproline. This reduces the number of hydrogen bridges between the molecules and lowers gelling temperature. Fish

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gelatine is a thermo-reversible hydrocolloid with high gelling stability and a good viscosity. In numerous foods it serves as a gelling and thickening agent, emulsifier and stabiliser but it is also used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and film material. Because, in contrast to mammalian gelatines, religious Jews and Moslems hardly have any reservations against fish gelatines these are preferably used in kosher and halal products. The skins of some fish species can also be prepared like â&#x20AC;&#x153;chicharronâ&#x20AC;?, the crisply fried pork skin that is found in Mexican cuisine. For this product the scales and any remaining pieces of meat are removed from the fish skins which are then boiled in salt water, dried and subsequently fried crisp in vegetable oil. Finely seasoned, for example with herbes de Provence, smoked pepper or lemon pepper the fish chicharrones are eaten like crisps. An original but very promising new usage of tilapia skins can currently be seen on Youtube which shows Brazilian doctors using sterilised fish skins as bandages when treating severe burns. They cover the burn completely with the tilapia skin which contains a particularly large quantity of collagen type 1 which accelerates the healing process and reduces scar formation. &VSPlTI .BHB[JOF

[ FISHERIES ]

Eating marinated fish intestines is certainly not common but they are much enjoyed in Korea and other countries in that region of the world.

Is eating fish guts a delicacy or a risk? Usage of a fishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internal organs is a controversial matter and it is viewed differently depending on cultural background. In Japan, Korea and other Asian countries the liver, eyes or intestines of some fish species are considered a delicacy. This is usually not the case in the western world although it must be said that in some regions it was, or is, not rare

that fish heads, for example, are eaten. In the course of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;tipto-tailâ&#x20AC;? philosophy that rejects wastage of any edible parts of an animal this tradition is currently undergoing a revival among more courageous, curious or adventurous consumers. Critics and the US health authorities such as the FDA and EPA sooner advise against consumption of such foods because harmful chemical substances and toxins such as dioxins, PCBs, and mercury as

Cod roe is often smoked, salted, boiled or processed to various canned products, particularly in Scandinavian countries.

well as toxins from cyanobacteria and ciguatera accumulate mainly in organs such as the eyes, brain, liver, kidney, spleen and intestine. Eating the green-grey tomalley of lobster and other crustaceans was also deemed risky, although this is particularly appreciated by lobster lovers. The tomalley organ serves a lot of crustaceans as liver and pancreas which can store toxic substances. This doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to worry consumers in South-East Asia, and in Korea there are very strict regulations for the human consumption of fish heads, fish guts (â&#x20AC;&#x153;visceral by-productsâ&#x20AC;?) and squid glands. In Japan there is a centuries-old tradition of eating raw fish and seafood. Not only as sushi and sashimi, which have long been part of the gastronomic standard throughout the world, but also in the form of more questionable products such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;ika ikizukuriâ&#x20AC;?, fragmented live squid, whose tentacles attach themselves to the tongue and palate in the mouth

with still functioning suction cups or, no less bizarre, â&#x20AC;&#x153;odori ebiâ&#x20AC;?, a sashimi preparation made of live baby shrimps. The translation â&#x20AC;&#x153;dancing shrimpsâ&#x20AC;? is probably better understood as a euphemistic variation. Even more doubtful is the ceremonial consumption of the pufferfish fugu, some of whose body parts contain the deadly tetrodotoxin against which there is as yet no antidote. According to legend, fugu gives health, power, and virility to anyone who survives the risky meal unscathed. This â&#x20AC;&#x153;gameâ&#x20AC;? can therefore to be understood as a combination of Russian roulette and Viagra. In keeping with this, in Japanese literature death from fugu is romanticized as a particularly stylish and delicate suicide method.

Enzymes and hormones from fish waste Enzymes, and above all proteases, lipases, oxidases and transglutaminases as well as bioactive peptides that can be extracted from fish waste are of great commercial significance. They were used for centuries based on longstanding experience but today experts are looking for rational and controlled usage options to make implementation of enzymatic processes less expensive, more efficient and more environmentally friendly. The fields of biocatalysis and biosensors are becoming more and more important. Enzymes play a decisive role as biocatalysts in numerous biotechnological processes, including fish and seafood processing. Of particular interest are fish enzymes from cold water species that display high activity at low temperatures. This enables gentle processing without thermal influences. Proteases are for example used for decalcifying or curing seafood products, they serve as

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[ FISHERIES ] reservations about this product which is then eaten fried, salted or pickled. In Russia, for example, the milt (â&#x20AC;&#x153;molokaâ&#x20AC;?) of herring or capelin is eaten, in Japan the male reproduction organ of cod (â&#x20AC;&#x153;shirakoâ&#x20AC;? which translated means â&#x20AC;&#x153;white childrenâ&#x20AC;?), and in Sicilian cuisine milt of tuna (â&#x20AC;&#x153;lattumeâ&#x20AC;?) is sometimes used as a topping for pasta dishes. A lot of Romanians like fried â&#x20AC;&#x153;laptiâ&#x20AC;? (derived from the Latin word for milk = lacteus) of carp and other freshwater fishes.

Cod liver contains a lot of vitamins and is very tasty. It should, however, come from regions that are not strongly polluted with harmful substances.

agents for tenderising the fish fillets, or help remove the skin without damaging the meat. The great progress that has in the meantime been made in the field of fish reproduction in aquaculture would hardly be conceivable without the use of hormones. Some fish species that do not readily reproduce in aquaculture on account of unsuitable environmental, feeding or farming conditions can today, through the use of sex and maturity hormones, reproduce more or less regularly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even outside the spawning cycles that are typical of the species.

Roe and caviar: popular and expensive Fish roe is a good example of the fact that, carefully processed, the internal organs of fishes can be enjoyed as a delicacy. Fish roe is eaten both in its natural casing, the roe sac, and in the form of individual eggs, as caviar. A well-known roe product in the Mediterranean region is â&#x20AC;&#x153;bottargaâ&#x20AC;? (Ital.), also called â&#x20AC;&#x153;poutargueâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;boutargueâ&#x20AC;? (French).

Bottarga is traditionally made from the roe of common grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) but also of tuna or swordfish. To make it, the roe is first salted, pressed, dried in the sun and then sprayed with a thin layer of wax. Bottarga has a piquant smoky flavour and it is enjoyed grated over pasta or in thin slices as a starter. Consumption of roe is particularly popular in Japan where, depending on the fish species, various products are differentiated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sujikoâ&#x20AC;? is the name of the roe of salmon and trout, â&#x20AC;&#x153;kazunokoâ&#x20AC;? is pickled herring roe, â&#x20AC;&#x153;mentaikoâ&#x20AC;? are the reproduction organs of Alaska pollock. One of the substances found in the orange to pale yellow coloured sea urchin roe, called â&#x20AC;&#x153;uniâ&#x20AC;? in Japan, is cannabinoid anandamide and for that reason this product is considered an aphrodisiac. It is very popular in Chile where it is called â&#x20AC;&#x153;erizo de marâ&#x20AC;?. Much better-known and usually more highly appreciated are the individual eggs of the roe, commonly known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;caviarâ&#x20AC;?. The

classic â&#x20AC;&#x153;genuineâ&#x20AC;? caviar varieties Beluga, Sevruga and Ossetra all come without exception from sturgeon species. In addition, however, other types of fish and marine animals are also used as â&#x20AC;&#x153;egg providersâ&#x20AC;?, although these products are not everywhere permitted to bear the name caviar. Pacific salmon (â&#x20AC;&#x153;keta-caviarâ&#x20AC;?), trout, lumpfish (â&#x20AC;&#x153;German caviarâ&#x20AC;?), capelin (masago), pike and bowfins, pollan, herring and flying fish (tobiko) are of most commercial importance. TaramĂĄ (â&#x20AC;&#x153;taramasâ&#x20AC;?) is produced from the eggs of carp in Greece. Among the relatively rare marine delicacies is the roe of some shrimp and other types of crustacean, which is enjoyed in Japan under the name â&#x20AC;&#x153;ebikoâ&#x20AC;?.

Fishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s milt and liver take some getting used to In contrast to eating fish eggs and roe (which hardly meet with any reservations) the consumption of the male sexual organs with semen, usually called â&#x20AC;&#x153;miltâ&#x20AC;? or soft roe, is less common. However there are some cultures in which consumers have hardly any

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One of the commercially most important internal organs of a lot of fish species is the liver. It can be prepared and eaten directly or a thin liquid, the vitamin rich and easily digestible liver oil, can be extracted from it. Cod liver oil, for example, is very rich in omega 3 fatty acids, iodine, phosphor and the vitamins E, A, and D. The high vitamin D content makes liver oil one of the effective natural medicines that prevents rickets. The livers of some Gadidae species, for example cod, haddock, ling or blue ling, are suitable for direct consumption. The traditional fish dish â&#x20AC;&#x153;mĂśljeâ&#x20AC;? which is eaten on the Norwegian Lofoten Islands consists of poached cod, cod tongue, roe and a sauce made of cod liver. On account of its fine flavour and tender consistency the soft fatty liver of anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius) is sometimes called â&#x20AC;&#x153;marine foie grasâ&#x20AC;?. It can simply be fried briefly like any other liver or steamed and served with different sauces. In the days of ancient Rome the fish sauce â&#x20AC;&#x153;garumâ&#x20AC;? (also called â&#x20AC;&#x153;liquamenâ&#x20AC;?) was made from the livers and other entrails of fishes. Cultivated â&#x20AC;&#x153;high societyâ&#x20AC;? Romans had a great liking for fish guts such as roe, milt and liver anyway. Perhaps itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s haute cuisine to be inspired by such forgotten delicacies. mk &VSPlTI .BHB[JOF

[ FISHERIES ] A number of institutions are involved in deciding how much ďŹ sh can be harvested from the sea

The complex path from stock analyses to ďŹ shing quotas Fishing quotas have an immediate impact on the players in the ďŹ sheries sector and the release of the numbers is closely watched by all concerned. The route by which raw data is converted into the precise ďŹ gures that are published as ďŹ shing quotas is long, with inputs from several institutions, and gives an idea of the enormous signiďŹ cance attached to these numbers.

Commercial fishing is the culmination of a long process to establish how much can be sustainably harvested from a stock. Here, sprat from the Gulf of Riga has just been landed.

ish, individually or in swarms, can usually be found in places offering them the best for their lives: where they find food, where it is safe to reproduce and survive as species. Such preferences, together with environmental conditions, may vary from year to year, and hence the number of fish coming together may vary as well. Fishermen know where to find the fish

and are familiar with annual fluctuations. Fishing grounds, when seen as fish habitats, do not feature national borders, whereas fishing vessels carry the flags of their home ports. Fish stocks which are international by nature thus have national owners when turned into catches. The subsets of these fishable stocks allocated to and harvested by sovereign states are called fishing quotas.

