Eurofish magazine 6 2013

EUROFISH International Organisation

EUROFISH International Organisation

Investments in–trout farming sharply for boost Sustainability a wind of opportunity Polish FLAGs production European a new name from 2014 Armenia:Seafood ExplosiveExposition: growth in fishHas exports Aquaculture: new come species today show the most Aquaculture:Which Fish tanks in different shapes, sizes,potential? and materials Trade and Markets: imports backbone industry of the European market Technology: CookingSeafood machinery for are thethe processing member of of the the FISH FISH INFO INFO network isis aa member network 22/11/13 4:27 PM 29/05/13 6:53 PM

Eurofish Magazine

Romania Poland

The fisheries and aquaculture sector in Europe, brought to you

by Eurofish Magazine.

December 6 / 2013 C 44346

December 6 / 2013

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Sustainability – a wind of opportunity for Polish FLAGs Armenia: Explosive growth in fish exports Aquaculture: Fish tanks come in different shapes, sizes, and materials Trade and Markets: Seafood imports are the backbone of the European market is a member of the FISH INFO network

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In this issue

Polish FLAGS see opportunities in sustainability Poland: is the EU member country with the largest share of the EU’s total Axis 4 budget at approximately 40.

In absolute terms this amounts to EUR235m and shows the importance of fisheries both marine and inland, as well as aquaculture, for communities across the country. These funds are managed by Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs), partnerships between fisheries actors and other local private and public stakeholders in a region. Eurofish Magazine had a chance to visit two of the 48 FLAGs that Poland hosts to get an idea of the issues and the opportunities that these bodies provide the community. Read more from page 20

Armenia: Trout farming in Armenia has grown explosively over the last two decades. The availability of high quality water at the right temperature and in sufficient quantities has provided the foundation for an aquaculture industry that produces trout and sturgeon among other species. The fish is mainly consumed locally though about a fifth of the production is exported to Russia and other countries in Eastern Europe. The ministry of agriculture has outlined a development strategy for the sector which aims at almost tripling production to 25,000 tonnes by 2015. Read more from page 44

Serbia: Landlocked Serbia has a freshwater aquaculture sector, which, though small in terms of the national economy, has shown several positive trends over the last decade. These include an increase in the number and efficiency of farms, improvements in product quality, and marked growth in the production of carp. In addition, the consumption of fish has been rising. Fish farming is dominated by the extensive cultivation of carp in ponds and the intensive cultivation of trout in raceways or cage systems. Among the reasons for the increase in production is better farm management following the privatisation of farms as well as the introduction of extruded feeds. Collaboration between research institutes, feed producers and fish farmers has resulted in feeds that have improved the nutritional quality of fish meat with more omega-3 fatty acids and improved omega-3 to omega-6 ratios. Read more on the Serbian aquaculture sector from page 48

Aquaculture: Tanks or other containers, are one of the fundamental pieces of equipment in almost all aquaculture facilities. They perform a variety of functions – to hold the fish in hatcheries, or at the growout stage, as receptacles for live feed, and as temporary storage or transport facilities. To fulfil this array of functions tanks and basins come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and of course, costs. Factors that influence tank design include climatic conditions, environmental regulations, and production requirements. Broadly, tanks can be divided into flow-through systems like raceways, and round tanks, which differ from each other in their design and in their effective water exchange rates, which refers to how rapidly the water in a tank is refreshed. As aquaculture becomes more widespread the simple tank is evolving into something increasingly sophisticated. Read more on page 52

Algae: Interest in the production of macro and microalgae is growing as ever more uses are being found for them. Algae as food have long been appreciated in parts of East Asia as they provide valuable minerals, trace elements, and also omega-3 fatty acids. Algae are also the source of useful ingredients that have applications in the food and nutraceutical industries. Since they are relatively easy to cultivate experiments are being carried out to see if algae can be effectively used to compensate for nutrients that are released by fish farms and whether they can be used as an ingredient in fish feed. Another potential use of algae that is attracting global attention is as bio fuel. Read Manfred Klinkhardt’s article on these versatile protists from page 56 www.eurofishmagazine.com

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Table of News 6 International News

Events 16 Seafood Barcelona, 22-24 October 2013 Quality bacalao combines Icelandic raw material with a Spanish chef!

17 Fish international 2014 spotlights fish farming American experts bring aquaculture workshop to Europe 18 CONXEMAR-FAO Whitefish Congress, 30 September, Vigo Unique opportunity to explore market trends

Poland 20 Innovation and knowledge will play a greater role in the Polish aquaculture sector Environmental benefits of fish farming need to be promoted 26 Polish inland fisheries Economic importance to rural areas 30 The Dgał Experimental Stocking Centre grows fish for research, restocking, and revenue A focus on sturgeon and other high-value species 32 Bogaczewo – Lake fisheries and more Diversification at its best 34 FLAGs of opportunity Helping communities become sustainable 37 First-sales centre Advantages for fishers, buyers, and authorities 38 Polish Fish Industry Congress, 16–18 October 2013, Bolszewo Fish marketing should focus on greater value addition 40 BMC - What you see is what you get!

