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Aquaculture in Tunisia is thriving Technology: Customised nets for European aquaculture producers Guest page: Antonella Vassallo, International Ocean Institute is a member of the FISH INFO network

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In this issue

Cod quotas and corona bedevil Latvian ďŹ shers The Latvian fisheries and aquaculture sector has taken two big hits this year, the collapse in cod quotas and the impact of the pandemic, the effects of which are still being calculated. However, the trend in certain segments of the fleet towards greater consolidation and higher profitability continues. Although largely negative, the spread of the coronavirus benefited at least one part of the sector—the canning segment. Sales of canned fish experienced a spike in the early period of the crisis, which producers hope to sustain in the future too. For many involved in catching, farming, processing, distribution, or the Horeca trade, however, covid-19 synonymises a drop in business. Support for the sector has been forthcoming as regulations governing the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund are tweaked to enable companies suffering from the direct and indirect impacts of the disease to apply for compensation. While this will mitigate the consequences of the virus in the short term, companies and individuals must learn to adapt to a new reality as a corona-free world is unlikely for the foreseeable future. Read more from page 21

Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries

Farming with less water: Freshwater aquaculture is currently responsible for close to two thirds of global farmed seafood production, the remainder coming from marine and brackish water.

Output from freshwater farming has been growing over the years despite the fact that the water in rivers, lakes and in the ground accounts for only a tiny fraction of the world’s water. But because it is more accessible and cheaper freshwater aquaculture continues to grow at a faster rate than marine-based cultivation. However, supplies of freshwater are not inexhaustible, and, in addition, pollution reduces availability further. If freshwater farming is to continue growing, the industry must learn to economise on water consumption. The technologies used to cultivate fish in freshwater vary from ponds, to flow-through systems, open net cages, and recirculation systems. Depending on the system some water is lost for each unit volume of fish produced. Reducing this is calls for combination of good farm management and the use of appropriate technology, but also proper site selection and the prevention of nutrient accumulation. Read Dr Manfred Klinkhardt’s article on page 15 Production from fisheries in Tunisia has remained at about the same level for several years. Demand for fish and seafood has been increasing, however, which has resulted in a boom in aquaculture, production from which now accounts for 21 of the total up from 6 in 2010. Fisheries remain an important socioeconomic activity deeply embedded in the culture and traditions, in particular, of coastal communities, where it employs tens of thousands. The fleet consists of several different types of vessels depending on where and how they fish. Coastal vessels form the overwhelming majority in terms of numbers, but trawlers and tuna vessels are important fleet segments too. In an interview, the former Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, Mr Oussama Kheriji describes some of the challenges facing the sector and the measures being taken to solve them. Read more on page 35 Food loss (up to the retail level) and waste (caused by consumers) are an expensive burden on society for several reasons. Not only do they push up the price of food, they also squander the inputs that go into its production, storage, and distribution. As the world becomes more aware of the need to live in harmony with nature, the challenges posed by food loss and waste are being taken increasingly seriously—so much so that halving waste is one of the UN’s sustainable development goals. There are huge advantages to be gained from stemming food loss and waste, which is estimated at 1.3bn tonnes per year. Preventing it could eliminate world hunger, slow the growth spiral in production, reduce speculation in land, and possibly lower food prices. The fisheries sector is also a significant source of loss and waste with over a third of the global fish supply vanishing before it can be utilised. There are ways to prevent both loss and waste. Improved infrastructure for storage and transport, better utilisation of the fish including fishwaste could help in reducing loss, while waste can be lessened if consumers buy not more than they can eat and learn to use leftovers rather than binning them. Read more on page 42

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Table of News 6 International News

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Aquaculture 15 Water of drinkable quality is becoming increasingly scarce Aquaculture must reduce its water consumption

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Latvia 21 Pandemic boosts demand for Latvian fisheries products Canning sector sees corona-induced spike in trade

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26 National Fisheries Producer Organisation, Latvia’s biggest fisheries PO Implementing an ambitious development plan

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28 The round goby challenge in Latvia BIOR helps create a resource from an invader

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29 Latvian company Blue Circle starts farming Arctic char Building a market from scratch

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31 Scientists at BIOR deploy a fish counter to study population trends New method for salmon stock monitoring 32 Latvia’s first fish pass reconciles the needs of fish with those of the local community Reopening of Rčva river for salmonids and river lamprey

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33 Established presence, strengths in marketing help Karavela weather Covid-19 Development activities continue

Tunisia 35 Tunisia has the legislative framework in place to ensure the sustainability of its fisheries Aquaculture booms as capture production stagnates

Photo credits: Cover picture courtesy Hanters, Latvia Small picture of mussels on cover ŠFAO/Mohamed Hammi

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Contents Technology 38 Experience with Czech pond farming enables net manufacture to expand abroad Netting solutions for the aquaculture industry

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

by Hayden120 and NuclearVacuum

40 Provisur introduces the STS 2000 belt separator for processors of high-quality end products Versatile separating technology for food of all kinds

41 Cretel launches its next generation of fish skinners following a move to brand new facilities Sustainability characterises new production site

Processing 42 Value potential of many seafood products is not sufficiently exploited Sustainable utilisation saves resources

Guest Pages: Antonella Vassallo

46 The International Ocean Institute is dedicated to the peaceful, equitable, and sustainable use of the oceans Sharing knowledge to benefit oceans and their users

Worldwide Fish News

Belgium

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Denmark

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EU

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Italy

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Poland

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Romania

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Spain

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Thailand

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Turkey

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Service 45 Fish Infonetwork News 49 Diary Dates 50 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.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Fish species disappear from Turkey’s Marmara and Black Seas

Schools of bluefin tuna, for example, ceased migrating to the Blackc Sea in 1985, after the entire spawning group was caught in the Sea of Marmara in just one day for export to Japan at high prices, said Aylin Ulman, lead author of the study and director of Mersea Consulting. In the Sea of Marmara, bluefin catches were last reported in 2007 and were just 33 tonnes, down from the 929 tonnes that were caught at the peak of the fishery in 2001. By reviewing fisheries data for the 1967-2016 period collected by the Turkish Statistical Institute or referenced in peer-reviewed publications, gray literature, anecdotal information, and by tapping into traditional ecological knowledge from fishers and experts, the researchers created the first timeline of disappeared fish species from the Turkish Black Sea and the Marmara Sea. If a species was present in data from 1967 but no longer present in 2016, this was defined as an extirpation, or destruction. Commercial extinction, on the other hand, was defined as a reduction of catch over the 50-year period of more than 80 of the original values. This means that the species ceased to support an economically viable fishery.

www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2020.00650

Bluefin tuna, swordfish and Atlantic mackerel are among the fish species considered commercially extinct on the Turkish side of the Marmara and Black Seas, reports Phys.org. A new study* by researchers with the Sea Around Us initiative at the University of British Columbia, Mersea Consulting, Turkey’s Central Fisheries Research Institute and the Institute of Marine Sciences and Management at the University of Istanbul, found that 17 fish species have been completely wiped out and 17 are commercially extinct in Turkey’s Black Sea, while 19 have been destroyed and 22 are commercially extinct in the Sea of Marmara.

A timeline of the many species that have disappeared from Turkish waters in the Black Sea.

Overfishing has been the dominant stressor on these marine ecosystems and has led to the loss of ecological connections, Dr Ulman said. The scale of biodiversity loss demonstrated here, however, cracked the foundations of these ecosystems, and has reduced their connectivity, as many migratory species are no longer linked to the Black Sea. Thus, once all bluefin tuna was fished and migration stopped, it had a domino effect on other species, such as porbeagle sharks, of which there have not been any sightings for several decades. Similarly, until 1980, great white sharks were caught in association with migrating bluefin tuna, their prey. Due to the local extinction of bluefin tuna from the Sea of Marmara in the 1980s, this shark is also assumed to be locally extinct. The review shows that

the lack of a management plan has contributed to severe degradation of the Black Sea ecosystem, with a similar fate awaiting the Sea of Marmara, as both are intimately connected.

Overfishing and ecological extinction of species usually precede the collapse of ecosystems, as resilience has been reduced by simplification of food webs, said Daniel Pauly, co-author of the study and principal investigator of the Sea Around Us initiative at the University of British Columbia’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries. The overwhelming number of extirpated and commercially extinct species should be a call for ecosystem rehabilitation. It is not obvious that recovery is possible because the remaining populations are so small that the rebuilding potential is limited, but an attempt still ought to be made.

In Dr Pauly’s view, the protection from industrial fishing of the Bosphorus Strait that links the Black Sea with the Marmara Sea, and the Dardanelles Strait, which connects the Marmara Sea with the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, could be an effective preliminary conservation target as they are of utmost importance in delivering function to these two seas. The authors dedicate their study as a commemoration of the many lost species of the Black and Marmara Seas, and a warning call to prevent dozens of other species to join them. *Ulman Aylin, Zengin Mustafa, Demirel Nazli, Pauly Daniel, The Lost Fish of Turkey: A Recent History of Disappeared Species and Commercial Fishery Extinctions for the Turkish Marmara and Black Seas, Frontiers in Marine Science, Vol. 7, 2020

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Romania aids the aquaculture sector hit by COVID-19 Following the unprecedented outbreak of the coronavirus, the European Commission has taken swift action to protect the fisheries and aquaculture sectors from severe shocks by introducing specific measures, including amendments to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). Romania has followed up on the European Commission’s action to protect the fisheries and aquaculture sectors from these shocks by allocating €5 million of public support to compensate aquaculture companies for losses caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The Romanian government expects that more than 160 aquaculture farms that are affected by the coronavirus

will benefit from the support scheme. The farmers may use the support, which will amount to at least €15,000, to cover their temporary losses. This ensures that they can continue their activities mitigating shocks to the entire sector by avoiding downsizing measures and suspension of activities. Average income from farm sales over the last three years will be used to calculate the compensations.

The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has put the EU’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors under substantial pressure. Many fishermen and women, producers, and processors have been forced

Economic support to the aquaculture sector is expected to ease the consequences of losses caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

to suspend or severely reduce their activities. The closure of sales venues, markets, outlets,

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and distribution channels has resulted in a substantial drop in prices and volumes.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Another round of EU-UK Brexit negotiations under way For the eighth time, the parties must try to agree on how to act and cooperate with each other after the New Year, when the British finally leave the EU. Including, of course, how fishing should take place. In the last negotiations there was no progress, especially not in the area of fisheries, something crucial to many EU fishermen. And the situation is now escalating. Prior to the negotiations, Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, announced that if the parties do not reach a deal by mid-October, the UK will leave the negotiations without an agreement.

The British chief negotiator, David Frost, has also mentioned

the possibility of no deal. To the Mail on Sunday, he says the British will not budge on fishing. The EU requires access to British waters to conclude a free trade agreement, while the British say no and will negotiate from year to year. Mr Frost says that without an agreement, controls will be introduced in British waters. It is also rumored that the British are ready to override parts of the separation agreement they signed with the other EU countries last year.

According to EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, this is not a possibility. The UK must respect the agreement that they themselves have agreed upon. At the

Boris Johnson has threatened to leave the EU without a deal should negotiations not result in an agreement.

same time, he emphasises that there is still a long way to go if the agreement on the future relationship, including fishing, is to be finalised. It is a difficult negotiation, because the British want the best of both worlds - to export their goods to a market with 450 million

consumers, but on their own terms. We just want fair conditions, said Michel Barnier to the French radio station France Inter, according to Politico, a news site. The EU has announced that it is ready to extend the negotiations should the need arise.

Belgium: Re-evaluate the risk of parasites in aquaculture products The Aquaculture Advisory Council (AAC) has published a recommendation to the European Commission’s Directorate for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) on the revaluation of the risk assessment of parasites in farmed fish products. Both the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA)’s scientific opinion and the European Commission Regulation (CE/ 1276/ 2011) consider the risk of transmission of parasites to persons as insignificant. However, for farmed fish species other than Atlantic salmon, EFSA considers that monitoring is insufficient to conclude that farmed fish other than salmon do not represent a health hazard in relation to the presence of parasites.

Recent studies have shown the risk of parasitic worms in many farmed species is negligible and the Aquaculture Advisory Council therefore wants to exempt the mandatory freezing of these products prior to being consumed raw.

A recent study conducted by the EU Horizon2020-funded ParaFishControl project included surveys that did not find evidence of any parasitic worms in major EU farmed fish species including

gilthead sea bream, European sea bass, turbot, rainbow trout, and common carp. This finding suggests that the overall risk of parasite infection in these species is also negligible. Based on

these results, the AAC has asked for a re-evaluation of the riskassessment to confirm whether the risk of transmission of parasites to man by EU farmed fish is significant or negligible. If EFSA

considers the risk to be negligible, the EU legislation should extend the exemption from freezing products intended to be consumed raw or undercooked to all EU farmed fish products.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Thailand: Tuna prelude held online Having had to cancel the 2020 World Tuna Conference due to the coronavirus outbreak, INFOFISH, the organisation behind the conference, together with its partners, is working towards organising next year’s event safely amidst the current global challenges.

TUNA 2021 is expected to be held on 19-21 May, 2021 in Bangkok.

In the meantime, and in recognition of the fact that there is continued strong interest from the industry for updates and information on the global tuna industry, INFOFISH will hold a curtain-raiser to TUNA 2021 through an international virtual prelude on 14 of October 2020.

With the theme Sustainability, Technological Innovation and Marketing: Drivers amidst COVID-19, the programme has

been crafted to address key issues in the industry including production, markets/trade, market access, sustainability and innovation/artificial intelligence. To open the event Ambassador Peter Thomson, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, will deliver the opening address.

More than 500 participants from nearly 70 countries representing every aspect of the tuna fisheries sector are expected to be part of this virtual dialogue and internationally renowned experts from the industry will deliver valuable insights on the billion-dollar industry.

Programme and registration details are available at www.tuna.infofish. org

On 14 October 2020 INFOFISH will host a virtual event will discuss the impact of covid-19 on sustainability, technological innovation, and marketing in the tuna industry.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] US President Trump wants aquaculture boom, but environmentalists push back US President Donald Trump wants to radically expand aquaculture production to address the so-called seafood deficit - the fact that ninetenths of US seafood consumption comes from imports. The deficit neared $17 billion in 2017, according to a government report. In May this year an executive order was passed to improve fish farming regulations including provisions to expedite the development of offshore aquaculture, a sector that is in its infancy in the U.S. This order is currently being implemented with steps to simplify rules for fish farmers. But environmental groups say it threatens to increase pollution and over-development in the ocean at a time when many consumers aren’t buying seafood, ABC News reports.

Marianne Cufone, executive director of the Recirculating Farms Coalition, one of several environmental groups that oppose the move, says the government is trying to connect open-water aquaculture with the need for domestic food, which does not make sense. Hallie Templeton, senior oceans campaigner at Friends of the Earth, agrees saying the timing is completely off to grow the aquaculture sector.

Seafood is popular in restaurants, and the coronavirus pandemic

has caused many of these to close, at least temporarily. Seafood sales to restaurants fell 90 in the early weeks of the pandemic. The industry has since seen an infusion of the CARES Act money to help it recover, but the sector continues to struggle. In addition, she calls offshore aquaculture “floating factory farmsâ€? and said they are more likely to cause pollution in the marine environment than provide sustainable food.

And finally, a recent court ruling also dealt a blow to the prospects for offshore fish farming. A Court of Appeals said in a decision that federal law granting NOAA authority over fisheries does not also let the agency set rules for offshore fish farms. That verdict has set back aquaculture development in the Gulf of Mexico and has been praised by the many environmental groups. The aquaculture industry however remains hopeful that the president’s executive order can help pave the way for more fish farming, both nearshore and offshore. Paul Zajicek, executive director of the National Aquaculture Association, said the order is not about eliminating regulations but rather to remove barriers to obtaining aquaculture permits. Fishing groups have

Offshore aquaculture in the US was supposed to help reduce the ‘seafood trade deficit,’ but environmentalists, protestor and the courts are making it difficult.

also shown support for the order, saying it will help the industry

weather the current crisis and come back stronger.