A very brief history of quotas Fishing quotas in Europe have only a brief history which started after the two World Wars in the last century. Scientists noted that fishery resources in the North Sea increased in abundance after the wars and concluded that this was not unconnected to the notable decline of fishing due to wartime

conditions. Fishing regulations were introduced regarding type and use of gear and were later extended to the amount of harvest, i.e. quotas. The regulatory efforts ultimately lead to the Law-of-the-Sea Conferences and the establishment of exclusive economic zones (EEZ) in 1982. In Europe today, fishing quotas are issued to member

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[ FISHERIES ] countries by the European Commission (EC). They have been fixed, largely according to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historical share of the specific resource, however the number of fish available as quotas varies from year to year and is set by the annual total allowable catch for a species (TAC). The TAC is set by the ministersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; council but based on a process which is first and foremost a scientific exercise, performed by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and complemented in a second process by the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee (STECF) of the EC.

An international body of scientists produces the advice on which quotas are based ICES is an intergovernmental organisation founded in 1902 that provides advice on over 120 fish and shellfish stocks in the North Atlantic. Producing the science underpinning the ICES advice is a sophisticated and carefully supervised process. The Expert Groups are essential to the process and constitute the engine room of the organisation. The Expert Groups bring together scientists from the 20 member countries, who share data, knowledge and scientific methods. The Expert Groups represent a plethora of different science fields ranging from methodological approaches and analyses to the exploration of new and emerging sectors of science which may be relevant for estimating the number of fish in the oceans. An important task for many Expert Groups is the coordination of the independent ecosystem and fisheries surveys run by member states on an annual basis. These surveys are essential to produce independent and reproducible data, which, together with the landing data

recorded by the fishing fleets, go into the scientistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; calculations. The work of the Expert Groups is publicly available and is subject to peer review in the proper sense of the word, by other Expert Groups during the cooperation process or during ICESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Annual Science Conference. Producing the advice on the annual catches (but also on ecosystem and environmental issues) starts with the assessment report of an Expert Group which is reviewed by the so-called advice drafting groups. The paper written by that group, the first draft of the advice, is then reviewed by external experts and their comments and views are considered by the drafting panel. The final product is then evaluated by the ICES Advisory Committee (ACOM) which gives its blessing to the advice. The process is entirely transparent and reproducible. Observers from the industry and from NGOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are allowed to sit in the drafting panels and on ACOM. There are different categories of advice according to the limitations of the data base that was available for the assessments. For instance, stocks which were assessed exploiting a data-rich environment, or stocks where the assessment bears a certain risk of uncertainty due to data-poor situations. Central to the process of producing the advice is the quality assurance process in ICES which includes benchmarking the data, the assessment models and other methods (e.g., ageing the fish) and the review process. The numbers that come with the ICES advice delivered to the European Commission (and to some non-EU ICES member countries individually), are the MSY-based total catches (or technically speaking the fishing mortality) for each stock (of a species).

ICES considers the ecosystem interests in the stocks. They usuapproach and the precautionary ally fix fishing opportunities as a principle in its advice with a view direct consequence of the latest to producing an integrated, truly evaluation of the stock status. sustainable perspective. To satisfy However, there is a certain flexthe full context of what sustainable stands for, social and STOCK economic consideraASSESSMENT SCIENTIFIC ICES assessment tions are â&#x20AC;&#x153;addedâ&#x20AC;? by ADVICE Working groups ACOM a second process STECF DATA run by the STECF COLLECTION EUROPEAN Market sampling (for the EU). BasiCOMMISSION Observer sampling DGMARE Annual cally, the same Research vessel survey RFMOs TAC setting data and partly process the same scienFISH COUNCIL OF tists are used in STOCKS MINISTERS Agree TACs this process with some additional FISHING ALLOCATION data and expertise. FLEET Managers

The role of the European Commission The EC then has the total catches as well as the economic and social trade-offs in its hands that come with the numbers. ICES usually presents the advice in a face-to-face meeting in Brussels and explains the numbers and their background. However, ICES advice is considered a scientific recommendation which is subject to the subsequent process of negotiations within the European community and its decision-making bodies. First of all, the Commission processes the scientific advice and makes a proposal of total allowable catches (and other regulations) to the European Council. The process includes political considerations, which are however within the framework of the Common Fisheries Policy of the EU. The next step is the negotiations of the quotas. The fishery ministers negotiate the total allowable catches per stock (or species). For an increasing number of stocks, the framework for those negotiations are the multiannual management plans agreed by the parties with fishing

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KEY

Allocates quota to each member state

ibility with regards to catches for a given year in relation to catches for subsequent years within the management plan. In addition to the quota, technical measure can be discussed, such as gear modifications, minimum length of the landed fish, closed areas or time limitations. Such measures, however, may require changes in legislation. It is here where the European Parliament comes into play.

The European Parliament is one of the key players in quota negotiations It is a political body which certainly recognizes the scientific facts and recommendations but which may base its decisions on ideological, that is, party-driven considerations. The Fisheries Committee, one of the standing committees of the European Parliament, advises the EU Parliament on TACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. The final total allowable catches released by the EU for the stocks in its waters are the result of negotiations &VSPlTI .BHB[JOF

[ FISHERIES ] between the member country governments (the ministers), the EU administration (the Commission) and the European Parliament. It has been the case that the EU Council (of fisheries ministers) and European Parliament could not agree on catch legislation. This has for instance resulted in overfishing of North Sea cod in 2013. Another example is Atlantic mackerel which in 2010 saw a proliferation all across the North Atlantic even into Greenland waters. There was no agreement on the scientific advice and ministers could not agree on catches. The entire political decision-making process would greatly benefit from more transparency at all levels and from more scientific input at those points where the appropriate structure already exists, for instance the Fisheries Committee of the EU Parliament. In addition, and further complicating the picture, there are negotiations on catches of shared stocks which migrate between EU and non-EU waters. Here, Council and Commission negotiate with the countries in question with no direct involvement of EU fishery ministers. Other bodies, such as Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMO), are also involved. Given the anticipated Brexit, it will be interesting to see how such negotiations affect the entire system as the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s departure from the EU increases the number of shared stocks, e.g. in the North Sea. Full attention may fall on Scotland as it holds the quota for quite a few stocks.

Sustainability is increasingly recognised by fishermen Going back to the starting point, the ICES advice on certain

stocks has been zero-take in the past, for instance on North Sea cod in the early 2000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s with a view to allowing the stock to recover after some weak years of recruitment. This was usually followed by lowered but nevertheless substantial allowable catches decided by the ministers and adopted by the Council. When a fish stock is recovering by means of a strong year class that can grow, spawn, and contribute to the biomass of the future stock, it is sometimes difficult to communicate that the fishery must allow for this in order to safeguard the harvest of tomorrow. However, the perception of the fishermen is a different one. What they see is the fish in abundance and usually fisheries ministers have a sympathetic ear for their clients. Fortunately, the views of modern fishermen are changing and sustainability is often no longer considered a future event, but todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core value. The distribution of national catch allocations is entirely a sovereign task of member countries, within and outside the EU. Catches are in accordance with management plans and national quotas and are attached to vessels in most states. Quotas are usually individually transferable, that means negotiable between vessel owners or resource managers. The side effect though is that quotas can also be transferred or sold to companies who can acquire quotas from individual fishermen. Quotas, on the background of a multi-year management plan can be transferred to the following year but only to a certain extent. Transferring a quota to the next year implies in many countries that the quota for that following year cannot be fully exploited which usually leads to exploiting the full quota in a given year. In addition, the

value of a quota depends on the market value of a fish in a given year. Thus the incentive provided to fishermen does not encourage a positive investment into the future. Transferable quotas have led to concentration in many if not all EU and associated countries. For instance, in Denmark some big fishing companies have succeeded purchasing quota from small scale and artisanal fisheries over the past decade. In some places this had severe impacts on the local culture with the loss of a long tradition. It should be noted that often a local fishing tradition has included an understanding of sustainable fishing practices. A similar trend is visible in Spain, though with a different business model between the industry and the fishermen. On the other hand, although transferable quotas initially lead to a painful process of regional concentration and the demise of regional tradition and culture (and hence significant loss of jobs and identity), Iceland today may be an example of a broad

spread of quotas given the size of the country and the contribution of fisheries to the economy.

Artisanal fisheries are important for the survival of coastal communities There is a trend in Europe towards bigger and flexible fishing vessels which are able to meet the challenges of mixed and multi-species fisheries. It allows for a more balanced practice and management of the portfolio of quotas allocated to fishermen. However, the quota system as it is now threatens small and artisanal fisheries which can still be found across Europe, and which most often contribute an important element of local or regional culture. The attractiveness of harbours and coastal villages is often closely related to the local fishermen and their work, and it is only by maintaining the latter that the former can be preserved. Adi Kellermann info@kellermann-consultants.de

Adi Kellermann PhD has worked as scientist in German and US Antarctic research, as science officer in the administration of Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest marine national park, and as Head of Science Programme in ICES. Today he works as freelance consultant and lives in his hometown Friedrichstadt, Germany (https://www. kellermann-consultants.de)

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[ PROCESSING ] Croatian processor supplies range of exclusive products to up-scale buyers

High quality raw materials are the secret Riba Drazin, an expanding processing company, was founded in 2013 in the small ďŹ shing town Kastel Kambelovac in Dalmatia, Croatia, by award-winning innovator and entrepreneur, Zivko Drazin.

or generations, people in the town of Kastela have been involved in fishing and fish processing, and especially in the traditional hand salting and marinating of anchovies and sardines. Among the oldest inhabitants of the town is the Drazin family, one of the few remaining that still nurtures the traditional manual way of production. Zivko Drazin started as a smallscale fisherman, but recognising the potential for traditional fish products to be offered to tourists and restaurants, he invested all his earnings in a processing facility. Since 2013, the company has been expanding and Mr Drazin is now contemplating an upgrade to his existing plant to better respond to market needs and to accommodate future growth. Today the company manufactures a range of high-quality products that are widely recognized as delicacies. His secret is the high quality raw material that he sources from the area in close cooperation with the local fishermen that fish in the Adriatic Sea. In addition, the facility has a HACCP plan in place and close attention is paid to quality control of all the ingredients, as well as to all the stages of production. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main brand is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pepefishâ&#x20AC;? and one of its most popular products is sweet-sour, red peppers filled with rolled

A wide range of products is manufactured by the company for sale to hotels, restaurants, delicatessen shops and soon also to supermarkets.

anchovy fillets and packaged in oil. The recipe, says Mr Drazin, is internationally patented, and uses only local products and traditional ways to prepare them. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s other value-added products include marinated anchovy fillets and seabream fillets, salted anchovy fillets, fish pate made of peppers and salted ancho-

vies, and luxury products such as marinated tuna and octopus. In addition to the fish products, the company also processes olives harvested from the Drazin familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s olive grove, and Dalmatian herbs such as capers (Capparis spinosa) and rock samphire (Crithmum maritimum) gathered by himself and his family.