Graduating from trading to processing

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Contents 42 Fishing, processing, port management, and shipbuilding Szkuner is the heart of Władysławowo

Armenia 44 Fish farming in Armenia is flourishing High quality contributes to explosive growth in fish exports

Serbia 48 Serbia watches its aquaculture industry grow Carp is still king

Aquaculture 52 Fish-farming tanks: form and function Fixed solutions or modular concepts?

Aquatic Plants 56 Algae production in aquaculture Valuable foods and versatile industrial raw materials

Worldwide Fish News Trade and Markets Brussels

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6

Canada

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13

China

pages

8, 15

Denmark

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8, 12, 15

Estonia

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EU

page

10

France

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14

Greece

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7

Italy

pages

11, 13

Lithuania

pages

6, 15

Norway

pages

12, 14

Russia

page

Spain

pages

US

page

59 The EU depends on imports to satisfy its demand for fish Imports support EU fish and seafood processing

Guest Pages: Jacob Færgemand 63 The explosion of certification and labelling programmes Moving slowly towards consensus

Service 62 Diary Dates 66 Imprint, List of Advertisers

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[ NEWS INTERNATIONAL ] Lithuania: Training course in recirculation technologies for aquaculture specialists A training course in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for breeding and farming commercially valuable species, including sturgeon, pike, perch, eel, and rainbow trout, was held by the Vilkauda Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) on 18–19 September 2013. The course was held in the conference centre in Baˇckoni˛ u village, Kaišiadoriu˛ district. This introduction to RAS technologies was meant to increase the awareness of the course participants about the possibilities offered by these systems. The courses were attended by 35 participants from 20 Lithuanian aquaculture farms.

Information about the latest developments in closed and semi-closed recirculating aquaculture systems was presented by Julian de Bondt from the Dutch company Hesy; Professors M. Szczepkowski and

Z. Zak˛es, from the Inland Fishery Institute (Olsztyn, Poland); and Mr M. Juchniewicz, owner of a Polish trout farm that employs state-of-the-art RAS technology. .

Mr J. Kondratiene from the Lithuanian Food and Veterinary Service introduced participants to the most recent EU requirements for the production, marketing and sale of farmed fish and seafood. The presentations were well received by the participants.

Participants at a training course on recirculation aquaculture systems organised by the Vilkauda FLAG in Lithuania.

On the second day participants visited two fish farms, where RAS technologies are in use. The first farm, Leteka UAB, located near the town of Palanga, was completed in spring 2013. The farm was designed by the firm Hesy and has a total capacity of 80 tonnes of commercial eel. Currently, the farm rears glass-eels, and Mr S. Jankauskas, one of the

co-owners, reported that the results were better than expected.

The next visit was to the town of .

Taurage, where the farm Tauru˛ žuvys UAB employs RAS technology to raise rainbow trout. The farm was designed and built three years ago by the owner Mr J. Daugveckas, who has implemented many original ideas that the course participants examined in great detail.

In summarising the two-day project Vytautas Andriuškeviˇcius, Director of the National Association of Aquaculture and Fish Products Producers, underlined the value of such programmes for the future development of aquaculture in Lithuania.

He also emphasised the vital role played by the European Fisheries Fund and its financial assistance to the Lithuanian FLAGs.

Brussels: FEAP sees major role for EU in development of European aquaculture The Federation of European Aquaculture has re-elected Arnault Chaperon to serve as President of FEAP for another three-year term. Mr Chaperon was re-elected unanimously by the 35 representatives of the different national member associations at a meeting on 5 November. At the same event Yvette White, who represents French aquaculture producers, was honoured with the 2013 FEAP Award

of Excellence. Ms White’s career started in the private fish farming sector in the UK and then France, where she worked for the Stolt Sea Farm Group. She later held leading positions in French aquaculture associations and was awarded the Légion d’Honneur, France’s most prestigious civilian honour.

The next day, 6 November, FEAP held the second edition of its

annual aquaculture event Aquaculture in Motion, where the EU’s “Strategic guidelines for the sustainable development of European aquaculture” were discussed. FEAP representatives presented their ideas on how European aquaculture should develop saying that while national plans were the responsibility of each Member State all the players – national, European, producers,

researchers, and NGOs – had a role to fulfil. According to FEAP, Europe should remain responsible for assuring a level playing field, clear and accurate information for the consumers, communication and promotion of EU aquaculture products, the promotion of producer and inter-branch organisations and improving research and development for the industry.