The Association of Large Tuna Freezers (AGAC) in Spain has applied for its tropical tuna catch to be independently assessed against the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) standard. AGAC represents the interests of nine companies with 48 frozen tuna seiners based in Spain and elsewhere that catch up to 8 of the global harvest of tropical tunas - yellowfin, bigeye and skipjack

tuna sourced from the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The MSC standard comprises three core principles: healthy stocks, impact on the ecosystem and management practices. The assessment will be carried out

by Lloyds Register, an independent assessor, in the areas under the regional fishing management organisations, ICCAT, IATTC, WCPFC and IOTC.Â

Šagac.org

Spanish tuna association enters the full MSC assessment process

The Association of Large Tuna Freezers (AGAC) represents 48 purse seiners that net about 8% of the total catch of tuna from the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Italian study shows fish pots to be alternative to bottom-set nets Passive bottom-set nets are the most widely used fishing gears in Mediterranean small-scale fisheries (SSFs). Trammel nets, in particular, have key advantages such as their ease of use and handling and high capture efficiency for numerous commercial species. However, they entail high discard rates (5–44 of the total catch) associated with high mortality, thus exerting an adverse impact on benthic communities, besides catching individuals of commercial species under the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) and of protected species. Fish pots are seen as alternative and a more sustainable gear type that will allow discards to be reduced in SSFs.

A study at three coastal sites in the north-western Adriatic Sea (GFCM GSA 17) off the Italian coast, tested a collapsible pot to compare its catch efficiency with that of traditional trammel nets. Data analysis demonstrated a similar catch efficiency for the commercial species, both among sites and as a whole. Moreover, the trammel nets caught a larger volume of discards, both in terms of species number and of catch per unit effort. The catch comparison study involved the two most abundant landed species, the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) and the annular sea bream (Diplodus annularis). Using the pots proved more effective for

cuttlefish catches, whereas the trammel net was more effective for the shorter length classes of sea bream, which were mostly under the MCRS of 12 cm. The innovative pots could provide a real alternative to the trammel nets traditionally used in the Adriatic Sea, at least in certain areas and periods. Their main advantages include that they do not require a different rigging and they can be used without bait, while their foldable design allows large numbers to be easily stored on board SSF vessels. The results of this pilot study indicate that pots can achieve the objectives of reducing discards and bycatch in SSFs without reducing the catch of

A pilot study has shown that the use of pot nets in small scale fisheries can reduce discards and by-catch without affecting the catch. It also proved more effective at catching cuttlefish, one of the most abundantly landed species in the area.

commercial species. The full study can be found at https:// peerj.com/articles/9287/

Seafloor topography of the world now available for free Bathymetry is the study of the depths and shapes of the seafloor. Accurate bathymetric data is the foundation for much of ocean science and policy. For example, nautical charts are based on these data to ensure safe ship navigation, and bathymetric maps allow scientists to develop more accurate models to investigate the effects of climate change on the environment. EMODnet’s new World Base Layer Service (EBWBL) provides fast and easy access to worldwide bathymetric information, enabling users of marine knowledge including industry, scientists, coastal managers, students and the general public, to access high-resolution representations of seabed features from their own computers. EBWBL provides the highest resolved topographic and bathymetric worldwide layout currently available with land and sea integration matching the

OpenStreetMap coastline representation. This new service is freely accessible from the EMODnet Bathymetry portal (https://tiles.emodnet-bathymetry.eu/), for integrating into the user’s favourite application, along with guidance documentation and a demo viewer to zoom in on every detail. It is available in various projections, e.g., non-projected coordinate system, Web Mercator, Inspire compliant projection and projections adapted to both poles.

The new EMODnet Bathymetry World Base Layer Service is a real breakthrough in the provision of open-access global ocean information for all types of users—from industry to the general public, and from scientists to marine spatial planners.

It highlights EMODnet’s contribution and leading role in the global ocean observation landscape, said Iain Shepherd, Senior Policy Officer, EC DG MARE.

EMODnet's new service makes bathymetric data freely accessible to users.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Rapa whelk survey in the Black Sea Tahsin Ceylan

Initially considered a marine pest, rapa whelk from the Black Sea is now exported globally and represents multi-million euro revenues for the region’s riparian countries. As it is currently fished close to its sustainable limit, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine have joined forces to launch a comprehensive survey of the species in the Black Sea. Under the framework of the General Fisheries Commission of the Mediterranean (GFCM) and the BlackSea4Fish project, this survey will mark the first step towards the rational management of this important resource for the region. After completing over 300 hauls, the survey will provide an estimate of the distribution, abundance, size and age structure of the rapa whelk population in the Black Sea. Rapa whelk (Rapana venosa), originally from the western Pacific, appeared in the Black Sea for the first time in 1946 in Novorossiysk Bay (Russia), one of the sea’s busiest commercial areas, where it is thought to have been transported via biofouling. Over the following decades, while other benthic species suffered from a deterioration in ecological conditions in the region, the rapa whelk population continued to prosper thanks to its high fecundity and broad tolerance for different salinities, water pollution and oxygen deficiency. Its predatory nature, a lack of competition from other predatory gastropods, and an abundance of potential prey species have further contributed to its successful establishment in the Black Sea. In parallel with the expansion of rapa whelk,

The rapa whelk feeds on mussels and other molluscs and was seen as a marine pest before it became an important export to markets in Asia.

sharp declines were noted in other commercial mollusc species on which rapa whelk feeds, e.g. oysters, scallops, clams, and mussels. Since the early 1980s, a profitable market for the species has emerged in the Far East, with South Korea, Japan and, China paying high prices for frozen and processed rapa whelk meat.

In 2018, GFCM assessments revealed that rapa whelk is now being harvested close to maximum sustainable yield (MSY).

This situation is a remarkable example of the challenges in the management of non-indigenous species (NIS): should the biomass of the species be kept as

low as possible to reduce the damage to the ecosystem, or should it be kept at a level that can achieve maximum sustainable yield from an economically important resource? In order to gain more information on the species, a research programme was established through a GFCM recommendation, explains the coordinator of the BlackSea4Fish project, Nazli Demirel. In response to this, for the first time in the Black Sea, countries have been collaborating closely to establish a common protocol to conduct a comprehensive scientific survey-at-sea that will allow a holistic management of rapa whelk in the region. The Central

Fisheries Research Institute (SUMAE) of the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will be the first of six institutions to conduct the survey, which started on 31 August 2020. It will be followed by the Institute of Fish Resources (IFR), National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa� (NIMRD), National Environmental Agency (NEA) under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Ukraine, and Istanbul University (Turkey).

These surveys will then be conducted twice a year in order to understand the variations of this resource over time (annual and seasonal) and space.

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[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] Mussel farming’s positive effect on marine environment means Denmark should implement documented ways to improve the marine environment, and includes detailed recommendations for implementation, according to Brian Thomsen, Director, Danish Aquaculture.

The report was commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment and Food and was to form the basis for a political decision on the use of different methods to improve marine environments. However, the Minister of the Environment, Lea Wermelin, has disclosed that the Danish Environmental Protection Agency plans to carry out yet another project on these methods, after which an assessment will determine whether the methods should be included in water basin management plans for 2021 to 2027.

We do not see a need for another project to confirm the potential of mussel farming as an effective method to

improve the marine environment. We assess that the effect of mussel farming is biologically and technically well-documented, says Mr Thomsen.

There is, however, a need to develop a management model, including a model for paying for ecosystem services. We also see a need for mapping locations that will be suitable for farming mussels. Proper placement of breeding facilities is crucial to ensure the desired effect and reduce the negative effects of increased sedimentation under the facilities. Relevant stakeholders should be involved in the planning process so that the visual effects of the facilities are also taken into account. Danish aquaculture is happy to participate in the work, offers Mr Thomsen, and we call on the Minister of the Environment

The positive effects of mussel farming are well-documented so there is no need for additional postponing its implementation, according to Brian Thomsen, Danish Aquaculture.

to summon relevant parties for a discussion on how to best realise the potential of mussel farming.

Pushing Boundaries®

Mussels feed by filtering particles from the water, thereby removing nutrients from the aquatic environment and making the water clearer.

Mussel farming can therefore be used as a marine tool in areas where there is a special need to improve the marine environment. At the same time mussels are healthy, tasty, and sustainable with a very low climatic footprint, and neither feed nor medicine is used in mussel farming. In addition, mussels can be processed and used as feed ingredients for organic livestock farming, which can, for instance, replace imported soy. Mussel farming can also create new jobs in rural areas. A report by the Danish Centre for Environment and Energy at Aarhus University from April 2020 has stated that mussel farming is among the best

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05/10/20 9:53 PM

[ INTERNATIONAL NEWS ] UK’s Tesco will cease sourcing yellowďŹ n tuna if a recovery plan is not adopted The UK supermarket chain Tesco has pledged to stop buying yellowfin tuna for its own brand from the Indian Ocean, if a credible and effective recovery plan to rebuild the population within two generations is not agreed upon. The yellowfin tuna is currently sold as frozen or chilled steaks under its own brand while skipjack is sold in cans and sandwiches. Tuna presents one of the biggest challenges in terms of sustainability. As a highly migratory species, tuna cross the high seas and enter many different countries’ jurisdictions. This makes the management of the species difficult, with a need for international cooperation and

agreements. A fifth of the global tuna supply is sourced from the Indian Ocean, which is under the responsibility of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) regional fisheries management organisation. The yellowfin tuna stock is not being managed successfully due to the mix of coastal states and distant water fishing nations failing to adopt catch reduction measures proposed by the IOTC’s scientists. These catch reductions would help the stock recover from its current overfished status, according to Tesco. Last year the retailer froze its purchase volumes of tuna and billfish from the Indian Ocean and has advocated for

Tesco is using its purchasing power to secure a recovery plan for Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna.

change both individually and as part of the Global Tuna Alliance, an independent group of retailers and suppliers committed to improving tuna sustainability and human rights in tuna

fisheries. Tesco joined NGOs and other retailers to call for the catch reductions recommended by the IOTC’s scientists to be put in place and for a commitment to an effective rebuilding plan.

Ban on cod ďŹ shing in Poland affects more than just ďŹ shers The ban on fishing cod in the Baltic is affecting more than just cod fishers, Euronews reports. A processing facility in KoĹ‚obrzeg, Poland, built with EU support, was processing 1,500 tonnes of cod per year, but now has to import cod from Norway and is operating at a fraction of its capacity. The number of workers has been reduced from 75 to 43.

Chairman of the KoĹ‚obrzeg Fishermen Association, BartĹ‚omiej GosĚ ciniak fears that by the time things return to normal, there will no longer be any workers able to process Baltic cod. With distribution chains broken, sales of products will be impossible.

Small shipyards that service the fishing fleet will shut down and as if that is not enough, they cannot seek compensation for their losses and feel abandoned by the government. Marek CiesĚ lak, co-owner of the ParseË›ta shipyard, is scathing: “I am simply disgusted by this whole situation. We are a fishing shipyard exclusively dedicated to serving

fishermen, but we have been denied any aid, and since we are a small group, not a big community, we cannot manage to make ourselves heard.�

Fishermen targeting other species were also hit as by-catches of cod were banned until September, so vessels targeting other Baltic species like flatfish or sprat could not go out to sea either. Although herring can be targeted, the lower catch volumes because of the by-catch ban make it unprofitable. Scientific research indicates an urgent need to rebuild Baltic cod stocks before the species becomes extinct, and to prevent further damage to the marine environment. And although many factors are at play, like oxygen depletion, pollution, warming of the sea, high numbers of seals, fishing pressure is the only factor that can be effectively controlled, so scientists have advised continuing restrictions.

Eastern Baltic cod landings have been reduced sustantially, a development that is threatening the livelihood of more than just cod fishers.

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04_News_INT.indd 14

05/10/20 9:53 PM

[ AQUACULTURE ] Water of drinkable quality is becoming increasingly scarce

Aquaculture must reduce its water consumption It is now over 200 years since the water carrier in Luigi Cherubini’s opera expressed for the ďŹ rst time that without water our world would be an ‘empty barrel’. But this has in the meantime become a serious problem. Climate change is increasing the pressure to use water even more sparingly. This affects aquaculture in particular for almost two-thirds of global output are currently produced in fresh water.

V

iewed from space Earth really is a blue planet: more than two thirds of its surface are covered by water.

The oceans’ huge dimensions should not, however, hide the fact that the amount of drinkable freshwater is in comparison negligible, or that most of this quantity is still held in the ice of the

glaciers and polar caps. Rivers, lakes and groundwater together account for only 0.032 per cent of the total global water volume!

And: this limited resource is not only needed for drinking, cooking and hygiene purposes but also during agricultural and industrial production processes. If the requirements of all sectors

are added together to form “virtual water consumption� every European uses an average of at least 4,000 litres of water – every day.

The global average “water footprint� per capita and year is 1,240 cubic metres although, as is to be expected, there are large

differences between the different regions of the world and, indeed, often even between comparable industrialized nations. While water consumption in Germany averages 1,545 cubic metres per capita and year (which corresponds to more than 10,000 bathtubs full) it is about twice as high in the USA. Even very water-rich

05_AQUACULTURE (AQ).indd 15

02/10/20 2:43 PM

[ AQUACULTURE ] nations such as Brazil can have problems with water supply in some regions, especially since the available drinking water resources are often polluted with pesticides and other contaminants. There is thus an urgent need to save water worldwide.

The pressure to use water-saving technologies also affects aquaculture, which accounts for a growing share of high-quality animal protein supply to mankind. According to the FAO, 82.1 million tonnes of fish, shellfish and crustaceans were produced worldwide in aquaculture in 2018. 51.3 million tonnes of this total were produced in freshwater and only 30.8 million tonnes in brackish water and marine environments. Although this imbalance has long been known and criticised the share of production in inland waters has actually increased over the last thirty years. From 1986 to 1995 an average of 57.7 of production was produced in freshwater, and today this figure is almost five percentage points higher. Although advances in engineering and technology would easily allow more fish to be produced in brackish and marine waters inland aquaculture is tending to boom because it is more accessible and cheaper. Until this changes fundamentally strict regulations will have to be in place to ensure that the natural aquatic resources of inland waters are used as sparingly and sustainably as possible.

Nutrient input to water bodies is a problem A major source of water pollution from aquaculture is inputs of nitrogen compounds, especially nitrates. Nitrogen is an important nutrient for all living beings but too much nitrogen places a burden on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

‘Blue’ water is the term used for the part of virtual water consumption that evaporates from artificial water reservoirs or is used for irrigation. Worldwide, already 40 to 50% of blue water is used, mainly for agriculture.

Excessive nitrate input to surface waters (eutrophication) can lead to mass reproduction of algae and cause fish mortality. Nitrate is just as harmful in groundwater. If drinking water is obtained from groundwater nitrate has to be removed during treatment at great expense. Otherwise there is a risk that it will be converted in the human body into potentially harmful substances such as nitrite and nitrosamines.

The actual water requirements of aquaculture facilities vary depending on their location and the production method used.

Most aquaculture is carried out in pond or flow-through systems but also partially in open net enclosures and closed systems, some of which make use of integrated water purification technologies. The water comes from a variety of sources, but mainly surface waters such as rivers and canals or precipitation. In many

places groundwater is pumped to the surface, but it often requires extensive treatment before it can be used because its quality does not meet the requirements of aquaculture. High iron, sulphur and CO2 levels, in particular, cause problems. Water withdrawal from running waters, or temporary storage in fish ponds, affects the water balance of natural waters and can have an effect on their ecosystems as well as on other economic usage forms.