High level events, restaurants, and hotels as the main markets Most of the products (80ď&#x2122;&#x201A;) made by Riba Drazin are sold locally in Croatia, while the remainder is exported to Slovenia, Austria, and Ukraine. Interest in our products has been increasing &VSPlTI

[ PROCESSING ] Marinated musky octopus to contribute in diversification The company has ambitions to expand the product range with new added value products made from less well known, yet at the same time more accessible, species such as musky octopus (Eledone moschata). Experimenting with new ideas and new products are on-going activities that distinguish Riba Drazin from other big processors. Another advantage is that Mr Drazin does not have a middleman in the distribution chain, which brings him closer to the buyer. Riba Drazin also follows the latest trends among consumers, so it is possible to buy its products directly on the web shop (www. riba-drazin.com). As a next step, the company hopes to start distributing its products to supermarkets. The product range includes items based on anchovies but also seabream, tuna, and octopus, as well as olives from the family's own olive grove.

and we plan to open a branch in Slovenia soon, says Mr Drazin. Hotels, embassies, restaurants, delicatessen and specialized shops, as well as at various highlevel events, are the main buyers of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products.

Tourists, who flock to the Adriatic coast from June to September, are also big consumers of the products. The company cannot meet the demand for its products,

yet expanding the factory and upgrading the equipment is expensive and difficult. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We see an opportunity to solve this problem through the EMFF, the European Fisheries and Maritime fund of the European Union, where support is available for investments in processing of fisheries and aquaculture productsâ&#x20AC;?, says Mr Drazin, who will use the assistance of the entrepreneurial centre in Kastela to make the application.

Products are promoted mostly by word of mouth and by exhibiting at various seafood fairs, locally or internationally (co-exhibiting with the Croatian Chamber of Economy), a most effective way for company to reach the new potential consumers. Good collaboration with experts such a professor dr. Roman Safner from the Department of Fisheries at the Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, who gives us valuable advice about the latest trends in the seafood industry keep us a step ahead of others, says Mr Drazin.

Riba Drazin Biskupa Frane Franica 78 21214 Kastel Kambelovac Croatia

Salted anchovies embedded in pepper is one of the most popular products.

Tel.: +385 92 102 8065 zivko.drazin@st.t-com.hr www.riba-drazin.com.

Owner: Zivko Drazin Activity: Processing ďŹ sh and seafood Volumes: Anchovy and sardine 4 t; seabream 2 t; octopus 2 t Employees: 9 Turnover: EUR150,000

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[ SPECIES ] Climate change threatens one of the most important ďŹ sh resources

Currently, the status of Alaska pollock is still stable Their ďŹ llets are used for ďŹ sh burgers, ďŹ sh ďŹ ngers, as well as different surimi products. Alaska pollock can be utilized for different purposes and at relatively affordable cost. Their stocks constitute the largest and the most economically important ground ďŹ sh resources in the North PaciďŹ c Ocean. They are both, well managed and ďŹ shed on sustainable basis. Yet depletion of their stocks occurs primarily due to natural causes. On that score, a dramatic role is played by the climate change.

lthough the walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) known also as the Alaska pollock is a close relative of Atlantic cod, saithe and haddock, intensive fishing started only 50 years ago. Before that, interest in this species was surprisingly low which could possibly be explained by its relatively small body. Despite a record length of 91 cm, the length of individuals caught in the net seldom exceeds 50 cm while the weight barely reaches 500 to 600 g. The brownish or greenish coloured, beautifully spotted fish live in large schools at a depth of between 30 and 500 m. In terms of biomass, the stocks of Alaska pollock belong to the largest and most important stocks of food fish due to three main reasons. First, they grow relatively quickly reaching 30 to 40 cm length already at the age of three or four years. From this point onwards, they can spawn virtually every year thus contributing to the survival of the species. It is universally assumed that Alaska pollock lives a maximum 14 to 15 years. Second, their fertility rate is really high. The exact number of eggs depends upon a number of factors including the age, the size and the nutritional status of females, however on average it ranges from 100,000 to 1.2

million. The third reason for the high importance of Alaska pollock is the wide spectrum of feed they use. Although carnivorous they can consume planktoneating krill or young herrings available in copious amounts in the North Pacific. In the Bering Sea, Alaska pollock accounts for almost 60ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of the total fish biomass, while in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands they constitute about one fifth of the total fish biomass. Alaska pollock spawns on average 7 months a year. Reproductive activity begins with the onset of spring in the south, moving gradually farther to the north when the water temperature rises. Some weeks before the start of spawning, schools of fish leave their hibernation areas near the edges of the continental shelf to migrate to their spawning grounds either close to the coast or to shallow waters where they stay at a depth of 50 to 250 m. After spawning, the fish migrate to their feeding grounds, from which they will in the late autumn return back to their wintering areas. During the day, fish stay close to the ground, while at night, they spread themselves out over the whole water column to feed. The spawning periods in every region are fairly constant.

Alaska pollock is a close relative to Atlantic cod, saithe and haddock reaches maximum length of 50 cm and weighs from 500 to 600 g.

Over a period of several weeks, the females release their eggs in batches to be immediately fertilized by males. Since the spawning process is synchronized and a great number of fish in a school release large amounts of eggs simultaneously, huge â&#x20AC;&#x153;cloudsâ&#x20AC;? of eggs drift in the sea at spawning times gradually dispersing with the action of currents and waves. When the water temperature reaches 5Â°C, in 15 daysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time, the larvae hatch, barely 4 mm large. The mortality in this early phase of life before the juveniles have reached 10 cm length is huge as every day 9ď&#x2122;&#x201A; die and sink to the ground. Despite that, many billions survive this critical phase so that the stocks

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are replenished each year. At the age of three, or sometimes, when feed is scarce, four years, the fish reach harvest size (recruitment).

Alaska pollock stocks are used on a sustainable basis At the end of the 80s, the tonnage of Alaska pollock landed stayed at 7 million but since the turn of the millennium, the level of total landings has been reduced to 3 million tonnes a year. This 50ď&#x2122;&#x201A; reduction however is not a matter of concern but rather should be understood as an adjustment to the biological potential of the species indispensable for fisheries under the MSY principle. &VSPlTI

[ SPECIES ]

The small village of Dutch Harbour on the Aleutian island of Unalaska plays a central role in the processing the catches of Alaska pollock on land.

Since then, the stocks have been largely stable, the biomass and the numbers of fish harvested are sustainable from the ecosystem point of view. In terms of transparency and control, the management of the US Alaska pollock fishery sets international standards for the whole industry. The conservative management approach takes account of the ecological importance of this species of fish in the marine food chains and is unequivocally oriented towards long-term use of the stocks. The total allowable catch (TAC) quotas are based both on the status and development of the stocks. They are seldom set higher than 15ď&#x2122;&#x201A; of the existing biomass which corresponds to about two thirds of what is actually biologically possible and acceptable. Although this precautionary principle has often been criticised for leaving part of the stocks unused, it has justified itself in practice. Since coming under the management of the state in 1976, the Alaska pollock fishery of Alaska has been developing very favourably. In December 2016, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) set the TAC for Alaska pollock for the year

2017 at 1.3 million tonnes in the East Bering Sea, an increase of 0.4ď&#x2122;&#x201A; in comparison with 2016 and 2.3ď&#x2122;&#x201A; more than in 2015. That is a straightforward signal that the stock is healthy. Also Russia had increased its quota for 2017 by 2.9 ď&#x2122;&#x201A; or 1.9 million tonnes. This confirms the favourable trend of stocks in the Okhotsk Sea and the Western Bering Sea where catches since 2003 have almost doubled. The MSC certification of the Alaska pollock fishery in Okhotsk Sea, which brings in 840.000 t annually and is still valid for 2018, shows that the stocks of Alaska pollock are sustainably managed also in Russia. Researchers in the field of fisheries distinguish four different stocks of Alaska pollock with distribution centres located accordingly in the Gulf of Alaska, the Okhotsk Sea, as well as in the Western and Eastern Bering Sea. NOAA, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration finds no major problems in respect of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest whitefish stocks. In the medium term, this could however change, as some trends which at this moment have just barely appeared, are already making scientists cautious. They suspect

that climate change drives some of the stocks dwelling in American waters to Russia. In warmer summers, some schools would already move further to the north. The Russian Fishery administration estimates that one third of the Alaska pollock biomass could at least temporarily migrate from the US waters into the catchment area of the Russian fishing fleet. Furthermore, as the result of the rising water temperatures the survival rates of both, fish and larvae decrease and the mass development of krill, the main feed source of pollock, is weakened. A recent study by the University of Alaska (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Climate Change and Alaska Fisheriesâ&#x20AC;?) suggests that there exists a link between the ice melting at the poles and the decline of biomass of the Alaska pollock stocks. In years with higher water temperatures both, the fish and their feed base is losing strength. Lacking feed

alternatives, the young fish are much more often chased away from the feed by their natural enemies. Scientists fear that by the middle of century the recruitment of Alaska pollock could drop by 32 to 58ď&#x2122;&#x201A;.

Pollock fishery in US EEZ entirely in American hands Since entry into force of the American Fisheries Act (AFA), the American fishery has changed. The fishing capacity has been limited, a number of factory ships decommissioned and as from 1998, an individual catch quota for the Alaska pollock has been enacted. The allocation of individual catch quotas has eliminated the economically unreasonable hunting for fish and significantly improved the product quality. In times, when the fishing was freely open, it was carried out without due regard to

In order to increase the slaughter yield, at the beginning of processing, the fish are size-sorted.

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[ SPECIES ] US fishing industry claims exclusive rights to use â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alaskaâ&#x20AC;?.