Estonia: Baltic sturgeon resettlement project launched The first individuals of the critically endangered sturgeon species Acipenser sturio were recently introduced into Estonian waters.

The Ministry of the Environment said the hope is that the new programme will revive the species, commonly known as the European 6

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sea sturgeon among other names, in the eastern corner of the Baltic, where it was once native. Current conditions are optimum for a revival, the ministry said. Scientists say water quality in the lower Narva River is now acceptable.

Similar efforts have been launched

in Germany and Poland and indications are that success is possible.

Four hundred fingerlings – oneyear-old specimens raised in Canada – are being introduced into the stretch of river below the fall line.

One hundred of them are marked.

The project cost is EUR 24,000. The

last sturgeon was caught in Estonian waters in 1996, when a 290 cm, 136 kg fish became entangled in a Baltic herring dragnet off the island of Muhu – technically illegal, because the fish was not released.

The preserved fish is on display at the Natural History Museum. www.eurofishmagazine.com

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[ NEWS INTERNATIONAL ] Greece: No longer leading seabass and bream supplier According to the Financial Times, Greece has lost its crown as the world’s largest producer of seabass and bream to Turkey. Greece’s seabass and bream industry, one of its most important agricultural exports, is the victim of tightened bank financing and lower demand by Mediterranean consumers, the leading European buyers of white fish. According to the Hellenic Foreign Trade Board, fish, mainly farmed seabass and bream, is Greece’s second largest agricultural export after fruits and nuts, surpassing olive oil and cheese. Until last year, Greece led the EUR 1.5 billion industry in Europe, but according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), the country’s production

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of seabass and bream is projected to fall 7 to 94,000 tonnes in 2013. Turkey is likely to see its output rise more than 12 to 108,000 tonnes.

A sharp rise in overall seabass and bream supplies has weighed on prices at a time when feed costs are rising, squeezing margins sharply. Many of the highly leveraged Greek producers have been hit, with companies “suffering from tight credit and rising costs on feed, putting many firms in the red,” said the FAO, quoted in the Financial Times. Many farms in need of cash have been forced to harvest their cages and sell small fish, which has had a negative impact on overall tonnages produced.

Turkish output of seabass and seabream is likely to rise more than 12% to 108,000 tonnes in 2013 displacing Greece as the world’s largest producer of seabass and seabream, according to the FAO.

The Turkish industry has been supported by a growing economy and government aquaculture subsidies. An industry-wide marketing effort to promote seafood to new markets has helped Turkish companies in the sector to diversify their export destinations

to include northern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. Turkish companies have also developed filleted fish products for export markets, which are easier to sell in supermarkets in countries that have not been big seabass and bream consumers.

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[ NEWS INTERNATIONAL ] Denmark: Salmon ShowHow 2014 moves to Copenhagen Marel’s Salmon ShowHow, an event dedicated to the global salmon processing industry, has moved to a purpose-built location named Progress Point just five minutes from Copenhagen’s airport. The company has held this event since 2001 at its Nørresundby site in Jutland and the

move to Copenhagen is likely to benefit the many international customers who will be attending.

Marel sells to salmon processors the world over and the Salmon ShowHow will demonstrate the latest equipment, integrated systems as well as stand-alone machines, in the new facility.

Progress Point boasts 2,900 sq. m of demonstration halls, meeting rooms, a large auditorium, as well as dining and entertaining areas. Attendees will not only benefit from the live demonstrations of the equipment throughout the day, but will also be able to discuss the latest trends within

the industry with their peers, and hear experts address some of the key issues facing the sector today.

The Salmon ShowHow is on 5 February 2014. For more information about the event, visit www.marel. com/salmonshowhow or write to salmonshowhow@marel.com.

China: Focus on premium products drives success of seafood show China’s economy although no longer growing in double digits is still expanding at a respectable 7-8 percent a year. This growth is boosting disposable incomes and swelling the size of the Chinese middle class. Among the signs of greater prosperity is the tendency to spend more on seafood, as well as the increased frequency of eating outside the home. A survey by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) reports that 67 of the respondents said they liked going out and spending more now reflecting higher incomes and increasing urbanisation.

According to Zhang Yumei, a fisheries specialist at the Agriculture Information Institute at China’s Academy of Agricultural

Sciences, China consumed 3 million metric tonnes of seafood in 2011 outside of the home, significantly higher than 1.15 million mt in 2000. The Asian Seafood Exposition, an event organised

by Diversified Business Communications, capitalised on these trends with an increased focus on premium products including salmon, crab and lobster, abalone, sea urchin, sea cucumber, and oysters. Research by the HKTDC reveals increased interest in imported products in the face of persistent concerns about domestically produced food items. Of the 7,500 attendees from 75 countries many were volume seafood buyers, representing the retail, wholesale and food service sectors,

Seafood buyers and suppliers from around the world come to do business in the Hong Kong and Asia Pacific markets.

who were particularly interested in products for the upper end of the market, says Ms. Mary Larkin, Vice President of Seafood Expositions. A dynamic Chinese economy is feeding a general

sense of optimism among exhibitors that has resulted in 80 of the floor space already being renewed for the 2014 edition of the event, when it will be rechristened Seafood Expo Asia.