Evaporation and seepage lead to water loss In the context of aquaculture, the term “water consumption� is not very appropriate because, strictly speaking, the water is not “consumed� but only used temporarily as a habitat and medium for the fish. Although contamination of the water with organic and inorganic nutrients could be

significantly reduced by regular water exchange many operators go to great effort to save water and reduce water pollution. However, as a farm’s water requirements decrease, the technical effort and energy costs increase to the same extent. Compared to agricultural production, aquaculture is a very water-efficient method of producing animal protein. Nevertheless, some water loss is unavoidable.

With every tonne of fish harvested about 760 litres of water are removed from the system. And indirect losses due to evaporation and seepage of water in the soil, as well as the amount of water needed to produce the fish feed, have to be added to this sum.

Evaporation losses depend on the pond surface and temperatures, wind movement and the topographical conditions of the terrain. In extreme cases they can be as high as 6.3 mm per day which corresponds to daily losses of 63 cubic metres per hectare of pond

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02/10/20 2:43 PM

[ AQUACULTURE ]

The regulations for aquaculture operations are often so strict that the outflowing water is cleaned at great expense before it leaves the plant again.

surface. Water losses through seepage are mainly determined by soil properties, with clay soils performing much better than silt and sandy ground. Concrete or foil linings reduce seepage losses from ponds but they are comparatively expensive, which probably makes such effort more appropriate in small ponds.

Water consumption in aquaculture can already be reduced through site selection. Hilly terrain and dense tree population reduce evaporation losses due to sun and wind. However, the trees must not be too close to the water, otherwise their roots will absorb additional water and evapotranspiration will occur.

This also applies to reed and cane growth in the shore area. On the one hand, reed belts are helpful and useful because they shade the water and thus reduce evaporation and also provide fish and water birds with ecologically valuable habitats. On the other hand,

vegetation increases water loss through transpiration and makes many pond management tasks more difficult and so must always be kept short to prevent the ponds from becoming overgrown.

Another way to limit evaporation losses is to deepen the culture ponds which changes the ratio of the surface area to the pond volume. On average, ponds are about 1 to 1.5 metres deep. Due to the low water level the ponds warm up more quickly in spring which prolongs the growth period of the fish kept there. However, if the pond is deepened there is a risk that stable stratifications will form in the water in summer and that oxygen will be lacking below a thermocline at the bottom. This situation is particularly likely to occur under arid climatic conditions and in regions with rare rainfall. This means that ponds there must be somewhat deeper so that there is enough water available for the fish to survive in the

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05_AQUACULTURE (AQ).indd 17

dry, highly evaporative period. In order to limit evaporation losses farm operators sometimes try to cover the surface of smaller ponds with mats or films made of floating materials such as polystyrene, plastic or lightweight concrete.

This can limit evaporation by 80 to 90 per cent but it has some disadvantages. The lack of evaporation heats up the water considerably, which can damage sensitive water organisms and also reduce the oxygen concentration. If the cover does not allow much light to pass through, photosynthesis in the aquatic plants is correspondingly weaker and this further increases the lack of oxygen in the water.

The same effect can also be the result of algae blooms in the pond which mainly occur in nutrientrich water. The microalgae absorb sunlight, which heats up the water and increases evaporation.

.BHB[JOF

02/10/20 2:43 PM

[ AQUACULTURE ]

Paddlewheels not only introduce oxygen into the ponds but also keep the water in motion, thus preventing thermal stratification in the water column.

For this reason alone, many aquaculture companies try to remove the nutrients produced as effectively as possible from the water, especially nitrogen compounds.

Within the framework of the EUfunded DeammRecirc project, African and European partners are, for example, developing new water purification technologies in order to be able to reuse the water on fish farms and reduce the costs of recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS). The project participants have adapted a “deammonification� technology from general wastewater treatment to the special needs of RAS aquaculture and in this way convert environmentally harmful nitrates into harmless nitrogen gas that is released into the atmosphere.

Closed recirculation systems reduce water requirements A significant item in the water balance of aquaculture is the production of the formulated feed. The substitution of marine animal raw

materials (fishmeal and fish oil) by vegetable raw materials from agriculture has further increased indirect water consumption in aquaculture. Fish or crustaceans require less than 2 kg of cereal concentrate to achieve one kilogram of growth, making them the most efficient animal products in terms of indirect water consumption. Nevertheless, water consumption remains high since about 1.2 m3 of water are needed worldwide to produce 1 kg of grain for animal feed.

One way to reduce the relative water consumption per kg of product is to intensify aquaculture production. This development culminates in closed recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Within such systems the water is treated again and again for repeated use and so – with the exception of the indirect water requirement for feed – this is the most promising approach to the economical use of fresh water.

Many experts believe that intensive aquaculture in general and

RAS in particular have the greatest growth potential of all landbased aquaculture methods in terms of productivity, controllability and efficiency. It would be even more advantageous to shift aquaculture more towards the marine sector, especially to offshore locations because (compared to freshwater) seawater is available in sufficient quantities and many problems that can only be solved at high cost on land can be almost neglected in the sea.

Nutrient inputs which are critical in rivers and lakes hardly cause any problems in offshore farms, already because of the high dilution.

The water-saving technologies of closed systems are already used to varying degrees in pond management. An example of this can be found in Danish trout farms which are now almost always operated with partial recirculation systems and this has reduced water requirements significantly.

The high fish densities typical of all recirculating systems present

fish farmers with special challenges. The systems must guarantee sufficient oxygen supply for both the fish and the aerobic processes involved in water treatment (nitrification) and they must ensure that the ammonia/ ammonium compounds excreted by the fish do not exceed critical levels and are rapidly converted into non-toxic or less toxic substances. In addition to RAS as the “archetype� of water-saving production technologies, systems derived from RAS are also gaining in importance today with integrated multitrophic aquacultures (IMTA) and aquaponics systems.

With these systems, an attempt is made to go beyond the water-saving approach and to make good use of the nutrients produced.

Integrated aquaculture systems offer certain advantages In IMTA, production species of different trophic levels are combined with each other in order to use nutrients several times.

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02/10/20 2:43 PM

05_AQUACULTURE (AQ).indd 19

02/10/20 2:43 PM

[ AQUACULTURE ]

Closed recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are particularly water-saving because the water is cleaned and reused in a complex process.

Typical examples of these systems are fish farms surrounded by cultures with detritivorous and filtering species such as crabs and mussels which feed on the particulate organic substances that are found in food residues and fish excrements. Algae cultures are used to remove the dissolved inorganic compounds (nitrates) from the water and convert them into biomass. The attempt to partially bind the nutrients emitted from fish production, to reduce environmental pollution and to produce additional food is ecologically shrewd but, from an economic point of view, certainly controversial. This also applies to aquaponics facilities in which the dissolved nutrients excreted by the fish serve as fertiliser for plants.

The combination of fish and plant production enables more nutrient-efficient fish and vegetable production but there are doubts

as to whether this integration is actually more worthwhile than separate production that can be much more specifically targeted to the different needs of the target organisms. The water-saving effect of the plants is undisputed, however. In condensation traps even the water vapour transpiring from the leaves of plants can condense and be reused for aquaculture.

In the “Tomato Fish� project, for example, scientists from the Berlin Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries have developed an aquaponics system that uses just 220 litres of water to produce 1 kg of fish and 1.6 kg of tomatoes. With conventional production systems, a good 600 to 1,000 litres of water would be needed to produce the same quantities.

Basically, the idea of combining the production of organisms of

different trophic levels is not new.

Such integrated methods based on resource-efficient nutrient cycles have been used in Southeast Asia for several centuries. Integrated agrarian aquacultures (IAA) combine plant production in fields and gardens with agricultural animal husbandry and pond aquacultures. In many places IAA even represent an important livelihood for poorer populations because they guarantee regional food supply. However, under the conditions of a globalised world, climate change, limited water availability and growing dependence on industrially produced aquafeed traditional integrated systems will have to be permanently developed and adapted to the growing challenges. Water-saving production systems are an indispensable prerequisite for future economic success. This affects feed manufacturers, in particular,

since the industy’s dependence on high-quality feed will continue to increase in the future. Although alternative raw materials such as microalgae and seaweed, single cell proteins, insect meal, mussels, and waste from food processing are being used increasingly, the growing demand for aquafeed alone is likely to increase water requirements.

The effects of climate change on aquaculture are already apparent and will continue to increase in the future, as will the pressure to reduce water consumption even further and make aquaculture production more resilient and at the same time less dependent on climatic influences. The timely implementation of water-saving technologies could thus prove to be an important strategy for adapting to the expected climate changes. mk

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02/10/20 2:43 PM

LATVIA

Pandemic boosts demand for Latvian fisheries products

Canning sector sees coronainduced spike in trade As in other countries the pandemic’s impact on the hotel, restaurant, and catering sector was brutal. Producers of canned fish products, an important part of the Latvian processing industry, however experienced an uptick in demand as consumers took to stockpiling shelf stable goods and those with long expiry dates in the early days of the virus’ spread.

T

he canning sector forms an important part of the Latvian fish processing sector with a tradition that goes back over a century. Today there are a handful of large companies that are the main producers and exporters of canned products down from some 20 firms a couple of decades ago. These companies belong to the Union of Latvian Fish Processing Industry, an association that decides the criteria behind the label Riga sprats in oil, which the companies use to market their canned sprats. The raw material for this well-known product, exports of which go around the world, comes from the Baltic Sea. The canning industry faced a crisis in 2015 when Russia embargoed canned products from Latvia. Since Russia was the single most important market for several producers this development contributed to the restructuring and consolidation among canned fish producers. Since then canneries

have expanded their export markets mainly to the EU, but also to other countries such as Canada, Japan, and the US. Processing facilities are certified to EU standards, but also to other international standards such as International Featured Standards (IFS), British Retail Consortium (BRC), or GOST (for Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries). Cans account for only part of the output from the processing sector, other products include smoked, salted, and preserved fish. According to the 2019 STECF report on the EU fish processing sector, Latvian processors are active importers and exporters of fish and seafood. Data from the Central Statistics Bureau of Latvia show that exports of processed fish products increased steadily in value from 2016 to reach EUR93m in 2019, a growth of 42 over the period, while volumes increased by 17.On the other hand, the export value of fresh, chilled or frozen fish declined

11 to EUR73m. Raw materials, other than those available from Latvia’s Baltic Sea catches, are supplied by other countries. Imports of chilled or frozen fish between 2016 and 2019 increased 2 in value to EUR128m, while the volume actually fell 4 to 64,000 tonnes. The main trading partners for supply of

raw material are Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania and Poland.

Covid-19 induced restrictions spur demand for canned products The canning industry has been one of the few sectors to benefit from

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Using the GGN label printed on the product packaging, consumers can learn more about the farms that have produced the GLOBALG.A.P. certified products at www.ggn.org – the portal for certified aquaculture.

For more information, visit www.ggn.org.

Latvian import and export of fish products, million euro 2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Fish products, including canned fish export

174

192

206

226

212

Fish products, including canned fish import

145

170

166

169

176

CONTACT

Latvian fish products trade balance

29

22

40

57

35

info@ggn.org T +49221 5777 76-0

Source: Ministry of Agriculture

06_LATVIA (LV).indd 21

07/10/20 8:24 PM

LATVIA

Latvian fishing fleet

2017

Fleet segment

Total

Tonnage, GT

2018 Capacity, kW

Total

Tonnage, GT

2019 Capacity, kW

Total

Tonnage, GT

Capacity, kW

Fishing fleet in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga:

55

6,218

17,067

55

6218

17067

51

5943

16145

Of which, trawlers 12-24 m

11

331

2,091

11

331

2091

9

277

1764

trawlers > 24 m

42

5,736

14,535

42

5736

14535

40

5515

13940

vessels using net as main gear > 24 m

2

151

441

2

151

441

2

151

441

609

734

4,460

607

735

4387

605

744

4418

11

20,440

26,115

9

15364

20085

5

9374

12364

675

27,392

47,642

671

22317

41539

661

16061

32927

Fishing fleet in coastal area High seas Total

Source: Ministry of Agriculture

the pandemic. In the early days of the virus’ spread across the world, consumers, fearing the worst, stocked up on shelf-stable products including canned fish. Export markets did not close, says Normunds Riekstins, Director, Fisheries Department in the Ministry of Agriculture, as even during a crisis people have to eat and while there was a slowdown in parts of the sector, the canneries have seen higher demand for their products.

The FAO has noted that supply of fresh fish has been disrupted by restrictions on capture and farmed production and on distribution, for a variety of reasons directly and indirectly related to covid19. The lack of fresh fish may also have contributed to the popularity of canned products. In addition, processors supplying countries

in the former Soviet Union benefited from the image of canned products as foods associated with times of hardship, according to an executive from a leading canned fish producer. Didzis Smits, the head of the Union of Latvian Fish Processing Industry, says that the canned fish industry had a “good� crisis in comparison to the Horeca (hotels, restaurant, catering) sector. Among the challenges faced by hotels and restaurants with regard to the supply of fish was the restriction on movements that both prevented customers from visiting restaurants and hindered the distribution of fresh fish. This combined with the constraints on fishing for Eastern Baltic cod (closure of the targeted fishery) created a difficult set of circumstances for vessel-owners.

Number of vessels in the offshore fleet falls further The Latvian fishing fleet is broadly divided into three segments, the coastal fleet which comprises vessels typically up to 10 m, vessels fishing in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga which vary in size from 12 m to 40 m.

Generally speaking, within this group the larger vessels (24 to 40 m) are active in the Baltic Sea while the smaller ones fish in the Gulf of Riga. Finally, there is the high seas fleet composed of the largest vessels in the entire fleet.

These are usually 40 m and above and are active in the Barents Sea as well as off the coasts of Mauritania and Morocco in west Africa. While vessels numbers have remained more or less

stable within the coastal segment at just over 600 of which only about 200 are used in commercial fishing, in the other two segments the number has declined—by nearly a fifth in the case of the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga fleet from 63 vessels in 2015 to 51 in 2019, and from 11 to 5 in the high seas fleet over the same period.

The offshore Latvian fleet active in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga has seen a degree of consolidation over the last years as companies have merged or been taken over by others. This trend is likely to continue, says Viesturs Ulis, Chairman of the Board, National Fishermen’s Producer Organisation, an organisation that represents the 12 largest fishing companies in Latvia. Merging fishing

Latvian quotas in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, tonnes

Normunds Riekstins, Director, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture

Year

Herring

Sprat

Cod

Salmon*

2010

23,095

52,565

5,018

38,783

2011

22,569

39,949

5,715

32,965

2012

18,630

31,160

6,564

16,153

2013

18,956

34,583

5,983

14,335

2014

22,650

32,080

6,745

9,049

2015

25,404

29,548

4,967

12,644

2016

23,712

27,990

3,973

12,644

2017

22,023

36,107

2838

12,644

2018

21,966

36,289

2,627

12,012

2019

21,431

37,460

2,404

12,012

2020

22,792

29,073

308

11,411

2021â€

23,935

29,073

174

12,455

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, *individuals, †proposed

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06_LATVIA (LV).indd 22

07/10/20 8:24 PM

LATVIA

Catches in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga, tonnes 2017 Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga

Coastal area

Total

63882

3499

Cod

2388

Salmon (pieces/t)

0

2018 Total 67381

2019

Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga

Coastal area

Total

Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga

Coastal area

Total

66180

4251

70431

66451

3221

69673

35

2423

1210

42

1251

212

47

1171/3

1171/3

655/2

2182/6

2837/8

2016/7

1106/4

260

1863

24762

24366

2522

26888

23455

2146

25602

3122/11

Baltic herring

22899

Sprat

35774

3

35777

37099

1

37100

38710

1

38711

Flounder

1162

417

1579

1066

260

1326

643

150

793

Smelt

1079

143

1222

1962

110

2072

2923

71

2994

Other species

580

1035

1615

475

1310

1786

501

802

1302

Source: Ministry of Agriculture

opportunities should lead to higher turnover, bigger income, and companies that are more economically viable. The Ministry of Agriculture is not against further consolidation in the offshore segment as it will contribute to a more efficient and profitable fleet. Besides, there is not yet any risk of one or two companies monopolising the quotas. Improved incomes may also contribute towards companies upgrading their fleets. This is sorely needed as the average age of a boat is 30 years and most owners are therefore reluctant even to invest in measures such as advanced safety features for which support is available. Support for new vessels is not considered at all as both the European Commission and some EU Member States are against it, says Mr Riekstins. Vessel owners must either approach commercial banks or fund the investment themselves, though there is a faint possibility that if a company gets support for scrapping its cod fishing vessel it may be able to invest it in improving its other vessels to fish for other species.