Alaska pollock or PaciďŹ c pollock? Is the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alaskaâ&#x20AC;? an integral part of the species name or a geographical designation of origin that can be protected? The Alaska ďŹ sh industry insists that the name â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alaskaâ&#x20AC;? implies an especially high quality of ďŹ sh providing marketing advantages and therefore its use should be prohibited for ďŹ sh coming from other North PaciďŹ c regions. The association Genuine Alaska pollock Producers (GAPP) launched a campaign to raise awareness that only ďŹ sh caught off the cost of Alaska can be named Alaska pollock. In addition, the scientific name of the species has recently also been modified. Instead of Theragra chalcogramma, Alaska pollock is now called Gadus chalcogrammus. The proposal to change the name is based on the results of genetic investigation targeted at revealing kinship ties among different codfishes (Family Gadidae). Consequently, Alaska pollock is much closer to the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and Pacific cod (G. macrocephalus) than it was suggested by earlier studies. That is why the National Marine Fisheries Service changed the scientific name of Alaska pollock to Gadus chalcogrammus. Still, the old name has stuck and continues to be used.

Successful handling of catch at sea and on land Despite mass production, the individual fillets are carefully inspected on light tables for parasites, remaining debris and other impurities.

either demand or quality. Everyone wanted as large a piece as possible from the common pie. Nowadays, fishing activities are market-oriented, qualityconscious and altogether more reasonable from the raw material use and waste management point of view. As the revenue is qualitydependent, the fish are handled much more carefully. While previously the bulk landings of fish could only be used for surimi production, today the processors can decide into which end products the particular batch will be processed into: fillets, blocks or surimi. In terms of landings, the fishing fleet off Alaskan coast is remarkably small. The fishing effort has been adjusted to the potential of the fish stocks. At the beginning of the millennium,

in the Bering Sea and round the Aleutian Islands, only 114 trawlers and 17 fishing and processing vessels, referred to as CPs (catcher/processor), were registered. The fishing season of Alaska pollock is divided in two parts. The A season lasts from January until mid-April while the B season starts in June and lasts till mid-November. Top catches are usually achieved in January/ February, June/July and September/October. The by-catch rate of the Alaska pollock fishing is extremely low and seldom exceeds 3ď&#x2122;&#x201A;. The American Fisheries Act foresees recording and reporting of all catch including by-catch and unrecognizable juveniles. Since everything is based on the shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quota, fishermen do their utmost to ensure clean batches consisting mostly of the target species.

Alaska pollock is mostly fished with pelagic trawls which are either trawled by a single stern trawler or two trawlers in a team. In the Gulf of Alaska, there is also some bottom trawls operated for which a special permit is required. Approximately half of the US total catch is either processed on special factory ships constantly supplied with fish by smaller vessels, or on CP trawlers. The sea-frozen

The total global catch (landed) of Alaska pollock since 1950. Source: FAO, FIGIS.

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products enjoy a particularly high quality as the fish undergo processing immediately after catch. The lack of space on board however, make fishermen look for trade-offs in the processing. A lot of CP vessels can produce surimi and have the necessary equipment on board to fillet, IQF or freeze fish in blocks. In case of very large catches however, fish are often frozen only h&g (headed and gutted). For h&g freezing, fish are mostly sent to China where they are thawed for a short time

&VSPlTI

[ SPECIES ] the EU labelling regulation setting down a mandatory requirement that information concerning both, the origin and the freezing date of products should be made available to consumers.

Thanks to the automated processing lines, it takes only a few minutes from the whole fish to finished fillets ready to be chilled.

at specialized plants, hand-filleted and frozen again (doublefrozen). Less expensive than directly processed, single-frozen fillets, the double-frozen products temporarily dominated the markets. Moreover, the fillet yield from hand-filleting is significantly higher than that from machine processing which brings in barely 25 to 28ď&#x2122;&#x201A;. Meanwhile, the share of double-frozen product is falling as both, USA and Russia rely more and more on their own processing.

This tendency is particularly pronounced in Russia, which in the past, used to deliver as much as 800.000 t to China. Since more and more trawlers are put into service with their own processing lines on board, deliveries to Chine dwindle. This tendency is also intensified by two additional factors. First, the raising salaries in China affect the price of doublefrozen goods. Second, the singlefrozen products currently enjoy better chances in Europe due to

A considerable portion of the Alaska pollock catches are processed on land. A central role is played by Dutch Harbour, a small village in Unalaska, an Aleutian Island, which is the heart of the American Alaska pollock fishing. Dutch Harbour is not only the largest fishing port in the US but also the most important site for fish processing in the country. What makes the place so important is its proximity to rich fish grounds allowing for short travel times to fishing spots. Furthermore, the island harbours the only deep, ice-free port in the region accessible without major problems also in winter. The land-based processing industry in Alaska is flexible and, depending on the demand and market situation, can switch between frozen fillets, frozen fish

blocks or surimi. The profitability of the fishing companies is decided by the appropriate mix of products. From mid-2016 until the start of 2017, the industry stepped up surimi production and kept the production of frozen fish blocks as low as possible as the latter did not bring much profit at that time. The main reason for lack of demand for the fish blocks was insolvency of both, Pacific Andes-daughter company Pickenpack and TST (The Seafood Traders) in Germany which were wholesale buyers of fish blocks. However, since Trident, the US Alaska pollock processor took over the state-of- the-art TST production plant in Riepe, and has been processing 30,000 t of frozen Alaska pollock blocks yearly, there is again some hope. It relates both to the employees of the ultramodern plant and the company itself, which through this move towards vertical integration, has acquired even more efficient control over the value-added chain and got closer to the European market. mk

Controlling instruments in fishery administration

Quick adjustments to mitigate unfavourable developments The US Alaska pollock ďŹ shing is regulated and monitored in the framework of BSAI-GroundďŹ sh-FMP (Bering Sea-Aleutian Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;GroundďŹ sh-Fishery Management Plan). Among other items, the catalogue of controlling instruments contains: t 1FSTPOBM mTIJOH MJDFODFT t -JNJUFE FOUSZ UP mTIJOH B OFX FOUSZ JT QPTTJCMF POMZ XIFO TPNF FYJTUJOH mTIFSNBO MFBWFT PS TIBSFT IJT RVPUB t 5IF BMMPDBUJPO PG JOEJWJEVBM RVPUBT VOEFS 5"$ t &TUBCMJTIJOH PG UIF UJNFGSBNF GPS CPUI mTIJOH TFBTPOT PG UIF ZFBS t &TUBCMJTIJOH 5"$ GPS RVBOUJUJFT BOE TQFDJFT PG mTI t &TUBCMJTINFOU PG SFTUSJDUFE BSFBT .BOZ mTIJOH WFTTFMT IBWF BO PCTFSWFS PO CPBSE NPOJUPSJOH UIF DBUDI BOE SFQPSUJOH BMM JNQPSUBOU EBUB DBUDIFT BOE TQFDJFT TJ[F PG mTI UIFJS TFY BHF ďŹ shing grounds and by-catches) to the ďŹ shing administration. On vessels longer than 38 m, there should be one observer on board, on processing vessels o UXP 0O TNBMMFS mTIJOH CPBUT DPOUSPMMFST TIPVME CF QSFTFOU GPS BCPVU POF UIJSE PG UIF TFBTPO -BSHFS TIJQT BSF BMTP FRVJQQFE XJUI TBUFMMJUF NPOJUPSJOH systems which can be used to monitor the whereabouts of the vessel in real time. In addition, the landings in ports and processing plants are also controlled. Together, these data provide a fairly accurate picture of the situation on ďŹ shing grounds and of the ďŹ sh stocks so that the ďŹ shing administration can immediately react to any unfavourable developments.

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] Elimination of tariffs, quotas to beneďŹ t EU exporters

EU and Japan agree on a comprehensive trade pact Combined, the EU and Japan have 9 percent of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population, 28 percent of its GDP and 36 percent of its trade. Billions of eurosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worth of goods and services are traded between the two economies; hundreds of thousands of jobs are directly supported by this trade, and many more hundreds of thousands have been created by investment by the EU and Japan in each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economies. In seafood alone, two-way trade reached a record EUR395 million in 2016. Combined, the EU and Japan together account for over one-third of global seafood trade.

owever, limiting even greater growth and economic benefits are barriers such as high tariffs (taxes applied only to imports, such as cars and machinery imported into EU member states and rice and foodstuffs imported by Japan, among thousands of other examples). In addition, trade barriers include quotas (annual quantity limits on imports), and divergent non-tariff/quota measures such as food safety regulations and labelling requirements. To address these issues and develop a framework for a trade deal, the EU and Japan started talks in 2013 to further the creation of a trade and investment agreement between the two economic powers. On 6 July 2017, The European Commission and the Government of Japan announced an â&#x20AC;&#x153;agreement in principleâ&#x20AC;? on the main elements of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The new EPA, as described by both sidesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; governments, covers the following areas: 1) Trade in goods (including Market Access, and General Rules); 2)Â Non-Tariff Measures; 3) Rules of Origin; 4) Trade in Services; 5) Procurement; 6) Intellectual Property (including Geographical Indications);

The EU-Japan trade agreement may result in a bigger presence by Japanese companies at trade events such as Seafood Expo Global.

7) Other issues (Institutions and Regulatory Cooperation). Regarding seafood, the most significant result of the EUJapan EPA will be the complete elimination by both sides of all import tariffs and quotas on fish and seafood trade between the two economies. For almost all products, these barriers will

be removed immediately upon entry into force of the agreement, while for a few products the tariffs will be phased out over a few years.

High tariffs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in fact, all tariffs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to be removed Looking at the seafood sector as a whole, it is clear that the EU

market is protected by tariffs to a much greater degree than is the Japanese market. EU import tariffs on most seafood products are much higher â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in some cases more than ten times higher â&#x20AC;&#x201C; than Japanese rates for the same product lines. Overall, the volumeweighted average tariff on EU seafood imports from Japan (the average of all the tariffs divided &VSPlTI

[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] by the volume of each product imported during 2012-2016) is 8.9ď&#x2122;&#x201A;, while the weighted average tariff applied to EU seafood in Japan is 4.6ď&#x2122;&#x201A;.

These tariffs and all others applied to the EU-Japan seafood trade are destined for elimination under the new agreement. The actual effects on businesses and consumers of removal of these tariffs depends on a lot of things, such as alternative sources and markets for such products, but the relative sizes of the two sidesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tariffs suggests a greater impact on Japanese markets than on EU consumers.