US: Victory for Alaskan salmon fishing industry After ending its partnership last year with the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the seafood world’s most prominent sustainability certification group, in favour of its own labelling efforts, the Alaskan salmon industry appear to have won the fight, recently saying that it was standing firm in its decision to drop the outside certification group. In an effort to save money and reduce what they considered to be outside interference in a thriving business, the 8

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Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute created its own label in 2012, in collaboration with an Irish group, Global Trust, reasoning that the state’s reputation for sustainable fishing was good enough for most environmentally conscious consumers.

According to the New York Times, the move to drop outside certification quickly drew a reaction from customers, as WalMart, Sodexo, a giant food services company that

supplies the military, and others said they would no longer buy Alaskan salmon without the independent check. Portraying itself as a victim of Walmart’s “antiAmerican purchasing policy” and “foreign” interference in the fishery, Alaska defended its USD 6.4 billion seafood industry. After a Senate hearing during which the companies that were threatening to stop buying Alaskan salmon were questioned, the companies appear to have backed down.

In October, the salmon industry essentially declared victory, saying it would move forward with its own labelling efforts. By dismissing the Marine Stewardship Council, the Alaskan industry says it will save money. In addition to the cost of certification and the chain of custody audits that are done by third-party contractors, the MSC charges from ca. 0.3 to 0.5 of the wholesale value of the catch for the right to use its logo, a substantial sum. www.eurofishmagazine.com

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[ NEWS INTERNATIONAL ] EU: European Parliament votes against fishing fleet renewal During discussions on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) held in October, the European Parliament voted against the reintroduction of subsidies for building new fishing vessels. The proposed EMFF will be worth more than EUR 6.5 billion, between 2014 and 2020. Members agreed draft rules for the allocation of the EMFF, which should help fishermen comply with requirements of the new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). To help

fishermen comply with the discard ban, the EMFF will fund fishing gear and equipment that offer more selectivity to deal with unwanted catches.

Parliament also voted to double investment in data collection.

Making more information available will lead to better understanding and management of fish stocks and help fishery authorities fight illegal fishing.

The plenary rejected the fishery committee’s proposal to subsidise

the construction of new vessels.

This measure had been the subject of intensive campaigning by NGOs and citizens ahead of the vote. However, Members voted to support the modernisation or replacement of engines, if the new engine’s power output is at least 40 per cent lower than that of the engine it replaces.

It is hoped that the decisions will provide concrete measures to eliminate overfishing and improve the management of

fleet capacity, while allowing fishermen to earn a living. The decisions should promote fishstock recovery that would otherwise be threatened by a larger fleet with longer ranges. Parliament also included a package, put forward by the S&D and Green groups, to subsidise traineeship and education for fishermen under 35 years of age in the small-scale fishery sector.

Negotiations on the EMFF are scheduled to be finished before the end of the year.

Russia: FAO Sub-Committee on Aquaculture meets in St Petersburg A subsidiary committee of the Food and Agricultural Organisation’s Committee on Fisheries the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture was established in 2001 to address aquaculture matters at intergovernmental level.

The seventh session took place in Russia, St Petersburg from 7 to 11 October. As aquaculture production continues to increase worldwide the role of the Sub-Committee also becomes stronger as it serves a multilateral framework for consultations on aquaculture issues.

Welcoming all delegates Árni M. Mathiesen, Assistant Director-General of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, FAO outlined some of the most important emerging issues in the sector to be addressed by the Sub-Committee.

The role of the blue economy initiative and the importance of enhanced global partnership among others may facilitate the sustainable development of aquaculture, which is the youngest industry among other economic sectors.

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From left to right, Johan Williams, Norway, COFI Chair; Arni Mathiesson, FAO; Igor Manylov, first Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Russia; Rohana Subasinghe, FAO; Vasiliy Sokolov, Deputy Head, Federal Agency for Fisheries, Russia; Indroyono Soesilo, FAO

Igor Manylov, first Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation stressed the importance of the aquaculture sector worldwide and highlighted the efforts being made by the Russian Government to double aquaculture production by 2020, to make the sector more attractive for young people, and to foster enhanced public-private partnership.