Collapse in cod quota suggests bleak future for cod-fishing vessels The Baltic fleet mainly comprises pelagic trawlers though until

06_LATVIA (LV).indd 23

recently a few vessels also targeted cod. With the collapse in eastern Baltic cod quotas by 87 in 2020 and a total closure of the targeted fishery (171 tonnes of by-catch quota for Latvia) prospects for the near and mid-term future look bleak. The European Commission’s proposal for 2021 slashes the eastern cod bycatch quota further to 51 tonnes. In turn, the fishing opportunities for western Baltic cod (137 tonnes for 2020) are not substantial enough to keep viable fishing operations for a number of companies. Fish stocks in the Baltic are no longer influenced only by fishing pressure, but also by marine pollution and climate change and the longterm sustainability of the Baltic is an imperative not a choice, Virginijus Sinkeviþius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, said when proposing the quotas. This negative development will have consequences for vessels in the Latvian fleet that depend on cod, as they have no other options to fish for. Didzis Smits, chairman of the Latvian Fisheries Association and a member of the Latvian parliament, is convinced that cod stocks are not going to revive for a long time. The approximately 10 vessels that are dependent on cod must be properly and rapidly compensated for the permanent closure of their business.

Redistributing pelagic quotas to cod fishermen is not an option because they are allocated based on historical rights and track records, therefore we do not want to make the situation worse for everybody, says Mr Riekstins. He

refers to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020 Programme, amendments to which are now under consideration that would allow for compensation for the scrapping of cod fishing vessels. These vessels have

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07/10/20 8:24 PM

LATVIA

already benefited from a national scheme that offers compensation for a temporary cessation of fishing activities in 2019, and which follow with a package of initiatives introduced to protect the stock.

The European Commission’s proposed measures which included a ban on fishing in the main distribution areas of the eastern Baltic cod in the second half of 2019, the closure of targeted fishery with a small by-catch TAC in 2020, and extension of the spawning closure period. The scrapping programme for this period in accordance with the fund Programme was closed at the end of 2017 but now may be reopened though only for cod fishing vessels, Mr Riekstins emphasises, and only for those that are really affected and purely targeted cod. If a fishing company goes out of business as a result, the quota will return to the state to be redistributed after the cod crisis comes to an end. A question And what happens to the scrapped capacity if the cod stocks improve faster? There may be a possibility that companies still in business after relinquishing their cod fishing capacity may regain it if the situation really improves, but the rules regarding this are still under consideration in the EU institutions, says Mr Riekstins.

Invasive black goby has become a useful resource for coastal fishermen The Latvian coastline is roughly 500 km long and the coastal fleet may fish up to a depth of 20 m, says Evalds Urtans, who leads the Latvian Fishermen’s Federation.

There are two types of coastal fishers, those who fish commercially to sell their catches on the market, and those who fish for self-subsistence. The commercial fishers number some 600 employed by

about 150 companies, while selfsubsistence fishers total roughly 2,000. This segment uses a variety of fishing gears including static nets, bottom hook-lines, traps and fyke nets and flounder seines and targets several species including, herring, round goby, flounder, cod and salmon. Of these, herring, cod, sprat, and salmon are regulated by quotas, while catches of other species are unrestricted.

The fishery is managed by limiting the number of gears that may be used. These limits are placed by the coastal municipalities in accordance with the relevant regulation which is based on the stock assessments and catch recommendations provided by BIOR, the National Institute for Food Safety, Animal Health, and the Environment. Catches in coastal waters over the past five years have averaged about 3,500 tonnes (in 2019 - 3,222 tonnes, of which herring 2,146 tonnes,, and round goby 618 tonnes,). A possible way to improve access to markets would be to have the coastal fisheries certified as sustainable, but, according to Mr Urtans, the volumes are too small to be of interest to proceed with such certification. The coastal fishery is facing challenges in the form of the poor status of cod stock which have reduced by-catch quotas for this species to virtually nothing. Quotas in the coastal fishery are calculated as a fraction of the national quotas, so when the latter rise and fall, they influence the coastal fisher quotas equally. The total coastal fisheries quota for all regulated fish species has averaged about 2,900 tonnes a year.

Another issue is that of dioxins in the Baltic Sea, which impacts in particular the longer-living, fatty fish such as salmon and large herring. Among the biggest immediate threats to the coastal fishery is the predation by seals, both in terms

of the damage done to fishing gear as well as the loss of catches. On the other hand, the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), a Black Sea region native which has invaded the Baltic, has proved to be a marketable species—though not locally. Instead, fishers export the frozen fish mainly to Ukraine.

Catches have increased from 26 tonnes in 2013 to a record 1,100 tonnes in 2018 before falling to 620 tonnes the following year. A minor amount is sold also on the local market fresh for consumption with some processed into cans and some going to fishmeal.

Round goby export opportunities are the exception as most species caught by the coastal fishery are sold on the domestic market. But there is interest among coastal fishers to add more value to round goby, according to Mr Urtans. He would like to see greater collaboration between coastal fishers in the form of direct sales and e-auctions, as well as more cooperation with Black Sea organisations to expand sales opportunities. Greater support from the state to better exploit the potential the fish has to offer is also desirable. Adding value to the catch would lead to higher incomes for the fishers and to increased tax revenues for the state.

Making the sector attractive for young people Although the number of coastal fishers has been stable the last five years the average age is creeping upwards as in other segments of the sector. Mr Riekstins says the government is interested in making it attractive for young people to join the sector. Many coastal fishing enterprises are family-run businesses so the next generation should be prepared to take over.

However, physically demanding work often in harsh conditions and a fluctuating income tend to

discourage young people. Moreover, working with outdated vessels and equipment clearly does not provide the right incentives.

Most coastal fishers manage from fishing in summer but need a second job in the fall and winter when bad weather often prevents them from going out to sea. In the next EMFF programming period (2021-27) some support for young coastal fishers will be considered, says Mr Riekstins, including educational programmes, consultancy services to assist new fishers, and help towards the acquisition of their first vessel. This generation has grown up glued to smartphones and internet facilities and we need to find ways they can exploit their welldeveloped technological and social skills to become successful fishermen. Developing innovative methods to process and sell value added fish that rely on these abilities may work as an incentive to join the sector, he muses. The administration will also support the transfer of ageing fishermen’s fishing business to the next generation so as to facilitate the entry of new blood into the segment.

Popularity of angling is linked to a well-developed administrative framework With over 100,000 recreational fishers (5.3 of the population), angling is a widespread pastime in Latvia. Although its direct impact on the economy is marginal, the social benefits of recreational fishing should not be underestimated.

It includes angling, crayfish catching, and underwater hunting and is regulated by the state. All anglers between the ages of 16 and 65, whether resident in Latvia or tourists, are expected to obtain fishing, crayfish catching and underwater hunting cards before they start

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fishing. These cards have a validity of one day, a month, a quarter or a year and cost between EUR1.5 and 14.25 depending on the duration. The longer-term cards can be purchased at gas stations, supermarkets, post offices etc. across the country, while the two shorter term cards can only be obtained online (manacope.lv, or though the app, Mana Cope). The different validities allow anglers to purchase a card that is appropriate for their expected time span of recreational activity. The number of cards issued has been increasing gradually over the years, suggesting the activity is increasing in popularity. The cards give a recreational fisher access to public and private lakes and rivers, however to fish in another waterbody, where licensed angling, or crayfish catching or underwater hunting is organized, an additional permit (license) is required.

The share of revenue from the cards and licenses as it is specified in the regulatory framework is transferred to the government’s Fish Fund for restocking and conservation purposes as well as for other activities related to sustainable use of fish resources. Pike, bream, perch, tench, and roach are present in most catches from lakes and water-bodies, while vimba, bream, and pike are the most caught fish in rivers. The catch composition depends on the season, the water-body, and the fishing gear. There are no restrictions on the types of gear an angler may use, however certain gears are limited by number and by the number of hooks. Angling is subject to detailed rules regarding the numbers and sizes of the different species they may be caught. The fisher is expected to gently and promptly return to the water fish that is not permitted to be retained. Compliance is monitored by the State Environmental Service, the Nature Conservation

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Agency (if the water is situated in specially protected nature territories), and the local administration. Inspectors patrol the waters and their shores regularly to check licences and catches and to ensure compliance with the rules. Owners of fishing rights and of water-bodies are also involved in the protection and control of use of fish stocks, while information about stocks and catches is gathered by BIOR, the National Institute for Food Safety, Animal Health and the Environment, through the data provided by the organisers of licensed angling activities. Outside the licensed angling sites the data on anglers’ catches are not collected directly, but regular questionnaires reveal that on average some 1,660 tonnes of fish are caught in public waters each year.

A sense of responsibility for the aquatic environment amongst children

exchange experiences, and can learn about obtaining support for projects, and the role of scientific institutions in inland water management. On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture the LLKC also surveys anglers to learn about challenges facing the sector, to identify solutions, and to collect feedback on the regulations governing their activities.

As in other countries, in Latvia too anglers and commercial inland fishers have an uneasy relationship. Each blames the other for poor catches, when in fact scientific studies have shown there is little difference between the two with regard to the exploitation of fish stocks. To maintain the peace the Ministry of Agriculture has instituted a consultative council, says Normunds Riekstins, that includes representatives from each of the stakeholders. The municipalities have an

important voice as they decide which activity is more important in their territory. Inland fishers in several areas play a significant role in the supply chain, providing fresh fish to towns and villages and offering the inhabitants an alternative offer to marine or farmed fish. For the Horeca and tourism sectors too inland fishers are an important source of fresh raw material. That said, Latvian commercial inland waters fish catches at 300 tonnes are relatively insignificant and municipalities are interested in attracting anglers as they generate more revenues from relevant rural tourism activities. Therefor there are several cases when local authorities approach the government to shut down or substantially reduce commercial fishing activities in waterbodies in their municipalities in favour of recreational fishers and tourists.

Responsible fishing is important for the sustainability of fish stocks, on which both anglers and commercial inland fishers depend. To this end the Latvian Rural Development and Consultation Centre (LLKC) organises public awareness and educational campaigns aimed at families, anglers’ organisations, and inland water-body managers to promote the sustainable exploitation of fish and crayfish stocks, explains Agnese Neimane-Jordane from the LLKC. The campaigns focus on the importance of nature, the role fish play in an ecosystem, their way of life, fishing regulations, and caring for the environment. To inculcate an interest in nature and its stewardship amongst the young, the LLKC makes a particular effort to include children in its outreach activities. The LLKC also arranges workshops for inland water-body managers where participants can

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National Fisheries Producer Organisation, Latvia’s biggest ďŹ sheries PO

Implementing an ambitious development plan The Latvian eet is organised into three producer organisations (PO), bodies responsible for the day-to-day management of the ďŹ sheries. The largest of these, the National Fisheries PO, comprises 12 members who represent the largest ďŹ shing companies in Latvia and a total quota of over 34,000 tonnes or some two thirds of the total national quota.

NFPO, the biggest producer organisation in Latvia, represents over half the vessels in the national fleet. Here, offshore fishing vessels in the port of Ventspils.

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he National Fisheries PO’s quota includes a herring quota which amounts to two thirds of the national allocation and a sprat quota which accounts for almost three fourths. Of the 52 vessels

currently in the national fleet, about half belong to the NFPO. The vessels are pelagic trawlers targeting sprat and herring in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga with a small bycatch of cod.

As cod quotas collapse, small pelagics fisheries earn sustainability certification Cod quotas in the NFPO amounted to about 20 of the

total Latvian quota of about 4,600 tonnes (the average of the decade to 2019). In 2020 however the quota collapsed to 308 tonnes and prospects of it improving in the future are remote. The European Commission’s proposal

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for 2021 recommends a quota of 174 tonnes. Viesturs Ulis, chairman of the board of the NFPO, says that the situation with the cod did not come as a surprise as quotas had been declining for years. This year the PO had concluded that there would be no quota because of the situation of the stock. Mr Ulis was involved in the MSC certification of the stock in 2015, an endorsement that was withdrawn less than a year later as the condition of the stock declined. While the state of the cod stock prevents it from being fished, herring and sprat fisheries in the Gulf of Riga won certification by the MSC earlier this year. The certification obliges the members of the PO to fish sustainably and will expand trade opportunities. In addition, the NFPO and BIOR, a national research institute, will soon release a corrective action plan to limit bycatches and discards.

Several projects implemented over recent years Apart from managing the fisheries NFPO activities include organising exhibitions and conferences participating in European meetings and working groups, and building and upgrading infrastructure for its members. In 2018, the PO built a new cold storage in the port of Ventspils, with a capacity of 8,000 tonnes of frozen products. The cold store meets the MSC chain of custody requirements and can therefore accommodate fish from certified stocks in the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. The following year saw the commissioning of a new fishmeal and fish oil factory with a capacity of 100 tonnes per day. In a normal year about 30 of the quota ends up as fishmeal, but this year, because of the pandemic, demand for canned fish increased and less

product goes to fishmeal factories.

While the number of fishmeal plants increases across the region (Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark, Finland and Sweden all boast factories, and even in Latvia another two exist already) Mr Ulis felt that the large share of the national quota that belonged to the PO made it worthwhile to invest in a captive fish meal plant. The other factories can no longer dictate the price to us when we have our own facility, he observes. Over this year and the next the PO will also invest in handling capacity in the form of about 2,000 isothermal boxes for the storage and transport of fish as part of an EMFF-supported EUR5m investment in fisheries.

Another project related to the fishmeal plant envisages the purchase of refrigerated trucks and trailers to maintain the quality of the fish as it travels from the vessels to the factory.

A network to press for quota stability, modern vessels At the same time, members of the PO face more intractable issues. Quotas are one—we need stability in the quota levels, says Mr Ulis, we cannot function optimally when quotas are increased 20 one year and then slashed by the same amount the next. The scientists need to work in closer collaboration with fishers if this is to change, he feels. Fishers can also contribute, for example, by providing accurate and reliable figures about bycatches. With an average age of 30 years Latvian fishing vessels desperately need upgrading, if not replacing, to reduce fuel consumption, improve the quality of the fish, and to make them safer and more seaworthy. To gather support for such measures Mr Ulis would like to see organisations

Viesturs Ulis, Chairman of the Board of the National Fisheries Producer Organisation, and Managing Director, Latvian Fisheries Association

such as his and others with an interest in this issue cooperate across Europe to push the powers-that-be into thinking strategically about the sector and its needs—particularly in light of the drastic cod quota cuts. The Latvian Minister of Agriculture also pointed to the need for urgent measure in a speech to his colleagues in the EU Council. The issue is one of financial support as commercial banks are reluctant to approve loans as they consider vessels too risky a proposition. In Latvia, Mr Ulis foresees a degree of consolidation in the fishing sector as bigger companies take over smaller ones leaving perhaps 3 or 4 large companies that will maintain a modern fleet, pay good wages, and fish sustainably.