400 350 million euro

On both sides, there are some very high tariffs on individual seafood products. The Japanese tariff on imports of EU fresh â&#x20AC;&#x153;wholeâ&#x20AC;? trout is 35 percent of import value; dried, salted or inbrine fillets of many species are dutiable at 10.5 percent; and the tariff on canned fish of almost any species is 9.6 percent. On the other side of the coin, EU tariffs on Japanese canned fish (tuna, anchovies or mackerel), for example, range from 22.5 to 25 percent; the tariff on fresh or frozen tuna (â&#x20AC;&#x153;wholeâ&#x20AC;?) is 22 percent; and the tariffs on prepared or preserved eels, caviar and caviar substitutes, shrimps and prawns, and prepared or preserved molluscs, are all 20 percent of import value. These barriers to trade raise consumer costs and reduce consumption of seafood.

EU28 fish and shellfish trade with Japan

300 250

348.71 310.3

290.32

296.16

287.55

27.242

29.44

28.36

29.2

37.13

47.01

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

266

200 150 100 50 0

Year Eu imports from Japan

whose trade with Japan has shown erratic growth over the past several years. According to the European Commission, EU exports to Japan grew by 18 percent in the last five years, from EUR 296.2 million in 2012

EU exports to Japan

29.4 million in 2012 to EUR 47.0 million in 2016. By quantity, EU imports from Japan grew by 43 percent, from 3.04 thousand tonnes in 2012 to 4.35 thousand tonnes in 2016. As a share of world trade with the EU, Japan

(frozen rock lobster) to 10 percent (octopus). Thus, most products traded between the EU and Japan will be directly affected by tariff removal under the EPA. EU exports of

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Quotas will no longer be applied and tariffs will all be eliminated. For blueďŹ n tuna, EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important export, tariffs will be eliminated over 5 years.â&#x20AC;? --European Commission, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Agreement in Principle,â&#x20AC;? Report to Member States and the European Parliament on the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, 6 July 2017.

Possible impacts include cheaper Japanese seafood for European consumers

to EUR 348.3 million in 2016. By quantity, however, EU exports to Japan rose less quickly during this period, from 43.4 thousand tonnes in 2012 to 48.4 thousand tonnes in 2016, a gain of 12 percent. Since it is mainly export volume rather than value that determines job numbers, this means job creation in EU seafood exporting to Japan has been slow.

All this is encouraging news for Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seafood export sector, particularly for countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands,

In the other direction, EU imports of fish and seafood from Japan grew by 60 percent in the last five years, from EUR

contributes a tiny share of total EU imports (0.2 percent by value in 2016), but purchases a much larger share of EU exports (7.8 percent by value in 2016). Some of the Japanese products imported into the EU are duty-free already (including frozen dogfish, crabs, live, fresh or chilled molluscs, and fresh mackerel), while others are subject to the tariff rates described above. On the other side of the coin, none of the leading products exported by the EU enter Japan duty-free, all are subject to tariffs ranging from 1 percent

frozen round Atlantic bluefin tuna to Japan, for example, will no longer be dutiable at 3.5 percent, and prepared/preserved anchovies will lose their 9.6 tariff applied by Japan. Japanese exports of scallops will lose their 8 percent tariff rate imposed by the EU, and prepared/preserved sardines will lose their 12.5 percent EU import tariff. With many, many other products whose trade is small, it may well be that tariff elimination will propel their trade levels much higher; but predicting such changes has not yet been done by experts who

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] EU-Japan seafood trade EU exports to Japan, value (in 1,000 euros)

EU imports from Japan, value (in 1,000 euros)

HS4-Digit Code

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

0301

2,552

1,022

332

37,901

15,625

9,270

7,464

7,931

9,389

10,643

0302

1,16,572

78,391

70,614

90,176

1,34,975

137

1,607

1,599

1,208

1,096

0303

97,262

1,35,483

1,26,548

96,305

80,995

1,430

931

1,530

1,836

3,265

0304

16,565

24,781

16,276

27,025

46,919

2,333

2,587

2,522

4,273

3,417

0305

5,816

8,003

12,004

10,704

8,331

0306

16,834

11,536

13,348

15,207

26,911

101

0307

15,085

4,933

3,164

2,609

5,723

14,790

13,926

14,284

18,525

26,621

1604

17,296

13,847

12,832

16,061

18,667

1,408

1,723

1,295

1,784

1,803

1605

8,177

9,543

10,881

14,315

10,190

2,96,158

2,87,538

2,65,999

3,10,302

3,48,336

29,437

28,355

29,196

37,108

47,014

TOTAL

Source: European Commission. Totals may not add due to rounding. Abbreviated key to Harmonised System 4-Digit Codes 0301 Live ďŹ sh; 0302 Fresh or chilled ďŹ sh; 0303 Frozen ďŹ sh; 0304 Fish ďŹ llets; 0305 Fish, dried, salted, or in brine; 0306 Crustaceans; 0307 Molluscs; 1604 Prepared or preserved ďŹ sh, caviar; 1605 Prepared or preserved crustaceans, molluscs, or other invertebrates

have examined these impacts of the EU-Japan EPA.

Industry support for those who need it

However, on the consumer side, the available information suggests that, given Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tiny share of overall EU seafood imports, the impact of an EPA with Japan on Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consumers would be small. It would mainly be downward pressure on prices of Japanese seafood and the domestic and other imported products they compete with in the European marketplace, as import tariffs on such products decline. Japanese fishery products that are now subject to relatively high EU tariffs (e.g., canned tuna) are available also from other foreign sources (indeed, most EU imports come from nonJapan sources), and a reduction in duty rates could give Japan an advantage over competitors, including those under the EU GSP programme that benefit from reduced but not eliminated tariffs.

A change in trading patterns as significant as those likely to be caused by the EU-Japan EPA inevitably means drastic adjustment for some businesses and workers. The EPA provides for â&#x20AC;&#x153;safeguard measuresâ&#x20AC;? to temporarily protect a domestic industry from a surge in imports. Typically, the safeguard consists of a delay in reduction of an import tariff for a fixed period (2 years, with a possible one-time extension of 2 more years), to give the industry time to adjust to the new reality. This safeguard provision has always been available to member states of the World Trade Organization, and its inclusion in the EU-Japan EPA mirrors the safeguard agreement in the WTO. Not everyone can or will benefit from the safeguard; the injury (or threat thereof) to the domestic industry from the surge in imports must be shown (in arbitration) to be as great as any other cause of the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s woes, thus the

â&#x20AC;&#x153;burden of proofâ&#x20AC;? can be high. However, the provision is available to help firms and workers adjust to exceptional adverse changes in trade patterns. Petitioners for such safeguard protection can be businesses or workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; associations themselves, as long as they demonstrate that they represent the interests of the bulk of a particular sector (whether product-specific, geographic, or other delimitation of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;domestic industryâ&#x20AC;? within the EU). Everyone who is interested in the specifics of the EPA as it currently stands can get further information from the European Commission at http://trade. ec.europa.eu.

Some details remain to be hammered out The EU-Japan EPA is currently â&#x20AC;&#x153;an agreement in principle,â&#x20AC;? meaning some sections of the agreement still require fine-tuning and some issues still remain to be settled before finalisation and ratification of the agreement. For

example, issues of product quality remain, including how exactly to reconcile differing protection mechanisms for health and safety, a key concern for the seafood industry, and food additives in processing or marketing, and other areas where specifics might need further work. Finally, as demonstrated by the complicated adoption by the EU of its trade agreement with Canada, complete ratification by all national and regional parliaments within the EU may take quite some time. Nevertheless, for the EU seafood industry and consumers the stakes involved with this latest agreement are high, for the benefits of increased trade beyond EU borders, market opportunities, ever-widening product availability, and further investment in sustainable production and consumption have already been demonstrated to all concerned with the EU seafood sector. Roger Corey roger.corey.1000@gmail.com

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] Market report small pelagics

Global small pelagics landings expected to grow seven percent in 2017 Global landings of small pelagics are expected to grow by seven percent in 2017 compared with 2016. The major reason for this growth is an expected higher catch of Peruvian anchovy. Catches of Atlantic mackerel and Atlantic herring are alsoÂ expected to increase.

Grethe Hillersoey/Norwegian Seafood Council

he combined increase for herring and mackerel landings in 2017 is expected to be about 4 percent more than in 2016. This could put some pressure on prices, but since the increase is relatively modest, no dramatic price changes are expected. Instead, exchange rates may play a greater role in price determination.

National authorities try to ensure adequate mackerel landings The Scottish Fisheries Minister has decided to withhold 12 percent of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2017 mackerel quota pending an analysis of how much mackerel is landed in Scotland. According to the Minister, a significant part of the Scottish catch is landed in other countries, and he wants to change this. Although the Norwegians are calling this action â&#x20AC;&#x153;protectionistâ&#x20AC;?, they are familiar with the problem, as they also want adequate amounts of raw mackerel material for their shore-based industry. Norwegian authorities are pressing for Norwegian vessels to land their catch in Norway, but they also want other nations to land in Norway to provide raw material for the on-shore processing industry.

Norwegian exports of herring so far this year have seen a 23 percent increase in volume and a one percent decline in value, according to the Norwegian Seafood Council. Pictured, a Norwegian vessel catching herring.

East Asia is emerging as a major market for frozen mackerel. China, Japan and the Republic of Korea together traded 595,000 tonnes of frozen mackerel in 2016. The species traded in Asia include both cheap Pacific mackerel and the more expensive European (Atlantic) mackerel. By value, the three Asian countries together imported as much as 54.3 percent of Norwegian mackerel in 2016.

Other important markets for frozen Norwegian mackerel were the Netherlands (11.1 percent of total), Nigeria (4.2 percent) and Turkey (3 percent). Â In Peru, the Ministry of Production set the horse mackerel quota for 2017 at 100,000 tonnes, which is an increase of 7.5 percent compared with 2016 and the anchovy quota in the central and northern area at 2.8m tonnes,

55ď&#x2122;&#x201A; higher than in 2016. At the same time, Chile has increased its horse mackerel quota by 1 percent to 300,000 tonnes. While in Peru most of the horse mackerel caught goes for direct human consumption, in Chile, the horse mackerel is filleted and frozen, with large amounts of cut-offs processed into fishmeal. New Zealand annually catches about 36,000 to 50,000 tonnes

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ]

The export value of Norwegian mackerel rose in 2016 despite a fall in prices. Japan, China and South Korea were the main destinations for this species.

of horse mackerel, and much of this (about half) ends up in the Japanese market. The main fishing period runs from December to January, and then again in June. Japanese consumers prefer the larger sizes, and in 2017, prices have increased by about 15 percent compared with last year, mainly due to tighter supplies. In the beginning of January, the Norwegian herring fishery was well under way, and during the first week alone, landings amounted to 17,300 tonnes. Large catches have continued with the Directorate of Fisheries warning that there is a danger of nets bursting due to the large amounts of fish. Good catches of herring, though with a significant amount of small fish, put pressure on prices at the beginning of the year. The Norwegian minimum price for herring has been reduced several times already. On 22 February, the minimum prices were reduced to between NOK4.18 (EUR0.45) for Group 5 (125 g and less per piece) and NOK6.28 for Group 1 (350 g and more per piece).