Among other things, the SubCommittee assessed the FAO

Fisheries and Aquaculture Department’s efforts in implementing the recommendations of the past session, as well as progress made on the implementation of the Code of Conduct for responsible Fisheries provisions relevant to aquaculture and culture-based fisheries. Major topics to be discussed included the “Global aquaculture Advancement Partnership (GAAP) Programme,” which gives special attention to the needs of developing countries,

aquaculture certification, spatial planning importance, and the usefulness of aquaculture development. The role of aquaculture in providing healthy food for human consumption and improving nutrition was also addressed. The Sub-Committee focused in particular on different collaboration initiatives through existing cooperation platforms. Collaboration between and within regions was considered important to bring together knowledge and expertise. www.eurofishmagazine.com

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[ NEWS INTERNATIONAL ] Italy: Offshore mariculture event to focus on investment The discussion about the risks and benefits of offshore aquaculture is an ongoing one. Farming offshore reduces conflicts with other users of the coast, pollution from cages is less likely to accumulate, and the fish benefit from cleaner water with more uniform oxygen and temperature levels thanks to the wind and the currents, than can be found closer to the coast. But the infrastructure that open water cultivation calls for is more expensive to establish and the farming technology itself is yet to mature. These, and other, issues facing decision makers in the industry will be the subject of the fifth offshore mariculture conference to be held next year in Naples, Italy between 11 and 14

April. The conference will highlight the latest developments in the area of offshore farming relating to technology, legislation, and management, but also finance and investment. Species that lend themselves to cultivation on exposed sites will be another aspect of the conference as will the integration of finfish farming with the culture of shellfish and seaweeds to neutralise environmental impacts.

Research and case studies as well as the latest policies and products will be presented by experts in different areas of business management, stock husbandry, and farming technologies. The conference will focus heavily on investment and is expected to

Delegates at the 2012 edition of the Offshore Mariculature conference visit a fish farm. The 2014 edition of the event will be 11-14 April in Naples, Italy.

attract investment companies and entrepreneurs looking for opportunities. For more information please contact: Isobel Roberts,

Events Marketing Manager on +44 (0) 1329 820098, email iroberts@mercatormedia.com or visit www.offshoremariculture.com

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[ NEWS INTERNATIONAL ] Denmark: DanFish and DanAqua host meetings between Nordic and Chinese companies The presence of 11 major Chinese companies at DanFish/DanAqua in Aalborg is expected to bring dividends in the months to come.

Liangqi Xu is head of strategic development at Shanghai Fisheries, which generates an annual turnover of DKK 6.5 billion, operates 76 trawlers, long liners and purse seiners and employs 3,300 people. It also runs one of the biggest distribution centres in China and has its own harbour in Shanghai. Mr Xu is interested in resource-saving and environmental technologies as well as aquaculture equipment and intends to pursue the contacts he has made

at the business to business event at DanFish to set up agreements that match his company’s development strategy. This is but a single example of the potential returns generated at this Aalborg exhibition for the fishing and aquaculture sector that this year attracted 300 exhibitors from over 40 countries and almost 14,000 visitors.

The matchmaking event between Chinese and Nordic companies was a first for the exhibition and showed a significant level of interest for Nordic technology that should translate into partnership agreements and concrete orders in the weeks to come.

Liangqi Xu, head of strategic development at Shanghai Fisheries, is interested in equipment from the Akva Group.

Norway: Comprehensive programme takes shape as countdown to conference begins Billed as the world’s largest seafood business conference, the next edition of the North Atlantic Seafood Conference is expected to be even bigger than its predecessors. From 4 to 6 March 2014, Bergen, the site of the event, will play host to the 600 delegates from 400 companies and 40 countries, who are expected to attend. Participants can look forward to learning about the latest developments and trends in products, markets, trade, research, legislation, policy, finance, and economics that will come to determine the future of the industry. The overriding theme of the 2014 event is “Seafood and food security - setting seafood into a new and vital geopolitical role. ” Under this broad banner some 100 experts will make presentations on a range of subjects divided into 10 seminars spread over the three days. NASF partners with a number of organisations to 12

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ensure the credibility and variety of the conference programme.

Among them is the Food and Agricultural Organization’s (FAO) Fisheries and Aquaculture Department that will hold its biannual Sub-Committee on Fish Trade meeting in Bergen a couple of days before the NASF. Delegates from the FAO meeting are expected to prolong their stay to attend the NASF as well.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Department will be closely involved in the individual NASF sessions on pelagics, and whitefish, and the combined session covering food security, illegal fishing, fish trade, and policy. Other sessions at NASF include the European retail and food service seminar, traditionally a popular event, that brings representatives from several large European retail chains to discuss issues such as consumer trends in Europe, sustainability, and the

The North Atlantic Seafood Forum will open its doors to the international seafood industry 4-6 March 2014 in Bergen, Norway.

outlook for food service in key European countries. Norway’s recent election resulted in a new government taking over in October this year. Both the prime minister and the minister for business and trade, which will now also be responsible for fisheries and aquaculture, come from Hordaland county,

of which Bergen is the seat. As a result of this connection NASF is expecting to attract a top representative from the government to address the policy session.