National Fisheries Producer Organisation (NFPO) Chairman of the Board (and Managing Director, Latvian Fisheries Association): Viesturs Ulis Phone: +371 67570000 Mobile: +371 27888886 zv.flote@et.lv

Species targeted: MSC certified herring and sprat Fishing area: Baltic Sea, Gulf of Riga Total volume: 34,000 tonnes Facilities: Cold store, fishmeal and fish oil factory

No. of vessels: 26 Type: Pelagic trawlers

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According to the chairman, the coronavirus’ impact on the sector blends positive with negative.

On the one hand fishers enjoy higher prices from canned fish manufacturers as demand for cans has increased. On the other, the risk of contracting the disease increases when many people work together in a cold and wet environment and if one person falls ill the facility is closed. While this certainly affects the canning companies, the PO could also suffer as its over 100 employees work in similar conditions sorting and freezing the fish. However, as the hope that things will gradually return to normal becomes ever fainter, most realise that face masks, maintaining distance, and the risk of quarantine will not disappear in the foreseeable future.

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The round goby challenge in Latvia

Researchers help create a resource from an invader Research by scientists at the National Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health, and Environment (BIOR) identiďŹ ed the best season to target round goby, and led to the development of specialised ďŹ shing gear.

Exponential increase in abundance from 2011 In Latvia it was first found in 2004 when some specimens were caught near the Liepaja coast, in the southern part of Latvian waters. The species abundance has since increased, and it became a target species for coastal fisherman. According to Latvian commercial fishery logbooks, it was first recorded in 2006 when the total annual catch was 6.3 kg. The catch climbed gradually till 2011 but increased sharply thereafter—from less than 1 tonne in 2011 to over 1,100 tonnes in 2018.

By total landings, in recent years round goby is the second most fished species after herring in the Latvian coastal fishery. In all

likelihood, several factors contribute to this striking development—an increase in population size, market opportunities, and national fisheries policy.

In the Baltic Sea, there are no catch quotas or other limitations on the round goby fishery. Thus, all management activities depend on national legislation and initiatives. In the beginning, round goby in Latvia was mostly fished as bycatch in the herring trap net fishery. To effectively utilise the abundant round goby resource, several management activities have been implemented in Latvia including the definition of specialised fishing gears and terms of use to minimise the bycatch of non-target species.

Gillnet surveys lead to useful insights The results from scientific coastal gillnet surveys were analysed by the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment (BIOR). The analysis revealed that the best mesh size and fishing season for round goby was in spring (April-June) using nets with a 60-70Â mm (diagonal width) mesh. This information led to the start of a dedicated round goby fishery back in 2015. Additionally, in cooperation with local fishermen, the researchers tested the

E. Knospina

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he round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is a demersal benthivorous fish species of Ponto-Caspian (the region around the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and Sea of Azov), origin. Since its introduction via ship ballast water discharge in the early 1990s it has successfully spread in the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea, and today is considered one of the top invasive species. One of the highest round goby commercial landings in the Baltic Sea is observed currently in Latvian coastal waters.

The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is an invasive species in the Baltic Sea. Scientists from BIOR have helped to develop a commercially viable fishery for the invader.

effectiveness of fyke nets specialised for round goby fishing. As a result, a new fishing gear—the round goby fyke net—has been used in Latvia since 2018. Both gears in combination with the spatial and seasonal boundaries led to an increase in round goby fishing selectivity and significantly contributed to the record catch of 2018. Since then, landings have decreased and it seems the first wave of the invasion is over, but the main reason, however, is unclear. One the one hand, it can be related to the increased fishing effort, but on the other hand, it can also reflect changes in the ecosystem.

An invasive species that is both predator and prey Local studies in Latvia suggest that round goby distribution is related to depth and bottom substrate. The highest round goby densities with 1-3 fish per m2 were found at rocky and mixed substrate bottoms at depths ranging from 10 to 15 meters in the southern coastal regions. Round goby diet composition depends on the fish size and depth zone (habitat type). At all depths, the bivalves Mytilus spp. (blue mussels) and Limecola balthica are the preferred prey. The decreasing

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trend in blue mussel abundance observed after the round goby invasion of the southern Latvian coast also suggests that the fish could exert significant predation pressure on blue mussels.

Significantly lower blue mussel biomass is found at depth zones dominated by round goby.

Round goby by themselves have also become an important prey

item to piscivorous fish species such as cod and turbot. Cod in particular show better body condition in coastal regions where round goby dominates their diet. Nowadays, however, cod, as well as other piscivorous fish in the Baltic Sea, are few in number and, in most cases, humans or seals could replace them in a contest with such invaders.

Unfortunately, seals usually prefer other prey.

So far, one thing is clear—round goby has become a permanent resident in the Baltic Sea. It can significantly increase catches and profits in some coastal regions.

However, it should be borne in mind that fishermen are interested in this fishery only as long

as there are market opportunities, and currently these opportunities exist mainly outside the EU. Didzis Ustups National Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health, and Environment (BIOR) Tel.: 371 6761 2409 didzis.ustups@bior.lv www.bior.lv

Blue Circle starts farming Arctic char

Building a market from scratch Starting production of Arctic char at the end of last year, the Latvian company Blue Circle’s export markets vanished as lockdowns were put in place across Europe forcing the company to pivot towards its domestic market.

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he role of aquaculture in the production of fish has increased across the world— most spectacularly in Asia. While annual production from aquaculture jumped in each of the decades commencing 1986, 1996, and 2006, in the years 2017 and 2018 it slowed down significantly, mainly due to lower growth in China. Globally, since 2016 farmed seafood has contributed just over half the volume of fish for human consumption. In Europe, with the exception of Norway, growth in farmed seafood has not been as rapid as it has in other parts of the world, but efforts are being made to change this including by reducing bureaucracy, making support available, and by earmarking areas for fish farming. Farmed fish output in Europe accounts for about 17 of total European fish production, broadly in line with the ratio in Africa and the Americas.

A new farmed species is introduced In Latvia, farmed seafood stems entirely from inland

Lauris Apsis (left), managing director of Blue Circle, and his brother Helmuts Apsis, production manager

waters—there is currently no marine aquaculture. Fish are farmed in ponds, flow through systems, or recirculation aquaculture systems. Production from recirculation aquaculture is mostly rainbow trout and

sturgeons, but as of last year a company, Blue Circle, has added Arctic char to the list of species being farmed in Latvia.

The company was started by Lauris Apsis and his brother who,

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in December last year, finished construction of the farm, which Mr Apsis describes as the most modern recirculation aquaculture system in the Baltic States.

This was a big step forward from six years ago when the brothers &VSPlTI .BHB[JOF

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knew nothing about fish farming but had come in possession of a pond and were interested in doing something with it. After doing some research they concluded that farming carp did not offer the potential for growth and exports that they were looking for. Visits to tradeshows brought them in contact with a Finnish company that convinced them of the merits of recirculation systems - the low water consumption, limited environmental impact, and ability to produce all the year round insulated from seasonal variations in water temperature or daylight hours.

Sound reasons to produce char The decision to farm Arctic char was not an easy one as the fish is more or less unknown on the Latvian market. Mr Apsis himself, however, was familiar with the fish from angling expeditions in the Nordic countries. As he says, he found the fish attractive in appearance and tasty to eat. Moreover, the nutritional profile of the fish with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, calcium and vitamin D among other useful components was very healthful. In addition, chefs he contacted spoke glowingly about the fish calling it the “queen of salmonids�. After gathering this information about the species, the brothers decided to take the plunge, arguing that the benefits outweighed the disadvantages that come with introducing a new species on to the market.

In the beginning people were sceptical when they saw the fish. Customers were familiar with salmon and with rainbow trout, but this was somewhere in between. Even the colour of the flesh prompted some to ask whether it was a ‘red’ or a white fish.

As fresh as it gets In general, if consumers tasted the fish, they were very happy with it, says Mr Apsis, who has sold fairly large volumes to private customers on the local market and has only had positive feedback—clients who claim their kids have started eating fish, or others who compare Arctic char favourably with salmon and rainbow trout.

Part of their satisfaction can be attributed to the freshness of the product and the rapid delivery time. Currently, Blue Circle collects the orders and then harvests, guts, and delivers twice a week, so the customer gets his consignment almost the next day. But the target is to deliver within 24 hours, not only within Latvia but also abroad. At approximately EUR10/kg the fish is more expensive than rainbow trout or salmon, but delivery to Riga, the company’s biggest market, is free. In addition, the idea is to maintain a steady price all the year around rather than charging one price in the summer and then increasing it in the Christmas season when demand for fish increases.

When we explain the fish and its benefits to customers, they are rarely deterred by the price.

The challenge is to make this novel product as widely known as possible, stresses Mr Apsis.

Awareness of the fish is created using a mix of social media such as Facebook and YouTube and other channels like television and printed media, where the message emphasises the good taste and the health benefits of the fish. The pandemic, however, was a huge setback as the hotel, restaurant, and catering market evaporated following the lockdown.

What had started as an export

venture suddenly had to be reoriented to the domestic market. As a result, the business to consumer (B2C) market became even more important. Today, orders can be placed on Facebook, and payment is collected by card when the fish is delivered. Sales are currently mainly directly to private consumers, though the plan is to also target the local Horeca sector and the retail chains.

Partners sought in western countries The company will initially produce some 120 tonnes of fish a year. This is not a large volume, explains Mr Apsis, so there was no need to invest in a hatchery and broodstock. Instead, eggs are purchased from the Nordic countries, hatched, and the fish are grown to a market size of 1.0 to 1.2 kg over a period of about 18 months. The RAS was installed by a Finnish company and even before the construction of the farm was completed the RAS was thoroughly tested to ensure all the components and subsystems were working the way they should and any teething problems could be addressed. Feed suppliers that can meet the company’s requirements with regards to

delivery and timing have been identified, so from the production side everything is proceeding smoothly, asserts Mr Apsis, and we can focus on developing the market. The Latvian market is a good starting point, but we have plans to expand and are looking for partners in Germany, Austria, the Nordic region, as well as in postSoviet countries. We are essentially interested in retail chains that are looking for a niche product of very high quality that we can supply on a regular basis. So far, the company has attracted the interest of the Nordic Environmental Finance Corporation (NEFCO), and the Salmela Group.

For the moment the main product is whole gutted fish on ice. Investing in a processing unit is not on the cards just now as, if it becomes relevant, there are plenty of contract processors who can take on the task. Often, they lack raw material, says Mr Apsis, so I would rather concentrate on establishing my reputation as a producer who can then supply them if necessary.

This ability to focus helped the company respond to the impact of the pandemic and will no doubt stand it in good stead in the future too.

Blue Circle RopaĹžu novads LV-2135 Jaunciedras Latvia Tel.: +371 2912 9951 lauris@bluecircle.lv Managing director: Lauris Apsis Production manager: Helmuts Apsis

Activity: Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) production Volumes: 120 tonnes/year Product form: Whole gutted ďŹ sh on ice Markets: Riga and surroundings Customers: Private consumers, Horeca, retail chains Exports: Interested in retail chains in Germany, Austria, Nordic region, post-Soviet countries

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Scientists at BIOR deploy a fish counter to study population trends

New method for salmon stock monitoring The Salaca is the main natural salmon river in Latvia - the salmon population is maintained through natural spawning, and not through fish rearing and release. This is also one of the rare rivers in Latvia where salmon and sea trout fishing is permitted.

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ishing for salmonids is gaining popularity in Latvia and especially in the Salaca. However, the most recent studies of the south-east coast of the Baltic Sea suggest the overall salmon population is decreasing, necessitating further investigations and, perhaps, also protective actions.

Equipment customised for the purpose at hand Scientists of the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment (BIOR) have begun counting the number of salmon and sea trout migrating to spawning areas in the Salaca river with an automatic fish counter—a data collection tool and programme developed especially for this task.

The automatic fish counter with a dividing fence is a seasonal construction placed in the river at the beginning and disassembled at the end of the salmonid fish migration period, taking the hydrological conditions into account. The dividing fence is made from panels of modular PVS pipes and has no effect on smaller fish migration up- or downstream, however, migrating salmon and sea trout can only pass the fence through a tunnel. The automatic fish counter is made by an Icelandic company. It consists of a scanner and photo tunnel and is

Data on the salmon population in the Salaca river in Latvia are being collected to assess stock development and to identify if conservation measures are needed.

placed on the upstream side of the tunnel. The scanner is activated when a fish goes through the tunnel; it registers the silhouette, length, and theoretical weight of the fish, as well as the direction of migration. A video is recorded in the photo tunnel when a fish passes through it.

A variety of data collected by the counter The use of this tool provides the scientists of institute BIOR with information about salmonid fish composition, length and weight, sex, migration period (time), and intensity. The results of the study will contribute to understanding

the reasons for the decline in the salmon population in the Salaca by throwing light, for example, on whether the number of migrating fish has decreased or if the quality of spawning areas has declined and needs to be restored. The results will facilitate the long term, science-based management of fishing in the Salaca river enabling both the protection of salmon and the development of fishing.

The salmon population in rivers in the Baltic Sea region is evaluated by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea; it develops scientific guidance for the sustainable exploitation of

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salmon population taking into account the results obtained by the institute, BIOR. The data collection program is supported by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and carried out by the institute BIOR in collaboration with SalacgrƯva municipality and local angler association Salackrasti For more information, contact: Didzis Ustups National Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health, and Environment (BIOR) Tel.: 371 6761 2409 didzis.ustups@bior.lv www.bior.lv &VSPlTI .BHB[JOF

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Latvia’s ďŹ rst ďŹ sh pass reconciles the needs of ďŹ sh with those of the local community

Reopening of RÄŤva river for salmonids and river lamprey The RÄŤva is a 53 km long river owing through the western part of Latvia. Its source is the VilgÄ les lake and it empties straight into the Baltic Sea. Approximately half the riverbed has been straightened but despite this, this beautiful river still hosts plenty of habitats suitable for the reproduction of salmonids and lampreys. However, only a limited number of the potential spawning habitats is used.

For more than a century the upstream migration for ďŹ shes in this river has been blocked by the remains of a dam belonging to a paper mill which has never been ďŹ nished. Today, the remains of this dam form a picturesque waterfall and serves as the foundation for a wooden bridge which is a popular sight for tourists. Apparently, its popularity among tourists is the reason why an idea to remove this barrier faced strong opposition from the local community.

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owever, within the INTERREG RETROUT project, a solution for this issue was found. If the obstacle could not be removed, then the fish must be guided around it. To provide a safe route for upstream migrating fishes a near-natural fish pass/fauna passage is currently being built around the dam.

And yes, after completion this will be the first near-natural fish pass constructed in Latvia. The pass will

look like a small natural stream thus providing migration possibilities not only for salmonids but also for such relatively weak swimmers as river lamprey and eel.

How do researchers know that this fish pass will be used by upstream migrating fish? Well, it cannot be guaranteed, because nature does not always respond to human activities in the way expected. However, the chances are bright. Firstly,

the results of electrofishing in the monitoring site located just downstream of the dam confirm the reproduction of salmon, sea trout, and river lamprey in the currently available part of the RĆŻva. Moreover, the existence of populations of brook lamprey and brown trout found in survey sites upstream from the dam suggests that the river is well suited to sea trout and river lamprey. Above all, however, is it even possible that such a beautiful

river is not suitable for migratory fishes? Let the journey begin!