Norwegian capelin fishers were reporting strong but varying catches off Iceland at the beginning of the year. Prices to fishers were high, between NOK6.80â&#x20AC;&#x201C;7.49 per kg. This is considerably more than what was paid last year, when first-hand prices varied between NOK3.00â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4.00. According to fishers, the capelin is of good size and quality. The total capelin quota in Icelandic waters was recently increased by 57,000 tonnes to 299,000 tonnes. Icelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quota is 196,000 tonnes, up from 100,000 in 2016, while the Norwegian quota is 40,000 tonnes in these waters. In the Barents Sea, there is no capelin quota this year.

High prices ensure 11% increase in export value of Norwegian small pelagics In 2016, Norwegian exports of small pelagics amounted to 674,000 tonnes worth NOK7.8 billion. This represents a decline of 15 percent by volume compared with 2015, but an increase of 11

percent by value. The increases in value were caused by high prices for both herring and mackerel, while at the same time the quotas were low and demand was strong in Norwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main markets. Norwegian mackerel exports amounted to 309,400 tonnes worth NOK4.1 billion FOB Norwegian border. This represents a 12.2 percent decline by volume and a 6.6 percent increase by value. The main importers of Norwegian mackerel were Japan, China and South Korea. For herring, Norwegian exports amounted to 224,300 tonnes worth NOK3.0 billion, a 4 percent increase by volume and a 25.7 percent increase by value compared with 2015. Russian Federation frozen mackerel imports grew by 21.9 percent in 2016, to 76,800 tonnes. Previously, Norway was the main supplier, but since the embargo was introduced, no mackerel has been imported from Norway. The main suppliers in 2016 were the Faroe Islands (69.5 percent of the total), followed by Greenland (14.5 percent) and China (11.5 percent).

The Netherlands saw only a marginal increase in its exports of frozen herring last year, from 157,700 tonnes in 2015 to 159,400 tonnes in 2016 (+1.1 percent). The major markets included Nigeria (40.8 percent of total), Egypt (26.2 percent) and Malta (14.7 percent). Dutch export prices dropped slightly, resulting in Dutch herring export values falling by 3.3 percent in 2016 to US$131.9 million. In contrast, Norway, experienced growth in both volume and value of its frozen herring exports. The exported volume increased by a meagre 0.4 percent, to 101,200 tonnes, while the value of herring exports increased by 10.6 percent to US$115.7 million. The main markets for Norwegian herring include Ukraine (34.4 percent of total), Lithuania (15.5 percent) and Egypt (12 percent).

China is a major importer of Russian herring Norway has managed to find alternative markets for its herring in place of the Russian Federation. Iceland, on the other hand, still needs to find and develop new markets. Russian Federation frozen herring exports dropped significantly during 2016, from 136,900 tonnes in 2015 to 100 600 tonnes in 2016 (-26.5 percent). The main markets were China (76.4 percent of total), Republic of Korea (14.3 percent) and Ukraine (2.8 percent). Japan imported 17.1 percent less fresh and frozen herring in 2016 (21 800 tonnes) than in 2015 (26 300 tonnes). Major suppliers to Japan were the United States of America (54.1 percent of total), the Russian Federation (21.1 percent) and Canada (13.3 percent). FAO GLOBEFISH. The report analyses the market situation over the year 2016 and the first quarter 2017. &VSPlTI

[ TECHNOLOGY ] Track and trace technologies are revolutionising transport logistics

Delivery routes and whereabouts in real time A new era has begun in the transport and logistics sector. Instead of tables and index cards, telephone inquiries and tedious searches on maps, today one just has to take a look at the computer screen or the smartphone to ďŹ nd out where a delivery is at that particular moment in time. Ground-breaking innovations such as barcodes, RFID, data loggers or GPS provide a wealth of data and are also asserting themselves in the seafood industry.

y smartphone reports that my order is now on its way to me. The package is expected to arrive at the stated address between 3 and 4 pm. On top of that, a message promises me that by entering the given individual code in the search field on the courier serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website I can track the whereabouts of the delivery. Messages like these are nowadays hardly more than everyday routine and are not rarely ignored. Probably only few people are aware of the enormous logistical achievements behind this concept, or of the effort that is required for millions of packages to be accurately recorded and correctly distributed so that they arrive punctually at their destinations. And as if this were not enough, the logistics companies also offer as an additional service an option for tracking the package... â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tracking and tracingâ&#x20AC;?, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Track & Traceâ&#x20AC;?, is the technology that enables seamless monitoring of individual deliveries and products within the value chains. Track & Trace has revolutionized the logistics sector worldwide. What might feel like a bit of fun as I look to see how far my package has got on its journey to my front door can hardly be overestimated

in its significance for the trade of goods at both national and international level and, indeed, for the whole economy. Track & Trace makes it possible to monitor and report the departure and arrival of an object, irrespective of whether it is a pallet, a container or a vehicle. The exact whereabouts and any movement of the object are identified and recorded so that the delivery route can be accurately traced. A real flood of data spills over the companies: places, times and a lot of other information about the objects are collected and stored for retrieval at any time. Together they constitute the foundation on which almost all traceability systems are today built, whether they span business operations or vast continents. Without Track & Trace, global efforts to fight IUU fishing would have little prospect of success. Track & Trace is the basis for recall actions in the food, pharmaceutical, toys, and other sectors. Over the last few years a whole industry has developed around these topics, offering software and hardware for intelligent traceability systems, service and consulting for almost every application. And this development is ongoing, and the solutions and tools are becoming increasingly powerful and more user-friendly.

Container transport by ship is of central importance in world trade with seafood. The containersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; routes can be tracked in real time using GPS tracking systems.

Barcodes are now standard in industry Although in some parts of the global fish industry advanced trace technologies such as radio frequency identification (RFID) are in the meantime used increasingly, barcoding is still the most common and most widely used method. Barcodes are not technically demanding, they provide sufficient security, and supply all the information required for reliable traceability systems â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cost much. This means they are also suitable for small businesses. The basic idea of the barcode is simple: all relevant product data are â&#x20AC;&#x153;translatedâ&#x20AC;? into

a sequence of parallel bars and gaps of different widths which can be read and processed electronically using optical readers such as special scanners or cameras. In essence, the principle is similar to data encryption in numeric and alphanumeric code formats. Many producers are now going one step further and transforming their product information into two-dimensional data matrix barcodes which allow maximum data densities on an extremely small area because the information is encrypted in black and white â&#x20AC;&#x153;cellsâ&#x20AC;?. The best-known example of such 2D matrix barcodes is probably the QR codes which can be scanned by smartphone and

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[ TECHNOLOGY ] then lead the user to pages with additional information. The 2D data matrix code meets both country-specific and international track & trace regulations. The internationally standardized global trade item number (GTIN), an identification number that is issued only once for products and services, can be integrated into the variable data. Because the data are duplicated in the matrix, they can still be read even if a part of the label is damaged. With the appropriate software users can generate the barcodes themselves and print them on any number of labels as required. Almost all conventional printing processes are suitable for this purpose, with the exception, however, of dot matrix printers, whose print image will usually not have the resolution quality required for automatic reading. The print quality for barcodes is defined in ISO/IEC 15416, and data structures are defined in ISO/IEC 15418. When printing barcodes users usually choose between three technologies: high-resolution inkjet printers, laser printers that reproduce fine details and allow high speeds, and thermal transfer printers or direct thermal printers.

Cost of RFID technology falling More recently, radio-frequency identification (RFID) has gained importance as a track and trace solution within the supply chains. RFID is a technology that uses transmitter-receiver systems for contact-free identification and location of objects and living beings using radio waves. This innovative code-bearing technology fulfils all prerequisites for replacing barcodes. Since the cost of using RFID began to fall, this

track and trace solution has been more widely used in many areas of the economy. RFID systems always consist of a transponder with the product-specific code (radio label) which is attached to the object, and a reader for deciphering the code. Within a small range the two components communicate via an alternating magnetic field generated by the reader, in the case of longer distances via high-frequency radio waves. Upon contact, data are transmitted and the transponder is supplied with energy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Activeâ&#x20AC;? transponders, which have their own power source, can operate at even greater distances. However, this concept is much more complex than conventional RFID applications and involves higher costs. The advantages of RFID technology are mainly to be seen in the small size of the transponders, their fast, uncomplicated reading options, and the low purchase price, which is in the meantime often only a few cents. With special printing techniques, RFID transponders, including their stable circuits, can even be made from polymers. As a rule, standard transponders today have about the format of a stamp. For special applications (for example as an implant for individual labelling of living organisms) they can also be produced in the size of a grain of rice. The devices required for reading the transponders are based on a software which manages the reading process and passes it on via interfaces to the corresponding computer systems and databases. Today, the possibilities offered by modern RFID systems with transponders and reading devices are completed by a comprehensive range of peripheral accessories such as RFID hand-, mobile- and desktop printers, labellers and print dispensing systems.

Barcodes and radio frequency identification are the common labelling technologies on which traceability systems within international goods transport are based today. They enable a high degree of control and transparency in product labelling and are at the same time flexible enough to be able to integrate new requirements resulting from changes to the Food Information Regulation at any time. In addition, they fully comply with the internationally recognized standard ISO 28000 which specifies the requirements for security management in logistics. This also includes Supply Chain Security which defines necessary measures for process validation and risk minimization in supply chains. Hacker attacks, cyberattacks and blackmail attempts such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;WannaCryâ&#x20AC;? recently showed how vulnerable processes within established value chains have become and thus how important it is that these processes can run without interruption. The operational efficiency, market position and competitiveness of companies and ultimately the entire economy are increasingly dependent on the reliability of internal supply chains.