More details on the conference are available at http://www. nor-seafood.com/ www.eurofishmagazine.com

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[ NEWS INTERNATIONAL ] Canada: 2013 World Seafood Congress provides insight into global market The Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University hosted the World Seafood Congress (WSC) on behalf of the International Association of Fish Inspectors (IAFI), an organization that promotes global seafood trade. The congress was in Newfoundland and Labrador from 28 September to 3 October and was supported by the Canadian Government, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation, and a number of commercial sponsors. Nearly 400 delegates from more than 30 countries, including retailers, academics,

primary producers, processors, and government representatives listened to presentations on a wide range of topics under the theme Creative Solutions for Global Challenges. Innovative technology, sustainable fisheries management and inspection and quality control practices were just some of the topics addressed by the 130 speakers at the event. Delegates participated in workshops, information sessions, expert panels, special interest meetings, formal presentations, poster displays and tours.

A variety of interactive sessions on food safety and inspection modernization, seafood sustainability, seafood innovation, profitable seafood markets and global

export and trade were also held.

The congress featured high profile speakers from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, European Commission, FAO, UNIDO, and country representatives, as well as seafood and aquaculture certification bodies, NGOs and industry leaders.

Members of the FISH InfoNetwork, Infofish, Infopesca and Eurofish, were invited by the FAO to give presentations on littleknown seafood markets. The Eurofish presentation centered on Armenia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. In Kazakhstan the market is expected to grow to 250,000 tonnes and will be dependent on imports mainly of pelagics, but

with growing opportunities for salmon. In Belarus too the market is highly dependent on imports of fish, mainly frozen herring and sprat, but also salmon and trout, which are processed for the domestic market as well as for export. In Armenia (see article on page 44) domestic production is from aquaculture which has grown rapidly in the last couple of years to ca. 9,000 tonnes.

Four fifths of the production is consumed on the local market, but the volume of exports has jumped to 1,800 tonnes in 2012 from 215 tonnes in 2009.

Trout and sturgeon are the main farmed fish and aquaculture production could increase to 25,000 tonnes by 2015.

Italy: GLOBEFISH and the FISHINFONetwork acknowledged by the FAO The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations executes projects around the developing world to benefit the poor and deprived. A recently published catalogue of the organization’s achievements in different regions of the world included GLOBEFISH and the FISHINFONetwork (FIN) among the success stories. GLOBEFISH, a unit within the Fisheries and Aquaculture department, was established in 1984 and has specialised in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information on the global fish trade. The

production and trade in fish has changed radically over the last three decades. In 1980 the global export value of fish was USD15bn, while today it is USD130bn, about half of which comes from the developing world. This sum exceeds the combined exports of the next four most valuable commodities – tea, rice, cocoa, and coffee. The increase in exports has been supported by the development in logistics, distribution, and packaging and by the explosive growth in the aquaculture sector. GLOBEFISH has closely followed these trends, analysing

them and making this analysis available to everyone who needs it, the private sector, administrative bodies, or research organisations. GLOBEFISH also coordinates the FISHINFONetwork, which connects six independent regional fish information services (Infofish, Infopeche, Infopesca, Infosamak, Infoyu, and Eurofish) dedicated to the development of the fisheries and aquaculture sector within their regions. The fish information services provide technical expertise and capacity, gather and analyse data, organise events, and distribute

information, as well as develop and manage projects for the benefit of the industry in each region.

The work of the regional services together with GLOBEFISH has benefited the fisheries and aquaculture sector contributing to its growth and increasing significance for global food security.

Spain: Three shellfish zones reopened in Galicia The Technological Institute for the Control of Marine Environment (Intecmar) authorised the reopening of shellfish capture areas in the estuaries of Muros and Noia, Camariñas, and Ferrol, after a three-week closure in October caused by a toxin-induced red www.eurofishmagazine.com

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tide. The newspaper La Opinión reports that Intecmar also decided to reopen a shellfish capture zone in the estuary of Vigo and a platform polygon in Redondela, while another one in the same area was closed. Thus, there are now only five open mussel farming

polygons in the estuaries of the community: four in Redondela and one in Cambados. In three of the reopened areas (Muros, Noia, and Vigo), the capture of infaunal shellfish – cockles, clams, and razor clams – was in progress, while that in Ferrol focuses on the

production of the variegated scallop (Chlamys varia) and queen scallop. Santiago Cruz, head of the grower association in Noia, complained about the delay in detecting the presence of toxins in the river, a situation that caused them considerable loss.