For more information, contact: Didzis Ustups National Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health, and Environment (BIOR) Tel.: 371 6761 2409 didzis.ustups@bior.lv www.bior.lv

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Established presence, strengths in marketing help Karavela weather Covid-19

Development activities continue Canned fish and other canned products have been flying off the shelves as the coronavirus spreads. For Karavela, a Latvian producer of canned fish, the second quarter of the year was strong. It is, however, prepared for all eventualities.

Stockpiling by consumers as the coronavirus spread across the globe had a positive impact on companies making shelf-stable products.

T

he fish processing sector in Latvia has a long tradition. Canned sprats, one of the oldest products, are reputed to have been produced since the end of the 19th century. And in 1911 production was estimated at 6m cans. Sprats are still being smoked, salted, and canned.

They are particularly appreciated in post-Soviet countries that have a history of consuming the iconic Riga sprats. But increasingly they are being sold in markets in the west and in Asia, where they are

a novelty. Production criteria have been formalised and now the trademark Riga Sprats in Oil guarantees a high-quality product that complies with the standards laid down by the Latvian Union of Fish Processing Industry, an association of canned fish manufacturers. However, Baltic sprat is far from the only species that is canned. Since the 50s Latvian processors have been canning and processing a variety of other species, herring, smelt, and cod from the Baltic Sea as well as

small pelagics from other oceans, tuna, and farmed salmon.

Canned fish products based on several species The company Karavela is one of the members of the Latvian Processors’ Association. Established in 2002 when it took over a longestablished canning factory, the company today produces a wide range of canned fish products including salmon, trout, mackerel,

06_LATVIA (LV).indd 33

and tuna. In fact according to Alise Manuhina, the marketing manager, nine tenths of all the canned seafood on the Latvian market can be supplied by Karavela. The range is dynamic, changing frequently as new recipes are developed or new species suitable for canning are discovered. Consumers look for something new and different all the time, so it is important to accommodate these cravings. Product development is not limited to the contents of the can, but also to its shape and form. &VSPlTI .BHB[JOF

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LATVIA

A few years ago, for example, the company introduced transparent lids. These allowed buyers to see the contents of the can and to appreciate the way the fish had been placed. In the case of canned sprats where each fish is carefully positioned, the ability to display the product in this way was an excellent way to market the cans.

The company is now developing a technology that will enable the production of a wider range of products from salmon. The new products will both be faster to produce and will also be available in a large assortment.

Contract processing for several retail chains Like many processors making canned products Karavela manufactures under its own brands and also processes for private label customers. The ability to produce in accordance with the requirements of different customers is an important skill and one that is only learned over time. Most of the production is exported to the EU, postSoviet countries and more recently to the United States and Japan. The company made a strategic decision to pivot away from its traditional market in Russia and former countries of the Soviet Union, with which it had historical links, to build up a presence in new markets in the EU, the US and in Asia.

The decision proved far-sighted as the new markets the company had invested in began to bear fruit while trade with Russia suffered from the imposition of sanctions and counter sanctions following geopolitical tensions. Today, however, the fallout from the pandemic is generating its own complications, though the company is better placed than many to deal with them. One of the reasons for this is simply the product. Cans are shelfstable with a use-by date two years into the future. In spring, when the

Janis Endele, marketing director at Karavela, says when lockdowns limit opportunities to acquire new customers, a well-established customer base is a major advantage (archive photo).

coronavirus was spreading across the globe and country after country was struggling to find a response, consumers fearing a shortage of food began to stockpile. Canned fish is the product of choice in such situations, says Ms Manuhina, as it has a long shelf life, is tasty, and healthful. In addition, travel restrictions and lockdowns reduced the distribution of fresh fish. Moreover, in many countries, particularly those in Eastern Europe, canned products are associated with tough times, and as a result, many of the company’s customers ordered higher volumes than usual.

Dealing creatively with trade show cancellations A further advantage, that marketing director Janis Endele explained in an interview with the Latvian Information Agency, is that as a well-established company Karavela benefited from its existing customer base. With all the year’s trade shows cancelled or postponed, an important source of new customers and contracts no longer exists, which for start-ups

and companies looking for clients can have significant consequences. Karavela too adapted - using email and the telephone more than in the past and developing an online presence that will allow clients to see and hear about new products and speak with company representatives.

We produce food, so the importance of tasting, smelling, or feeling the texture cannot be underestimated, says Ms Manuhina.

In these circumstances, the customer receives samples to assist in the decision making. Despite the coronavirus, development at the

company continues apace with an expansion of production, the modernisation of an existing factory, and the launch of a marketing campaign in the latter half of the year. To some extent these developments hinge on a stable labour situation. Across the Baltic States as the proportion of local people willing to work in fish processing plants diminishes, foreigners, from Ukraine and other countries, are increasingly taking their place.

The situation also affects Karavela where workers from outside Latvia increasingly contribute to the labour force.

Karavela Atlantijas 15 LV-1015 RĆŻga Latvia Tel.: +371 67496400 Fax.: +371 67496401 kaija@kaija.lv www.kaija.lv Marketing director: Janis Endele Marketing manager: Alise Manuhina

Products: Canned ďŹ sh, preserves, smoked salmon, Packaging: Metal cans, glass jars, plastic tubs, vacuum packaged Raw materials: Small pelagics from the Baltic Sea, Atlantic Ocean; farmed salmon, tuna, cod Markets: EU countries, US, Japan, post-Soviet countries Brands: Kaija, Arnold Sørensen, Larsen Danish

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TUNISIA

Tunisia has the legislative framework in place to ensure the sustainability of its ďŹ sheries

Aquaculture booms as capture production stagnates With almost 2 300 km of coastline, 40 ďŹ shing ports and a further two under construction, ďŹ shing occupies an important position at the socio-economic level in Tunisia. It is an activity deeply rooted in Tunisian culture and traditions, particularly among coastal populations. Fish and seafood make a major contribution to the protein food balance of a large segment of the population; the average Tunisian consumes 11 kg of seafood per year. significant of which are related to the interaction of this activity with the environment and especially to its integration into a sustainable coastal development plan. In 2018, fishing and aquaculture represented a turnover of TSD1 015m (EUR312m) for a production of 133 972 tonnes.

Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries

A

round 100 000 Tunisians live directly or indirectly from fishing and aquaculture. The fishing fleet is made up of 12 489 coastal vessels, 396 trawlers, 385 lamparos (vessels that fish with lights) and sardine vessels, 36 tuna vessels and 176 vessels fishing in inland waters.

The coast is divided into three fishing zones, north, east, and south with more than half the trawlers concentrated in the port of Sfax and almost 50 of the coastal boats are located between Sfax and Medenine. Demand for the creation of new fishing units increases constantly although the degradation of resources in traditional fishing areas means that the biomass is stagnating and can only be irregularly exploited.

The scarcity of wild-caught species combined with growing demand for fish and seafood has led to explosive growth in the aquaculture sector. Aquafarmed production increased from 3 400 tonnes in 2007 to 21 768 tonnes in 2018, accounting for about 16 of the total national output of fishery products. So far, 41 fish and seafood farming sites have been established that generate 2 000 direct and indirect jobs. Production is expected to reach 45 000 tonnes in 2030. However, questions are already being raised about this development, the most

Oussama Kheriji, former Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries addresses some of the issues facing the Tunisian fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Access to Tunisia’s fishing grounds is free and equal for the country’s fishers subject to compliance with the relevant legislation. What is the legal and institutional framework for the fishing and aquaculture sector in Tunisia?

In Tunisia, the fishing sector is governed by a set of laws and regulations dealing with the law of the sea, conservation of fishery resources, fisheries management, trade and safety of fishery products, as well as measures for monitoring, control, and trade. At the institutional level, governance of the fisheries sector is provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries and the bodies it oversees whose main mission is to execute, in coordination with the relevant

Oussama Kheriji, former Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, Tunisia

ministries, state policy in the agricultural and fishing sector.

TUNIS

What are the measures taken to ensure the conservation, protection, and sustainability of fisheries resources? How has the promotion of exports been reconciled with these measures?

Sousse Monastir ALGERIA Sfax Gulf of Gabes

Gabes

Tunisian fisheries regulations are considered among the best in the Mediterranean. These regulations are based on clear and complete legal texts which concern the delimitation of maritime areas under sovereignty or national jurisdiction as well technical, spatial, and temporal rules which determine fishing

07-TUNISIA.indd 35

Bizerte

Medenine

LIBYA

05/10/20 2:42 PM

Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries

TUNISIA

The coastal fleet in Tunisia accounts for the overwhelming majority of fishing vessels.

periods and zones, fishing methods and gear, protection of aquatic species, transhipment, landing, and sale of catches etc. The regulations also cover the management of fishing ports and the administration of fishing vessels and their crews.

They allocate the rights of access to the resource and provide a legal framework for the registration and collection of data on fishing activities as well as the monitoring, control, and surveillance of the fleet.

These regulatory measures directly contribute to the protection and conservation of Tunisian fisheries, so the state has made significant efforts to ensure compliance with these rules. Other measures to protect and conserve fisheries resources include the establishment of artificial reefs in sensitive areas to prevent illegal fishing, for example, in the coastal areas of the Gulf of Gabes.

The rules also regulate the rejuvenation of the fleet. This is a priority for the Tunisian sector as it will improve safety conditions at sea and the well-being of seafarers, but it should be undertaken strictly commensurate with the available resource. The sustainable exploitation of our resources is guaranteed by the implementation of rigorous traceability mechanisms, especially for products intended for export to the European market. Tunisian exporters, supported by a favourable institutional framework, focus sharply on product quality and thereby ensure the reputation of Tunisian products.

For fishing techniques that are recognised as destructive, there can be no solution other than banning them. Their use should be severely punished.

How is regulatory compliance controlled? When can we see the deployment of the satellite surveillance system? In case of violation of the regulations in force, what are the appropriate measures to take?

The national strategy to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, aligns with international and regional objectives and guidelines for sustainable fisheries development.

Our action plan is designed in accordance with the provisions of the most relevant international instruments, namely, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) agreement, the International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), and finally, FAO’s international action plan to combat IUU fishing. The

regulations governing this strategy have been outlined above and its implementation is based on strengthening monitoring, control and surveillance measures, and capacity building.

How does the administration support the fishing sector to ensure a fair standard of living among fishers? And how can the security of supplies be guaranteed and affordable prices in the distribution channels to consumers ensured?

In addition to support to cover some of the costs our support policy encourages private investment in the fishing sector, particularly in the use of selective gear and techniques to ensure the sustainability of fisheries. This strategy is embedded in the investment code and its implementing texts

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TUNISIA

The pollution generated by the chemical industries and the dumping of plastics is threatening the environment in the Mediterranean. What are the remedies?

Pollution in general and that generated by chemical industries and from plastic waste, in particular, is certainly threatening. The threat is at several levels, namely the deterioration of the marine environment’s quality, the degradation of biodiversity, and also the effects on human health. Several studies have dealt with the subject and hotspots have been identified along the Tunisian coast. Remedies exist but promptly implementing lasting solutions has collided with socioeconomic imperatives. However, to deal with these issues within a reasonable timeframe, several actions need to be implemented in a concerted manner and above all on a large scale. These include mapping the main sources of pollution (even though they are known) according to their contribution to marine pollution and their degree of dangerousness. A monitoring and alert network would be a useful tool in this effort. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of the various pollutants both in coastal and offshore areas needs to be ascertained. This information can be fed into models of transport and distribution of plastics to predict their future spread. In addition, the impact of pollution on marine organisms needs to be studied.

Moreover, laws should be enacted that introduce the “polluter pays� principle to take into account both

local and distant sources of pollution. Furthermore, taking radical measures, for example, banning plastic bags, should not be shirked.

Finally, creating awareness of the issue by involving civil society must be accelerated. Given the expertise in the country and the ready availability of technology, these steps can be achieved in the short-term.

However, absolute priority must be given to governance and to the harmonisation of the laws in force.

activity. Among the focus areas is the creation of integrated solutions that address the main technical bottlenecks throughout the value chain. Research should also lead to strategies that optimise production processes, marketing, the biotechnical organisation of companies, and the image and governance of the sector. Another important area is the control of inputs to improve technical productivity as well as the economic performance of the sector. To ensure the applicability

What are the fishing agreements concluded between Tunisia and third countries? Should we develop our deep-sea fishing capacity?

Yassine Skandrani, Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries of Tunisia

COVID-19 impacts Tunisian fisheries

Exports suffer from border closures Border shutdowns in March 2020 completely stopped the collection of clams, an economically and socially important product, in Tunisia for two reasons: the ďŹ rst related to the control of the production’s sanitary quality. Some analyses are carried out in accredited laboratories in Italy and these were blocked by the closure of the border. The second reason related to the disruption of exports to Italy and Spain. Depending on the epidemiological status of the disease, exceptional measures were taken over two periods by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries to prevent the epidemic spread on board ďŹ shing vessels.

Tunisia, as a fishing country, integrated the international work governing fisheries in the Mediterranean by joining the GFCM in 1954 and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas ICCAT in 1997. At the bilateral level, three agreements have been concluded with countries in relation to maritime delimitations and fishing law. These are with Italy relating to the delimitation of the continental shelf between the two countries, with Libya concerning the continental shelf, and with Algeria relating to the delimitation of maritime borders. Currently, the management of the deep-sea fishery off the Tunisian coast in the Strait of Sicily is jointly managed in accordance with the provisions of the two above-mentioned organisations which rely on the limitation of fishing capacity in the area.

For the ďŹ rst period, from 6 to 21 April 2020, deep-sea ďŹ shing activity by vessels operating with 12 to 20 sailors was suspended. In addition, coastal ďŹ shing was limited from 06.00 to 16.00. In the second period, extending from 21 April 2020 to date, offshore vessels are authorised to ďŹ sh following a request from the shipowners to their harbourmasters. Moreover, the implementation of on-board hygiene rules, issued by the Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, is checked by the authorities in each port. The supply of the local market with ďŹ shery products resumed its regular rhythm towards the beginning of Ramadan (23 April).

How should aquaculture and fisheries research be made more productive so that it can contribute to adding greater value to fish and seafood products?

In general terms, scientific research must take into account the ecosystem approach to aquaculture to ensure the sustainability of this

Women collecting clams in the sea shallows. This activity suffered severely as border shutdowns blocked access to international laboratories and to markets.

07-TUNISIA.indd 37

of research it should be focused and respond to technical, environmental, economic, or social issues aff ecting the sector. Finally, by creating appropriate technical and scientifi c t ools, r esearch c an assist the improvement of production systems, the development of value-added products, and socially responsible business plans.

ŠFAO/Amine Landoulsi

published in 2016. The domestic and international trade in fishery products is generally liberal.

Several factors affect price trends such as growing demand, higher costs, and increasing cold storage capacity. Monitoring these developments forms part of the country’s efforts to control inflation.

05/10/20 2:42 PM

[ TECHNOLOGY ] Experience with Czech pond farming enables net manufacture to expand abroad

Netting solutions for the aquaculture industry A producer of nets has used the pond farming industry in the Czech Republic as a springboard to market his products to freshwater and marine ďŹ sh farmers in several European countries.

DobeĹĄ-Nets, a company based in the Czech Republic, produces nets for the aquaculture and fishing industries.

T

he Czech Republic is among the largest producers of freshwater farmed fish in the EU, most of it in earthen ponds.

This should come as no surprise as there is a long tradition of pond farming in what is now the Czech Republic. According to researchers at the University of South Bohemia, in the 16th century the country had some 20,000 fishponds occupying about 180,000 hectares. Today, while the number of ponds has increased by a fifth, the area has

shrunk to 52,000 ha, but production per hectare has soared from 70 kg to 450 kg. As a result, Czech production in 2018 was about 23,000 tonnes.