GPS tracking provides precise location data One of the most important new track and trace solutions which has been implemented in an astonishingly short time in the field of logistics is GPS tracking of moving objects, e.g. trailers, individual vehicles or containers. Questions about the whereabouts, routes or optimal routes, which could in the past only be clarified with great effort or not at all, can be answered precisely today in a matter of seconds. Powerful container tracking modules make it possible to locate,

monitor and evaluate the positions of individual containers anywhere in the world with GPS via the Internet in real-time. If you know exactly where your vehicles or containers are located at any time, you will always be in control, avoid overruns of rental periods and have to argue less frequently with customers about unexpected delivery delays. The satellite-based GPS network contributes towards optimizing the use of vehicles and containers, reducing downtimes, and being able to plan delivery routes more efficiently. This lowers costs and allows for a quick amortization of investments in GPS modules. These systems also reduce the risk of theft, embezzlement or other forms of â&#x20AC;&#x153;merchandise lossâ&#x20AC;?, which can then usually be explained more quickly and more effectively using this technique. When it became clear that GPS tracking technology offered truly convincing advantages it was readily accepted by logistics companies. The providers of GPS technology are constantly developing new devices that cover different application areas and continuously expand the scope of the systems. Whether smartphone, tablet or PC, with the right software or app it is possible to monitor and manage moving objects on any platform. Modern tracking modules, for example, operate worldwide in any GSM mobile phone network. It is particularly easy to track and manage the movements of containers and vehicles on smartphones or tablets that have an optional NFC function. NFC stands for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Near Field Communicationâ&#x20AC;?, a new radio standard for wireless data transmission between two objects that are located close to each other. To read the data, the NFC-enabled smartphone just has to be held briefly near the RFID button of &VSPlTI .BHB[JOF

[ TECHNOLOGY ]

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Keep-itâ&#x20AC;?, an â&#x20AC;&#x153;intelligent label with memoryâ&#x20AC;?, records any temperature fluctuations in the cold chain and indicates the remaining shelf life in the form of a bar.

the vehicle or container. Parallel to this, GPS reception is briefly activated in the mobile phone and the exact geographical position of the object is recorded. The mobile phone then transmits via the Internet all the characteristics of the NFC chip (chip number, date and time) as well as the position to the central computer which manages the vehicles and containers.

GeoFence monitoring improves protection against theft Modern electronic systems also make transfer or rental of objects easier because all customer data can be recorded easily and directly by smartphone. As is in the meantime customary upon the delivery of a package, the customer confirms the receipt or the correctness of the information in the signature field. This is simple, practical and saves the time-consuming task of filling in forms. Documenting and invoicing are possible in real time. If a person cannot or prefers not to use the convenient NFC function

they can also of course enter the data via the barcode or QR code or enter it manually. In any case, all the details of the registered objects are stored in the system. The location is displayed with the complete address (town, street, house number) and as a GPS position in OpenStreetMap in the web portal. This option makes it easy to use electronic log books, complete with all routes, times and work breaks. An important argument in favour of GPS track and trace is GeoFence sector monitoring. This significantly improves protection against theft. Users are alerted by email, SMS or a signal as soon as a monitored mobile object reaches or leaves a certain area, neighbourhood or address. To avoid unnecessary disturbances during authorized transport the alarm function can usually be adjusted via a time window. The term geofencing, a composite of the words geographic and fence, refers to the automatic triggering of an action (e.g. alarm) when a predetermined boundary is

exceeded on the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface or in the airspace.

prevents loss of valuable raw materials, whether fresh fish or frozen.

Depending on the application area various GPS tracking modules can be used, for example self-sufficient mobile systems, some of which have extremely long battery life times of up to 10 years, or stationary installations that are permanently installed. They are usually very robust constructions in order to withstand the harsh conditions that can prevail on board a ship, for example, during container transport. Many have integrated acceleration and vibration sensors which automatically register and report any motion. Depending on the technical equipment and programming the modules report their positions several times a day at fixed times or in real time.

In this area, too, track and trace systems have quite a lot to offer. With the help of high-precision, robust and hygienic measuring instruments it is possible to monitor compliance with the required temperature limit values according to HACCP specifications throughout the entire process from the raw material to the finished product. As we all know, it is not sufficient to check and confirm the correct temperature of the delivery only in spot checks during goods receipt. Only permanent monitoring of temperature throughout the entire chain can provide the security that is required in this sector. The range of manual and automatic temperature measurement systems within the food industry is overwhelming. There are precise measuring devices and full-service offers, numerous individual services from repairs to rental equipment and calibration, as well as, of course, professional consulting.

Data loggers provide information on adherence to the cold chain Although barcodes, 2D data matrix, RFID and GPS offer fascinating possibilities they do not cover all the requirements of traceability systems. The seafood trade is a permanent challenge, not only when it comes to transporting freshly caught, quickly perishable products. The supply volumes sometimes fluctuate from one day to the next which can have a serious impact on transport and logistics service providers. They must always have sufficient transport capacities available even if the weather or the season prevents successful fishing. And this necessitates reliable risk and security management systems that enable them to identify, assess and eliminate disruptions in the supply chain in order to limit financial losses in this tough business. A central aspect of reliability within the supply chain is the perfect functioning of cold chains which

Infrared thermometers are available for manual sampling, for example. These measure the surface temperature of a product without contact in just seconds. Anyone interested in core temperatures is more likely to use probe thermometers. Good measuring technology delivers reliable results without requiring a lot of work. Data monitoring systems and data loggers that measure automatically, document temperature profiles and generate alarms in case of limit violations are used for continuous measurement of temperature and humidity values. These systems should be approved in accordance with EN 12830. They are indispensable if one wants to be certain that the required temperatures have been maintained during road, air, sea or rail transport. mk

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News

Permissible levels of methylmercury in ďŹ sh to be adjusted in Codex Alimentarius The United Nations food standards body Codex Alimentarius Commission met in Geneva from 17 to 22 July 2017 to adopt food safety and quality standards. Charged with protecting consumer health and ensuring fair practices in the food trade, the Codex Alimentarius is a joint initiative of the Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). One of the decisions taken by the commission covered maximum levels of mercury in fish. Mercury, a naturally occurring element, can harm human health in various ways. It accumulates in fish in the form of methylmercury.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission has decided to start new work to establish maximum levels of methylmercury for certain fish: tuna, alfonsino, kingfish/ amberjack, marlin, shark, dogfish and swordfish. Fish that live for a long time, and are higher in the food chain, have higher levels of methylmercury in their

bodies. Mercury can have toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems of humans, and on lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes. The new work of the Commission will take into account the negative health effects of methylmercury, as well as the health benefits of nutrients in fish.

Positive developments on seafood markets likely to continue throughout this year The end of El NiĂąo and the associated recovery of certain fisheries, such as the anchoveta fishery in Peru, have contributed to stronger growth in global fisheries production as predicted for 2017 compared with 2016, reports Globefish. The predicted increase for 2017 is 1.1ď&#x2122;&#x201A;, slightly higher than the equivalent figure for 2016. Aquaculture growth, however, is expected to be more or less the same as last year. Globally, economies are finally growing again in several regions and demand for seafood is expected to be robust in 2017. Forecasts for growth in trade point to a 5.8 percent increase to USD151bn this year. Increased demand is pushing prices upwards despite the rise in production and in April 2017 the

FAOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fish price index was up 7 points compared with a year ago due to higher prices for salmon, shrimp, tuna, and small pelagics. Improving economic conditions in the three biggest seafood markets (US, EU, Japan) are expected to lead to increased demand for seafood. In South East Asia too significant growth in imports is expected. Exporters in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Norway and India are all expected to benefit from the increased demand for seafood. This momentum on seafood markets is expected to continue into the latter half of the year, though an increase in supply volumes of shrimp, salmon, fishmeal and fish oil are expected to curb the increase in prices for these highly-traded products.

Bumper white shrimp harvests in India are expected to boost exports to record levels in 2017.

InfoďŹ sh and FAO to collaborate closer in ďŹ ght against IUU ďŹ shing The 30th Infofish Technical and Advisory Board Meeting took place in July 2017 at the premises of the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia in Puchong. Representatives from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, as well as a

delegate from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The convention reviewed the report on activities carried out during the period May 2016-April 2017 as well as the work programme for 2017-2018. During the meeting the representative said that the current challenge was to enable member countries to restore fish

A visit to a fish processing unit was part of the programme for the delegates to the Infofish Technical and Advisory Board Meeting.

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[ stocks and improve fishing methods, adding that aquaculture has reduced the pressure on capture fisheries. He stressed that the two major areas of work which needed immediate attention from FAO and INFOFISH were the implementation of the FAO guidelines for small scale fisheries, and collaboration with FAO to fight illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing. The Secretariat meanwhile appraised the Board of the

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mid-term review of major markets for fishery products and recent technological developments in processing and aquaculture. Discussions focused on access to markets other than traditional major markets as well as on trade and technical barriers related to these markets. The programme included a field visit to Lumut/ Pangkor Island, organized by the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM), to witness processing activities including solar drying of fish.

Events

Madrid conference on value addition will open with session on innovation Adding value to a product is a way, among others, of expanding the market, distinguishing the product from its competitors, and charging a higher price. The importance of value addition in the seafood industry has prompted the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment to organise, in collaboration with Eurofish, a conference titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;New opportunities for value creationâ&#x20AC;? that will be held in Madrid

on 15 and 16 November 2017. The event will feature five sessions over the two days on innovation, fish waste, aquaculture, markets, and consumption. The latter is of particular interest to the Spanish government and institutions because consumption of seafood in Spain though still impressive has been falling of late. For more information about the conference please contact info@eurofish.dk or visit www.eurofish.dk.

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The Fish Infonetwork ( FIN ) The FIN consists of seven independent partner organizations. They cover all aspects of post-harvest fisheries and aquaculture. With more than 50 governments supporting the network, which also has strong links to the private sector, the activities are truly international. The FIN pages, which are a regular feature in the three network magazines â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Infofish International, Eurofish Magazine, and Infosamak Magazine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; present the FIN-wide spectrum of activities, showing actions and results. The FIN has more than 80 full-time staff and works with more than one hundred international experts in all fields of fisheries. Through its link from FAO Globefish to the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, it also has access to the latest information and knowledge on fisheries policy and management issues worldwide. FIN executes projects, prepares market research for public and private sector, and organizes training courses on marketing and quality assurance. All seven services offer different possibilities for co-operation with the private sector, institutes, government ofďŹ ces. Globefish Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, FAO Viale delle Terme di Caracalla I 00100 Rome, Italy Tel.: +39 0657051 globeďŹ sh@fao.org www.globeďŹ sh.org Partners: European Commission (DG MARE) Brussels, Belgium COGEA, Italy Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), USA Norwegian Seafood Council, Tromsoe, Norway FranceAgriMer - Montreuil-sous-Bois, France SeaďŹ sh, the Authority, United Kingdom Ministerio de Agricultura, AlimentaciĂłn y Medio Ambiente, Spain

Infopesca Casilla de Correo 7086 Julio Herrea y Obes 1296 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay Tel.: (+598) 2 9028701/2 Fax: (+598) 2 9030501 infopesc@adinet.com.uy www.infopesca.org Member Countries: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Columbia, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Venezuela