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[ NEWS INTERNATIONAL ] France: GAA honours Bjørn Myrseth with Lifetime Achievement Award Bjørn Myrseth, a pioneer in the aquaculture industry, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) at its annual GOAL conference this year. Bjørn Myrseth’s aquaculture profession took off with the Norwegian company Stolt Sea Farm of which he was the managing director, farming rainbow trout and salmon, and subsequently with the production of salmon smolt. Stolt Sea Farm expanded production into other species such as sturgeon and turbot, as well started farming salmon at sites in Scotland, the US and Canada. In the mid-80s Mr Myrseth left the company to set up on his own and started working with partners in Chile for the production of salmon, as well as in Greece and Spain for the production of seabass and seabream. His

interest in fish farming also took him to China where he began farming grouper, and then back to the US where he initiated a cobia farming venture in Florida with grow-out in Belize. The potential he saw in cobia also led him to start a facility in Vietnam using fingerlings from government research institutes. Eventually Mr Myrseth sold his company to the Polish salmon processor Morpol, but is still looking for opportunities in South East Asia to farm barramundi, grouper, pompano or snapper.

In addition to his role in industry Mr Myrseth was also a founding member of the European Aquaculture Society. Mr Myrseth’s experience in Norway has shown him that creating an aquaculture industry calls for investments in generic

Bjørn Myrseth (right) receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from Wally Stevens, Executive President of Global Aquaculture Alliance at the GOAL 2013 conference in Paris in October.

marketing, quality standards, as well as research and development. These three prerequisites make him question small-scale aquaculture as a way of creating an industry. While small-scale may benefit an individual

farmer or even a small village, he feels, it does not contribute to the building of a sustainable industry as it will not attract the necessary levels of investment or knowledge that are needed.

Erik Hempel

Spain: Pescanova investors seize control A group of shareholders have reportedly taken control of debtridden Spanish fish and seafood manufacturer Pescanova, a Spanish fishing company based in Redondela, Galicia, with its base of operations in the port of Vigo. The company, which was founded in 1960, was on the verge of filing for bankruptcy resulting from liquidity problems since early April 2013. According

to The Financial Times, investors led by Catalan brewing company Damm – Pescanova’s second-largest shareholder with a 5.84 stake – won a victory to replace the group’s former chairman and appoint new directors. Veteran banker Juan Manuel Urgoiti, who sits on the board of clothing group Inditex, has been appointed as the company’s new non-executive

chairman, the publication noted.

According to the Spanish online publication FIS, other directors now include Luis Angel SanchezMerlo, independent director of Spain’s Sarebbank, and Alejandro Legarda. Urgoiti warned that the company needs to reduce the creditors’ covenant to ca.

70. Pescanova, which employs around 10,000 staff globally, is seeking to renegotiate previously

hidden debts of EUR3.6bn with its lenders. The firm filed for voluntary insolvency in April after having failed to reach an agreement with creditors on the renegotiation of its debts. Trading in Pescanova’s shares was suspended on 12 March. Damm’s proposal for the board won 70.8 of the votes of the investors present, or 37 of the total outstanding shares, the newspaper noted.

Norway: Reciprocal access to fishing in Skagerrak A new agreement has been reached between the European Union and Norway on reciprocal access to fishing in the waters of Skagerrak. This agreement, which supersedes the previous arrangement from 1966 between Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, will allow those countries to maintain

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reciprocal access for their vessels in each other’s waters within the defined area and ensure continuity of their fishing operations in this area. Further joint work is underway on important selectivity measures in the Skagerrak area. The new agreement was finalised in London on 24 October, and allows for

control measures in line with the principles of Coastal State jurisdiction while maintaining the same conditions as at present within the defined area of Skagerrak and Kattegat. Fisheries will be subject to management and conservation measures established either individually or jointly by the Parties,

including control measures taken by the relevant Coastal State.

Although the 1966 agreement was allowed to expire in August 2012, the countries agreed that their vessels could continue to fish in the waters of the respective countries until a new agreement could be reached.

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[ NEWS INTERNATIONAL ] Lithuania: Netting a global leader One of the largest producers of fishing nets in the North Atlantic market, VON, has chosen Lithuania as the site for its new manufacturing facility. The Faroe Islands-based company plans to invest ca. EUR 2–2.3 million and will employ more than 70 textile manufacturing and mechanics specialists at Siauliai Industrial Park, Invest Lithuania said in a statement. The facility

will produce various types of fishing nets for use in global fishing, as well as trawls, cages, and other equipment used for fish farming. Additionally, it will produce safety nets and cargo transportation equipment for offshore oil and similar platforms. VON’s Lithuanian production will be exported to the Faroe Islands, Norway, and other countries. According

to Hjalmar Petersen, executive director at VON, “Lithuania has a well-developed textile sector and an experienced work force, with specific competencies that are very important for our highly innovative operations. We expect the Lithuanian input and the advanced production equipment to be used in the Siauliai-based manufacturing facility to accelerate our production

modernisation process.” The company uses complex computer models and special video equipment to monitor the underwater behaviour of nets and various fish species. Newly employed Lithuanians will be trained by VON at their headquarters in the Faroe Islands and the company’s other factories in Greenland, Norway, Denmark, and Canada.