Nets - an indispensable part of fish farming Pond production is typically not as technologically demanding as, for example, recirculation aquaculture systems, but pond farmers must also invest in equipment to

feed, harvest, and transport, and grade and perform all the other tasks involved in rearing fish.

Among the simplest yet most useful tools for any pond fish farmer are nets. These are used at every stage of the rearing process from hatchery to harvesting and are available in a huge variety of materials, shapes, and sizes.

Among the Czech producers of nets is the company DobeĹĄ that has been supplying the industry

since 1993. A family-owned company founded by Petr DobeĹĄ, the owner and managing director, it specialises in nets for the aquaculture industry including hanging and floating net cages for fish breeding and storage. These nets form the core of the production, as the company has many years of experience with the fish farming industry. However, it also produces nets for the fishing sector both marine and freshwater.

In addition, the company’s nets

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[ TECHNOLOGY ] their requirements. While nets from these materials are not biodegradeable, more than 90 of the material used is recyclable, according to Mr Dobeš. About half the raw material comes from Europe and the other half from the rest of the world, but the final production and inspection takes place at the company’s facilities close to Prague.

The company’s netting solutions are precisely tailored to customers’ requirements.

are used for fisheries research purposes. Nets are deployed in diverse circumstances and the company offers another range of nets that are used against birds, in aviaries, and for sporting purposes. Common to all the products, irrespective of the purpose, is that they are made to the customer’s specification, says Petr Dobeš.

This means that nets are designed

and made for the specific purpose that the customer has intended resulting in a durable and environmentally optimal solution.

Solutions are customised to the needs of the individual buyer The nets are typically made of nylon and polyethylene with

polypropylene also used occasionally. All these materials are tough and light with each offering certain advantages and disadvantages. They can be knotted or knotless and have different mesh sizes. Among the characteristics to consider are resistance to abrasion and to ultraviolet radiation, weight, water absorption, strength, vulnerability to fouling, and price. With so many variables to consider, customers can discuss with the company how to precisely tailor the net to

The company’s markets are both within the Czech Republic (about 45 of turnover) and abroad, mostly in other European countries. Customers are primarily the fish breeders themselves with a significant fraction also sold through wholesalers. Product marketing is through trade journals at home and in other countries, and equally importantly through trade fairs, where staff can meet directly with potential customers, display the products and discuss requirements and prices. Fish International in Bremen and DanFish in Aalborg are two events the company attends reflecting the importance of the German and Danish markets. Last year the company put up a new building which is currently being equipped with the latest net production technology for the benefit of existing and new customers. Our clients have always come first, says Mr Dobeš, and the new facility will enable us to serve them even better.

Petr Dobeš - Nets Jílové u Prahy 698 254 01 Jílové u Prahy Czech Republic sales@dobes-nets.eu www.dobes-nets.eu Owner: Petr Dobeš Sales manager: Jan Turek

A new facility was inaugurated last year and is being equipped with state-of-the-art net-manufacturing technology.

08_TECHNOLOGY (TECH).indd 39

Production: Nets for aquaculture, fishing, stainless steel hand nets, spare parts; nets for bird protection, aviaries, and sporting purposes Employees: 12 Markets: Domestic (45%), European Main customers: Fish farmers, wholesalers

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[ TECHNOLOGY ] Provisur introduces the STS 2000 belt separator for processors of high-quality end products

Versatile separating technology for food of all kinds Based in Chicago, Illinois and with ofďŹ ces around the world, Provisur Technologies, Inc. is a global provider of precision engineered industrial food processing equipment with a broad range of integrated full-line solutions for processing beef, poultry, pork, ďŹ sh, and other food products.

P

rovisur Technologies recently launched its new proprietary line of STS (soft tissue separator) machines.

The technology used separates unwanted sinew, cartilage, and particles of bone from meat and fish keeping the structure of the fibre intact. It can also be used for fruits and vegetable, and for dairy products. The STS 2000 belt separator, the first product in the STS line, is designed to deliver higher yield and a higher quality end product.

Separating while maintaining tissue structure According to Olivier Kerdiles, VP of Separation, the new STS 2000 is ideal for operations that require high-quality outputs.

One of the biggest challenges for operations that involve softtissue products like burgers and fish nuggets is the removal of bone fragments and other soft components while maintaining the integrity and structure of the fibre in the meat or fish. The separator enables the removal of bone fragments, sinew, and cartilage from meat and fish to ensure better yields and higher quality end products. The separator can also be used to filter unwanted components from processed fruits and vegetables.

With its specially hardened stainless-steel drum, oversized hopper in-feed and oversized axle and bearings the machine is characterized by its robust construction and ease of use.

After the operator introduces the product into the separator, a flexible pressing belt pulls the product through and presses it against a perforated drum. The soft parts then move through the holes of the drum as any hard components (e.g., cartilage, bones, contaminates) are removed from the outside of the drum by a scraping knife and discarded into a waste chute.

Easy disassembly for rapid and thorough cleaning The innovative new Provisur STS 2000 separator enables high throughput and quality control for a wide range of fish, fruit, vegetables, and meat products.

In addition to its high-speed performance, the machine features a streamlined configuration and options for manual or automatic operation, which make disassembly and maintenance quick and easy—ensuring hygienic operations and rapid cleaning.

The STS 2000 will integrate seamlessly with other Provisur

The STS 2000 is the first machine in a newly launched line of soft tissue separators that can be used for meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and diary products.

equipment for start-to-finish separation, says Olivier Kerdiles.

This is a real benefit, because it offers the convenience of having a single manufacturer to call for service, if and when it is needed.

Processors of high-quality fish and burger end products can

learn more about the new separators at www.provisur.com/en/ equipment-details/separation/ STS2000 or by sending an email to info@provisur.com. For more information visit www. provisur.com.

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[ TECHNOLOGY ] Cretel launches its next generation of fish skinners following a move to brand new facilities

Sustainability characterises new production site Cretel pays heed to the environment with regard to the production facility it has moved to. The new site is carbon neutral and uses renewable energy.

C

retel, the Belgian machine manufacturer of food processing equipment and industrial washing systems has moved to a brand new production facility in Ghent. Cretel, a subsidiary of the Belgian multidisciplinary technology company ATS Groep will produce their machines in a CO2-neutral building with a focus on renewable energy. Together with the move to the new location, Cretel also launched its next generation of fish skinners.

A model for other industrial facilities The new location showcases how future production facilities can consume less energy and contribute to being CO2-neutral. Cretel will share the new facility with other ATS mechatronic activities. Together they are stronger and better able to meet the challenges of the future. The modern and fully equipped production facilities with new laser cutting, bending and CNC machinery will support the growth of Cretel by enabling it to meet the ever higher quality standards needed for food processing machines.

Thickness control for precise skinning One step in this direction has already been made: Cretel has worked intensively on a new generation of fish skinners. This new

Accuracy, flexibility, and user friendliness are among the advantages of a new generation of skinning machines from Cretel.

generation highlights the hygienic and ergonomic design, user friendliness, safety, and ease of maintenance. A robust new frame equipped with redesigned conveyor belts make this automatic skinner the best option for the fish processor. To easily carry out silver (shallow) and deep skinning, the company has developed a highly precise thickness control system. Different toothed rollers are available for skinning all types of fish.

Not only will these machines be produced with less impact on the environment, this new generation will help the

Cretel nv Langerbruggekaai 15 9000 Ghent Belgium

info@cretel.com www.cretel.com https://www.linkedin.com/ company/cretel-nv/

Tel: +32 9 376 95 95 Fax: +32 9 376 95 96

08_TECHNOLOGY (TECH).indd 41

customer process fish even more efficiently. Follow the company on LinkedIn for the latest updates.

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[ PROCESSING ] Value potential of many seafood products is not sufďŹ ciently exploited

Sustainable utilisation saves resources Producing food requires huge resources but an estimated one seventh of the resulting products are lost before they are consumed, and in the case of ďŹ sh and seafood as much as one third! Whether spoiled, destroyed or carelessly thrown away – losses on the way from origin to plate are high. New strategies are now being developed to reduce or, better still, to avoid food waste and losses altogether.

D

uring the catching and processing of fish and seafood considerable amounts of waste occur.

Some of it, roughly estimated at around 17, is “disposed ofâ€? at sea immediately after the catch.

About twice as much is lost during processing on land. And then there are also losses that occur during transport, at individual stages of trade, in the catering trade, or in consumers’ homes.

A definition of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is often used to distinguish between “food losses� and “food waste�. Losses of actually edible food occur wherever food is produced or processed, mainly at the beginning of the value- adding chains. Typical examples of this are slaughterhouse waste, and poor raw materials that lack quality or food safety. Food waste, on the other hand, tends to occur at the end of the supply chain, for example because the best-before date has passed, too much has been bought, the food was not prepared properly in the kitchen, the fish dish did not turn out as expected, or was simply forgotten in the refrigerator. There are many different reasons why a food product finishes up in the bin but each individual case represents a waste of valuable resources. Reducing food losses and waste improves

food security for many people, reduces the ecological footprint of food production and, in the overall balance, also lowers production costs.

Although much of the data available on this problem is based only on estimates, the extent of global food waste is alarming.

An FAO study has calculated that an inconceivable 1.3 billion tons of food are lost every year, which corresponds to nearly 2,500 tons per minute (!). This quantity would probably be enough to completely eradicate world hunger. And not only that: more complete use of resources would also slow down the permanent growth spiral in production, remove the basis for land speculation, and probably lower food prices. The World Bank has calculated that reducing losses is ultimately “more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable� than increasing production by the same amount. Given this significance, it is not surprising that Goal 12 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) aims to halve global food waste at retail and consumer level by 2030.

In order to quantify more accurately the progress achieved in this area, the FAO and the UN Environment Programme (UN Environment) have developed

Worldwide losses and waste of food (figures in per cent, total 1.3 billion t/year)

a new evaluation method. The Food Loss Index (FLI) shows how much food is lost in production or in the supply chain before it reaches the retail trade. The Food Waste Index (FWI), on the other hand, reflects the amount that is wasted by retailers and consumers. In the past, losses and waste were calculated only by quantity, not by economic value. Since this can lead to misinterpretations the FAO now also includes in its calculations the products’ economic value. Based on the new calculation method it is now assumed that nearly 14 of all food worldwide is lost after harvest or catch before it reaches the trade sector.

However, losses vary considerably not only within the different commodity groups and at the individual stages of the supply chain but also by region, and this

makes any generalisations difficult. But one thing is clear: we consumers have a central role to play in reducing food waste.

At least in Western countries, where the rampant “throw-away mentality� of some consumers is responsible for almost two thirds of food waste.

Some fishes offer much more than just fillets In globalised markets many products travel long distances before they are consumed. A large number of players are involved in ensuring that our fish is caught or produced, processed and refined, cooled, packed and transported in an appropriate manner before it finally arrives on the supermarket shelf. Although the fish industry already makes good

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[ PROCESSING ]

Worldwide losses and waste of fish and seafood within the value chain and by region (figures in per cent, total loss amounts to 35%)

use of many fish by-products the FAO’s SOFIA Report 2020 states that an estimated 35 of global fish supply is still lost annually during fishing and aquaculture.

This includes, above all, heads, intestines, skin, bones and scales that occur when fish is processed for human consumption. Much of this quantity is used to produce fishmeal but many by-products actually have greater potential and could be used for higher quality products. A first step towards more complete utilisation of fish would be for processors, cooks and consumers to realise that fish does not only consist of fillets or loins. It would ease the pressure on high-demand fish species if all parts of the fish were actually

used and new creative ideas for exploitation were developed.

There are various reasons why a relatively large share of fish is lost. In recent times, for example, more fish has been processed via gutting and filleting to convenience products, which inevitably results in more waste. Gastronomy and catering require carefully calibrated products where exact weights can only be achieved from a natural product like fish through additional trimming. In some tropical countries, infrastructures are not sufficiently developed, the network of roads and tracks is in poor condition, and the electricity supply is unstable. This makes it more difficult to cool the fish and

Fish heads such as the salmon shown here are eaten in some countries, but they can also serve as a source material for the extraction of valuable ingredients.

lengthens transport times, which in turn leads to quality losses and high after-harvest losses. Admittedly, it will never be possible to completely avoid waste in the fish industry, especially since slaughter yields vary depending on the species, age and body shape. The average edible fillet content of demersal species is estimated at 43 (fluctuating between 30 for redfish and 50 for hake) and of pelagic species such as herring not much higher at around 53.

Body part Head

25

Backbone

17

Fins and ribs

12

Skin

4

Fillet (skinned)

42

Total

100

Share by weight of cod body parts (relative to the gutted fish)

It is therefore in the interest of every fish processor to use slaughterhouse waste as wisely and profitably as possible, bearing in mind that waste disposal often involves additional costs.

One way to make more complete use of the raw fish is to remove the residual muscle meat from the bone. This can be done by chemical or mechanical means. The result is a type of minced fish meat that can be used for various products, for example fish fingers, fishcakes and burgers, fish balls, fish sausages and other restructured products. In Scandinavia, fish cakes and fish puddings are popular, while in Japan and other Asian countries the fish mince is more commonly used for surimi, kamaboko or fermented sauce products. Decisive for the intended use is the fish mince quality, and this depends on various factors. Chemical extraction methods allow higher yields, but the resulting minced fish is of inferior

09_PROCESSING.indd 43

Share in %

quality. Mechanical methods using separators, in which a circulating belt presses the fish slaughter waste against a rotating perforated drum, are therefore usually preferred.

The search for alternative uses has long since begun An important step towards better utilisation of raw materials is to achieve high slaughter yields, i.e. by minimising waste and making the best possible use of the available material. Currently, the waste is mainly processed into fish meal which is then used in animal feed for aquaculture and agriculture. According to the FAO’s SOFIA Report 2020 the share of byproducts such as offal, carcasses and trimmings in global fishmeal production was between 25 and 35, depending on the region. In Southeast Asia and other areas of the world fish of inferior quality, so called “trash fish”, is often fed directly to crustaceans and fish in aquaculture or to livestock, mainly pigs and chickens. Other uses include fish silage and fish protein hydrolysates, which can be used as animal feed or as fertiliser on arable crops. Considerable quantities of fish waste are also needed as bait in fishing, for example in lobster and crawfish fishing and pole-and-line fishing for skipjack.

Mink farms are also among the traditional purchasers of slaughterhouse waste, but due to increasing bans on fur farming these have little future. On the other hand, demand is rising from specialized maggot farms that use proteincontaining waste as a substrate for insects, especially the black soldier fly. Whereas fly maggots used to be sold to anglers primarily as bait, a lucrative new market is now developing in the aquaculture sector.

Fish waste has a very high value potential because it contains &VSPlTI .BHB[JOF

02/10/20 5:50 PM

[ PROCESSING ] valuable minerals, enzymes, flavourings and pigments that can be used in food production and are also needed in agriculture, aquaculture and the pharmaceutical industry. In the laboratories of the pharmaceutical industry, for example, some bioactive molecules that have been isolated from marine sponges, bryozoans and cnidarians are believed to cure cancer. After their discovery, however, these molecules are usually chemically synthesized to preserve the natural stocks of marine organisms. It is possible that individual species such as sponges could soon be produced in aquaculture, however. The list of marine by-products that can be extracted from what we still often call seafood waste is growing constantly. It ranges from fish leather and glue, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and fine chemicals to pigments, collagen, gelatine and pearl essence. The demand for gelatine made from fish skins increased worldwide following the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), especially as it is more likely to meet some religious requirements (halal, kosher).