Infofish Menara Olympia, Level 2 8 Jalan Raja Chulan Kuala Lumpur 50200, Malaysia Tel.: (+603) 20783466 Fax: (+603) 2078 6804 inďŹ sh@po.jaring.my www.infoďŹ sh.org Member Countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Papua new Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka and Thailand

Infopeche Tour C -19ĂŠme ĂŠtage, CitĂŠ Administrative, Abidjan 01, Cote dâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ivoire Tel.: (+225) 228980 / 215775 Fax: (+225) 218054 infopech@africaonline.co.ci www.infopeche.ci Member Countries: Benin, Cameroon, Congo, CĂ´te dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ivoire, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo

Eurofish H.C. Andersens Boulevard 44 - 46 DK-1553 Copenhagen V, Denmark Tel: (+45) 333 777 55 Fax: (+45) 333 777 56 info@euroďŹ sh.dk, www.euroďŹ sh.dk Member Countries: Albania, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Turkey

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

Infosamak 71 Boulevard Rahal Meskini B.P. 16243 Casablanca, Morocco Tel.: (+212) 22540856 Fax: (+212) 22540855 infosamak@onp.co.ma www.infosamak.org Member Countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Yemen

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Needed: Simpler rules and greater balance between environmental, economic, and social dimensions

Fighting the landing obligation Spain dominates most statistics related to the ďŹ shing sector in Europe, whether it is gross tonnage of the ďŹ&#x201A;eet, catches, or employment. Within the EU the Spaniards are also the biggest consumers of ďŹ sh per capita after the Portuguese. Fish and seafood have thus almost iconic status in Spain and, through the associated industries, make signiďŹ cant economic, cultural, and social contributions to Spanish society. But the sector also faces challenges, not least a declining tendency in ďŹ sh consumption and administrative measures such as the landing obligation. Javier Garat represents the ďŹ shing industry both nationally and at the European level and speaks here about some of the issues affecting the sector today. The Spanish Fishing Confederation (CEPESCA) is one of the most important European business fishing organizationsÂ representing fishing vessels associations, individual fishing companies and ships, as well as workers. Its objectives include joining forces to defend the professional and economic interests of the Spanish fishing sector. As General Secretary what do you see as major opportunities for the development of the sector, and which are the most important challenges? We cannot forget that the fishing sector provides millions of meals every day. Spanish catches provide 3.7 billion meals per year, this is, more than 10 million meals per day. This is our major opportunity. To be able to produce all these meals in a sustainable way so we can offer them year after year to our consumers. This means that we need to be responsible and think about our future generations, taking care of the stocks and of our people, our crews.

Javier Garat, General Secretary of the Spanish Fishing Confederation (CEPESCA), and President of EuropĂŞche, the organisation representing fishermen in the EU.

Concerning the challenges, I see at least four clear ones: the landing obligation, Brexit, Mediterranean Sea recovery, and a level playing field.

fight against illegal fishing activities are also CEPESCA objectives. The Spanish Government is deeply committed to combating IUU fishing which has several negative economic, commercial, environmental, and social impacts, among them threatening both fish stocks and the livelihoods of law-abiding fishermen. From the fishing sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point of view, how can this be improved?

The development of sustainable and responsible fishing, and the

It is true that the Spanish government is making an extraordinary

effort to fight IUU fishing and I think that nowadays Spain is leading this fight. The EU IUU legislation is one of the strongest in the world and can be used as a model for others. IÂ´m sure that with the implementation of these rules, IUU fishing has been reduced considerably. We need to further work together industry and governments and try to expose those who are not respecting the rules. At the end, it is an unfair competition to those that try to respect the rules and that have higher

exploitation costs because they comply with them. We still need more transparency from certain Asian countries, capacity building for developing countries to enable them to control adequately the fishing activities that take place in their waters and their markets and, again, a level playing field. Everybody should abide by similar rules concerning conservation measures, social conditions, safety at sea, etc. &VSPlTI

GUEST PAGES

The landing obligation, which is due to be fully phased in by 2019, has been criticised for being difficult to implement. It was conceived partly as a way to improve gear selectivity and reduce catches of unwanted sizes and species. What is the CEPESCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view on the landing obligation, and on closer and more intrusive monitoring of fishermen for full catch accountability? EU landing obligation regulation is simply impossible to fully implement. It was created under the pressure of certain NGOs without considering the reality of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Choke species are going to ruin many companies and fishermen. Norway and Iceland took 20 years to implement gradually their discard ban. In the EU, we must do it in five years, without touching the foundations of the CFP. So, we either change the legislation or hundreds of vessels will have to tie up sooner than later. In many EU countries fishing is no longer considered an attractive profession by young people, who are drawn to physically less demanding jobs with better pay and fewer rules and regulations. What changes need to be made to ensure that the sector continues to pull in a younger generation of fishers? First, we need rules that we can comply with, simpler than the rules that we have now. Second, we need a balance between environmental, economic and social dimensions. If we can pay better salaries because the companies have more profits because the stocks are in good shape, then, young people could think about working in the fishing sector.

Furthermore, we need to revise the educational and training systems in some countries, for instance, in Spain. We have too much theory for several years and then, when the students have finished and need to go to the fishing vessels, they are too old and prefer to go to other sectors. The certification of fisheries by third parties is increasingly seen as a necessity for products to gain acceptance among the big retailers. What is the CEPESCAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position on third party certification, when fishers are already subject to management regimes that should lead to sustainable harvests? Third party certifications should not be needed. As you say, we are already subject to severe management regimes that should lead to sustainable harvests. However, it is a reality that if a retailer asks for a third-party certification to sell a product in their stores, then the companies need to do it. Big retailers have suffered and are suffering a lot of pressure from certain NGOs that threaten them with bad publicity if they fail to do one thing or another. I think that certification should always be something voluntary and not obliged by the retailers. As the representative organisation for over half the European fishing fleet and about a third of the sectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employees EuropĂŞche is an umbrella organisation for fishermen who come from different countries, fish in different waters, use different vessels and different gears. While there are obviously some factors in common, there must equally be issues that pull the organisation in opposing directions. Being the President of EuropĂŞche which

are the topics you see that call for the most negotiation to find a consensus, and why? There are more common issues than the ones that separate us. When there is something where we find a possible conflict of interest, EuropĂŞche takes a step back and leaves the members to defend themselves. Sometimes we have different points of views depending on whether the organization comes from the north or the south of Europe. We defend all types of gears and vessel sizes. We dislike the distinctions that some interested parties want to make between small scale and large scale or between different gears. They only do it to divide the fishing industry and achieve their objectives. Spain is the biggest market in Europe for fish and seafood and Spaniards are among the most enthusiastic consumers. How do you see the Spanish market evolving in the future and what changes you expect to see in products and packaging development, distribution and consumer preferences? You are right, we are among the most enthusiastic consumers, but we are concerned that fish consumption has been declining in Spain for the last few years. We think that we need more communication and promotion of fish consumption and of the health benefits it brings. Furthermore, we are asking for a reduction in VAT from 10ď&#x2122;&#x201A; to 4ď&#x2122;&#x201A;. We have 46.4m citizens and 18.3m households that each year spend more than EUR9bn buying fish. But not every person and family consumes the same and has the same needs. We must consider that we have 6.3m of households with a father, a

mother and children; 1.7m of households with divorced persons with children; 3.9m couples without children; 2.6m elders without children and 1.8m households with young people that live alone. That is why companies need to think about their needs and innovate to respond to their demands. We need to adapt our products and packaging to the new realities of consumers. We need to provide as much information as possible and be completely transparent. We need to guarantee traceability from the boat to the plate and we need to fight fraud at every stage of the value chain. As a Spaniard heavily involved in the fishing sector you must also personally be a keen consumer of fish and seafood. Can you say something about the species and preparations you appreciate the most? Do you occasionally catch and cook fish yourself? Yes, I love eating fish. I come from a fishing town called SanlĂşcar de Barrameda in CĂĄdiz, AndalucĂa, where fish is very popular. It is very famous for the langostinos (shrimps or prawns) or the acedĂas (little soles). But I also love all type of wild fish and seafood like hake, bluefin tuna, sole, monkfish, swordfish, blue shark, sardines, anchovy, octopus, etc. Concerning the preparation, I normally prefer grilled fish, but IÂ´m always open to diverse ways of cooking like boiled, marinated, fried, etc. And it is very often that I eat a tuna can for dinner. Its light and very healthy. I recommend it, just with some good olive oil added! It has been a long time without catching the fish myself. I used to do it when I lived in SanlĂşcar, but not anymore.

XXX FVSPlTINBHB[JOF DPN

DIARY DATES

3-5 October 2017 Conxemar Vigo, Spain Tel.: +34 986 433 351 Fax: +34 986 221 174 conxemar@conxemar.com www.conxemar.com

11-13 October 2017 DanFish/DanAqua International Aalborg, Denmark Tel.: +45 9935 5555 info@akkc.dk www.danďŹ sh.com

17-20 October 2017 Aquaculture Europe Dubrovnik, Croatia mario@marevent.com www.marevent.com

7 February 2018 Marel Salmon ShowHow Copenhagen, Denmark marel.com/salmonshowhow 11-13 March 2018 Seafood Expo North America Boston, USA Tel.: +1 207 842 55 04 customerservice@divcom.com www.seafoodexpo.com

15-16 February 2018 Aqua Farm Pordenone (Venice), Italy Tel.: +39 0434 232111 fasolo@ďŹ erapordenone.it www.aquafarm.show

25-27 February 2018 fish international Bremen, Germany Tel.: +49 421 3505 264 wedell@messe-bremen.de www.ďŹ shinternational.com

25-29 August 2018 AQUA 2018 Montpellier, France mario@marevent.com www.marevent.com

October 19-21, 2017 7th International Conference on Aquaculture & Fisheries Rome, Italy Tel.: +1 888 843 8169 aquaculture@aquaconferences.com aquaculture-ďŹ sheries.conferenceseries.com

9 November 2017 International Cold Water Prawn Forum Reykjavik, Iceland Tel. +45 40 79 10 11 icwpf@gemba.dk http://icwpf.com/

24-26 April 2018 Seafood Expo Global / Seafood Processing Global Brussels, Belgium Tel.: +1 207 842 55 04 customerservice@divcom.com www.seafoodexpo.com

6-8 March 2018 North Atlantic Seafood Forum Bergen, Norway Tel.: + 47 22 87 87 00 jjl@nor-seafood.no www.nor-seafood.com

18-20 October 2018 Future Fish Eurasia Izmir, Turkey Tel.: +90 212 347 10 54 info@eurasiafairs.com www.eurasiafairs.com

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