Shells of shrimps and many other crustaceans are increasingly used to produce chitin and chitosan,

which are used for water treatment and in cosmetics, food and beverages, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and toiletries. Pigments such as carotenoids and astaxanthin can also be extracted from such crustacean waste.

Apart from the fat and vitaminrich liver of cod (cod liver, cod liver oil), these internal organs are unfortunately hardly used today.

The nutrient-rich liver spoils quickly and has to be processed under strict hygiene conditions as soon as possible after the catch which is not easy on long fishing trips. In addition, the liver is often infested with parasites or contaminated with harmful substances that accumulate in the stored fat.

In many western countries the tongues and cheeks of some fish species remain largely unused despite the fact that their removal could well be worthwhile: tongues and cheeks are regionally traded at similar prices as the fillets. The main reason for doing without this „extra business“ is often the high price that has to be paid for this work which requires a certain amount of experience. In Norway, the removal of cod tongues is a

Fish oil and cod liver oil are high-quality food supplements for which there is increasing global demand.

traditional holiday job for school children, who use it to supplement their pocket money. The most important market for salted and fermented cod heads is Nigeria, where these products are considered delicacies. In Iceland dried fish heads are often preserved in milk or whey before preparation and then eaten as a delicacy. Shark-finning, the removal of the fins of sharks has been rightly banned in many countries. Following this cruel step the sharks are then thrown back into the sea, alive but unable to swim and so helpless. Not everywhere, however, is the ban adhered to.

Especially in Asia it is sometimes violated because shark fins are said to have a medicinal healing effect and are in great demand.

Unusual niche products can be worthwhile Among the classic uses for fish waste and less sought-after fish species are fish soups, fish stocks, bouillons and fish sauces. Fermented fish sauces, which are an indispensable part of the food culture in many Asian countries, have been part of the culinary landscape since ancient times. Garum, also called liquamen, was practically

the standard spice in Roman cuisine and was used for both savoury and sweet dishes. French chefs use about a dozen Mediterranean species as a basis for Provençal bouillabaisse, in addition to crustaceans and shellfish, especially small and therefore less sought-after fish such as scorpionfish and John Dory, gurnards, monkfish, conger eel, red mullet, whiting and various perch species. If they are too small to be cut into attractive fillets including them in the famous soup is an extremely worthwhile alternative.

Mussel shells, which are obtained during extraction of pure mussel flesh, are often ground and used as an aggregate in road construction.

Some producers even provide the material free of charge to avoid paying waste disposal fees. In some parts of the world the shells are burned at temperatures above 800°C to produce high-quality shell limestone, which is used as mortar and is very hard. This practice was also common in Europe until about 1900, but was then increasingly replaced by cement.

Shell limestone is also used as a feed additive for chickens which need a lot of calcium to form egg shells, and as a fertilizer. mk

At present fish skins are still mainly used to produce fish gelatine and collagen.

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News

Rethink food supply chains on World Food Day Collective action across 150 countries make World Food Day one of the most celebrated days of the UN calendar. Hundreds of events and outreach activities bring together governments, businesses, NGOs, the media, and the general public.

They promote worldwide awareness of and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure healthy diets for all. This year, World Food Day coincides with the 75th anniversary of FAO and with an unprecedented pandemic that has widespread effects, not least on food supplies. World Food Day should as a result be considered as an opportunity to call for global cooperation and solidarity to make sure the threats Covid-19 poses to food security and agricultural livelihoods are confronted and the most vulnerable are able to get back on their feet. It is also an occasion to sensitise the public on how everybody has a role to play in transforming food systems by changing the way food is produced, transformed, consumed,

and wasted. Food is the essence of life and the bedrock of our cultures and communities. Preserving access to safe and nutritious food is and will continue to be an essential part of the response to the Covid-19

pandemic, particularly for poor and vulnerable communities, who are hardest hit by the pandemic and resulting economic shocks. World Food Day is also an opportunity to look at how FAO efforts to increase

innovation and to promote partnerships and collaboration contribute towards transforming food systems to provide enough nutritious food for a growing population.Â

Virtual event to replace 2020 World Tuna Conference Having had to cancel the 2020 World Tuna Conference due to the coronavirus outbreak, INFOFISH, the organisation behind the conference, together with its partners, is working towards organising next year’s event safely amidst the current global challenges. TUNA 2021 is expected to be held on 19-21 May in Bangkok. In the meantime, and in recognition of the fact that there is continued strong interest from the industry for updates and information on the global tuna industry, INFOFISH will hold a curtain-raiser to TUNA 2021 through an international virtual prelude on 14 of

October 2020. With the theme Sustainability, Technological Innovation and Marketing: Drivers amidst Covid-19, the programme has been crafted to address key issues in the industry including production, markets/trade, market access, sustainability and innovation/artificial intelligence. To open the event Ambassador Peter Thomson, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, will deliver the opening address. More than 500 participants from nearly 70 countries representing every aspect of the tuna fisheries sector are expected to be part of this virtual dialogue and internationally

On 14 October 2020 INFOFISH will host a virtual event to discuss the the impact of Covid-19 on sustainability, technological innovation, and marketing in the tuna industry.

renowned experts from the industry will deliver valuable insights on the billion-dollar industry.

10_FIN NEWS.indd 45

Programme and registration details are available at www.tuna.infofish.org

05/10/20 2:53 PM

GUEST PAGES

The International Ocean Institute is dedicated to the peaceful, equitable, and sustainable use of the oceans

Sharing knowledge to benefit oceans and their users The International Ocean Institute strives for the conservation of marine resources within the broader goal of promoting peace in the oceans. Through education, training, and capacity building the institute supports the creation of a cadre of enlightened professionals in particular in developing countries who share its beliefs and contribute to fulďŹ lling its mission. Antonella Vassallo, the managing director, speaks here about the institute, its purpose, and the role it plays in ocean governance. More information is available at the institute’s website, www.ioinst.org.

The International Ocean Institute (IOI) was established close to 50 years ago and is currently one of several international and regional organisations that are committed to bringing about the sustainable management of the world’s oceans. What are the main goals of the IOI, and where do you, as executive managing director, see the main challenges and opportunities in achieving these goals?

How does the IOI prevent overlap and allow itself to be distinguished from other institutions with the same or similar ambitions?

In 1972, the International Ocean Institute (IOI) was founded

by Professor Elisabeth Mann Borgese and its establishment was a milestone in the struggle to promote the concept of Pacem in Maribus (peace in the oceans) and the conservation of the ocean and its resources so that future generations can share in their benefits. The IOI works to uphold and expand the principle of the common heritage as defined in the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea. The IOI is a world leading independent, non-governmental non-profit organisation conducting training and capacity building in Ocean

Governance with the aim of creating knowledgeable future leaders.

IOI trains young and mid-career practitioners in contemporary approaches to coastal and ocean management, with an emphasis on the moral, ethical and legal values in Ocean Governance (equity and peaceful uses of the ocean).

Although much progress has been made in the decades since the first deliberations on UNCLOS and so many other related conventions and agreements concerning the ocean - also including the SDGs, I think we can agree that much remains to be addressed or improved upon. We realise intuitively that the goal of achieving a sustainably managed ocean under the ethos of UNCLOS and the common heritage of humankind must be supported through education and the development of capacity among decision and policy makers in ocean and related disciplines. The IOI seeks to address that gap, focusing especially on the training needs of developing countries and countries in transition, resulting in the creation of effective ocean decision makers and leaders.

This provides both a challenge and an opportunity for the IOI

Antonella Vassallo, Managing Director, International Ocean Institute

to reach out to and to work with young people the world over, united over a common passion for the ocean through different disciplines and approaches and willing to work together to seek the best way forward to achieve

sustainable ocean governance.

The greatest distinguishing mark of IOI activities and programmes, since the very beginning, has been the ability to recognise and bring together many disciplines, skills, talents and people

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to advance and advocate for the protection and sustainable use of our oceans, for current and future benefit, equitably and justly.

The IOI is part of a network of institutions and organisations involved in the sustainable use of marine resources. However, in terms of capture fishery resources alone, although a good share of fish stocks has recovered in recent years, there are several stocks whose levels are still declining. How can IOI contribute to reversing this trend?

In many ways this trend can and must be also addressed by increasing access to sound science-based knowledge and information – and the IOI does this not only by the training programmes offered but also through offering and supporting a number of Ocean Literacy and Citizen Science projects held at local level all over the IOI network worldwide.

These appeal to different age groups, but all promote the central concept of love for the ocean, and its ecosystems, the fragility of ocean life, including commercial stocks, and the urgent need to protect it and them for the benefit of current and future generations.

We also emphasise the interlinkages between our human actions and the consequences on climate and ocean and livelihood. The IOI is a partner in the World Ocean Review Series aimed at the interested lay person, and one publication deals specifically with the issue of fisheries “The Future of Fish – The Fisheries of the Future”1.

The whole series can be downloaded free of charge from https:// worldoceanreview.com/en Recommendations from a debate on fisheries sustainability hosted by the FAO at the end of last year included strengthening the political will and capacity to implement existing policy frameworks.

Do you foresee a role for the IOI in this context? How does the organisation exert influence at the political level to achieve greater sustainability?

The formation of lasting and effective partnerships through the fostering of international relations form one of the three pillars of IOI’s institutional architecture and underpins the delivery of training and capacity development. IOI is engaged in collaboration, cooperation and partnership with the international ocean community at several levels: through the international UN systems, regional groupings such as the European Union and other regional bodies, NGOs, IGOs, international organisations and many others across a broad spectrum of activities relating to ocean governance.

The IOI is a member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC); IOI benefits from strong collaboration with the UN and the European Commission, especially DG Mare, and other bodies, particularly through the provision of expert faculty for training programmes and special seminars.

Likewise with the Commonwealth Secretariat through its Oceans and Natural Resources Advisory Division. The IOI maintains a number

of MOUs with key partners of interest in the field of ocean issues, and capacity building and education in this thematic area.

How does the IOI contribute to the work of United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in areas related to ocean affairs and sustainable development?

The IOI is a member of UN ECOSOC and works through the UN General Assembly as an ECOSOC accredited observer and advisor to the membership and organisations, as well as through relevant UN Conferences. Since 2007, IOI’s special consultative status gives the Institute an opportunity to participate and contribute to all ECOSOC and subsidiary meetings and to continue its pursuit of international ocean governance.

The IOI participates annually at the UN Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea and closely follows developments at UN level concerning the Law of the Sea and recent negotiations concerning the area with the intention to also bring these topics into the international training course syllabi for teaching, discussion and debate.

Apart from this, IOI partners with the UN entities such as the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and with UN specialized agencies such as UNEP, WMO, FAO, UNDP, enjoying consultative status with UNESCO-IOC, IMO and UNCTAD.

IOI carries out several activities in support of its goals including training, capacity building, production of publications, networking, organising events etc. What would you say are your core activities and how are they funded?

The three pillars supporting the IOI mission are Training and Capacity Building, International Relations, and Publications.

Training and Capacity Building: Since 1980, IOI has trained more than 2,000 persons - particularly from developing countries and countries in transition and contributed to a growing global network of trained and empowered leaders fully conversant with the latest developments in ocean governance, with the knowledge, skills and essential attitude required for effective ocean governance of the planet´s precious resources. The family of IOI alumni grows in size and skill year on year to be able to make positive contributions to the ocean community in many ways.

Publications and International Relations: The IOI promotes its

1 “The Future of Fish – The Fisheries of the Future” focuses on the future of fish and their exploitation. Fish have always been a vital source of life for mankind – not only as a food. Fish con-

tinue to be essential to the daily diet of people in most regions of the world. At the same time fisheries provide a livelihood to entire coastal regions and still have great economic clout.

All this, however, is in jeopardy and is coming under close scrutiny. Fish stocks are declining worldwide, entire marine regions are overfished and some species are already red-listed.

2 https://www.ioinst.org/publications-1/world-ocean-review/ 3 https://www.dal.ca/faculty/law/melaw/journals-publications/ocean-yearbook.html

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training and capacity building activities by accessing and producing publications which contribute intellectual input, and by partnering with international, regional, national and local institutions and governments, and public and private institutions working in the field of ocean governance. IOI publications range from the e-newsletter the IOInforma, to flagship publications—the World Ocean Review2 series and the Ocean Yearbook3— and other ad hoc publications.  The major financial support to the IOI and its global programmes principally comes from external funding and in addition to financial contributions from project and training partners. IOI also benefits from in-kind support from the IOI network, their host institutes, and many local and regional entities. These contributions are substantial in terms of quality and quantity and complement the financial resources for IOI to deliver its programmes and fulfil its mission.

The IOI has operational centres and focal points around the world. What determines where a regional centre or focal point is placed, and how do they interact with each other and with the parent body in Malta to increase the impact of their activities?

In order to achieve its stated mission and goals internationally, the IOIÂ works through a global network of centres and focal points which is administered through the headquarters based in Malta and which acts as the secretariat for the IOI governing board.

The IOI board sets out the broad activities and programmes of the

IOI based on a strategy for action.

The IOI network also benefits from close support and collaboration from its training partners and the alumni of IOI training programmes over the years.  IOI training centres are responsible to organise and provide the hallmark ocean governance training programmes of the IOI. These are offered to meet regional needs in capacity building and training and the location of the training programmes is thus a geo-strategic one. The training centres closely co-operate with a dedicated IOI centre in the geographical vicinity so as to have further access to outreach, dissemination of information as well as substantive support in the performance of specific tasks and core activities, primarily that of training, and of supporting the growing network of IOI alumni worldwide. The secretariat at IOI HQ, under the direction of the governing board, oversees and ensures the implementation of the annual training programmes globally through the IOI training centres, IOI centres and strategic partnerships.  As of date of publication, the IOI benefited from the support of 38 IOI centres and focal points in 34 countries as well as through collaboration with strategic training partners.

Training programmes and capacity development activities are important instruments that the IOI uses to achieve its goals. How is the content of these courses developed? What factors influence the choice of topics that students learn about and how do you attract participants? Can you

The global network of IOI centres and focal points, IOI HQ is located in Malta.

describe how the courses have evolved over the years?

Originally initiated under Elisabeth Mann Borgese’s direction and reflecting her political acumen and engagement, the IOI training courses today still convey her legacy with regards to a vision of equitable and sustainable global development with sound foundations in the social, economic and environmental spheres. The respect for common goods, the peaceful and sustainable use of ocean services and resources, the common heritage of the high seas as enshrined in UNCLOS and the need to support and empower people and countries in managing their relations with the ocean in a sustainable manner remain the ethical and moral foundation of the IOI and the training it provides.

The suite of annual IOI training programmes4 has been specially designed to contribute towards a growing global network of trained and empowered leaders. The courses have evolved over the years and are constantly adapted to new challenges, with a special

focus on the needs of developing countries and countries in transition. Based on ethical values such as equity, common heritage, common but differentiated responsibilities, and policy space, the programmes of the courses are defined around major elements (accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, effectiveness, participatory practices) and principles (rule of law, regulations, protocols, agreement and guidelines) of good governance. Good governance, committed institutional support, and stakeholder involvement are seen to be foundations of sustainable development of developing countries and countries in transition and are the focus of IOI training courses.

Target audiences are mid-career practitioners in ocean governance: scientists, policy makers, educators, and decision makers. They are in a position to successfully transmit and apply the acquired knowledge on return to their institutions, serving as educators and ocean advocates in their homeland. The IOI enjoys strong links with a growing alumni network world-wide.

4 Annual IOI training programmes are held in Canada, Malta, China, South Africa, Latin America, Thailand, and Turkmenistan plus an MA Degree programme on Ocean Governance in partnership with University of Malta, and other ad hoc thematic courses.

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