China: Norwegian firms will build salmon and cod farming facility The Norwegian companies Futurama and AquaOptima have signed an agreement with Lim Shrimp Organization to create “Aquapolis”, the world’s first land-based, fully integrated salmon and cod farming facility in Hainan, China. The aquaculture complex will produce cod and salmon from egg to market size in a demonstration farm, and smaller grow-out units will be run and managed by individual farmers. The farming system will be

an indoor temperature-controlled recirculation aquaculture system (RAS), with multiple stacks in one building, thus increasing productivity and shortening the length of culture, Djames Lim, CEO of Lim Shrimp Organization, told TheFishSite. Futurama and AquaOptima will supply fingerlings to the farms and take the fish to market. The Aquapolis will provide Atlantic cod and salmon to meet the increasing demand by China’s growing

population, which currently stands at 1.3 billion, and especially by middle-income families. The first phase of the project is to build a 70 ha facility. The first trial unit will be completed in six months. Once the facility has proven successful, at least 100 units for each species will be built. Other species will also be grown in Aquapolis, because individual farmers will have their own factory unit in which they can grow their species of choice. Other

species include sea cucumber, crab, grouper, and polychaetes.

Individual farmers will also be given training and technical knowhow to guide them through to harvest. The Lim Shrimp Organization is a non-governmental livelihood programme developer, which uses aquaculture as the instrument to create livelihood, helping many poor families become aquapreneurs.

Denmark: Baltic Sea Conference 2013 – blue growth, sustainability, and water industries More than 300 participants gathered in Copenhagen on 3 October to take part in the “Baltic Sea Conference 2013 – Blue Growth, Sustainability, and Water Industries”, which took place back-toback with the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting. The conference’s purpose was to discuss ways to create a Baltic Sea region that is both sustainable and prosperous and that emphasises blue and green economies. The attendees constituted a broad range of knowledge and perspectives on the Baltic Sea, including representatives from the private sector, the European Commission, NGOs, international financing www.eurofishmagazine.com

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institutions, and government.

The conference was organised by the European Commission and the Baltic Development Forum, together with the Danish HELCOM Presidency. The conference advanced the Baltic Sea region’s new and innovative policy field of blue growth and promoted a proactive approach to the marine environment, which is at the heart of regional cooperation within HELCOM and the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea region.

As Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries noted, the region should build on

its assets, leading innovation and research, strong maritime clusters, a proactive approach towards marine environment

challenges, and well-established cooperation to ensure the longterm sustainable development of its maritime economy.

Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, pointed out that the Baltic region had many factors that could ensure the sustainable development of its maritime economy.

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[ EVENTS ] Seafood Barcelona, 22-24 October 2013

Quality bacalao combines Icelandic raw material with a Spanish chef!

On 22 October Fira de Barcelona opened its doors welcoming exhibitors and visitors from over 27 countries, who came to participate in Seafood Barcelona. Attendance at this second edition of the show increased by around 25% compared to 2012 indicating growing interest in the event.

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he product and services variety was impressive: fresh, frozen, preserved and processed seafood, high value-added products, industrial equipment and technologies for refrigeration, packaging, cooking, and smoking along with transportation and storage services, design and engineering, financial services and consulting among others. The New Product Showcase presented 20 companies from Croatia, Denmark, Latvia, the Netherlands, Spain and Viet Nam offering their newest and most innovative products, including smoked, canned, ready-to-eat, easy-toprepare items reflecting modern trends in food shopping and consumption.

National pavilions promote industry visibility Argentina, Canada, Croatia, Ecuador, Iceland, Norway, Turkey and USA used national pavilions to give their industries maximum visibility. At the Turkish pavilion farmed fish producers were well represented. Sinan Kiziltan, Aegean Seafood and Animal Products Exporters’ Association, says “Turkey has increased production of aquaculture, mainly sea bass and sea bream, rainbow trout and corvina. At the moment we represent around 50 aquaculture companies from the Aegean region as well as new companies who export wild species – snails, shrimps, octopus and

cuttlefish. We see a lot of interest from the Spanish market and a lot of potential trade between Turkey and Spain, therefore our producers came here to demonstrate their products to Spanish wholesalers. The show is not big but quite efficient – all visitors to our stand are real buyers.”

Croatian participants representing four companies and two cooperatives felt very comfortable at their joint booth. “We were happy about previous year and here we are again now to present the best Croatia has – already known products, new products, new production facilities – to European professionals and to the Spanish market, and

we have already received good feedback”, says Zoran Radan from Croatian Chamber of Economy.

“Taste and share the secret of Icelandic bacalao” – an invitation from over 20 Icelandic producers and sellers of salted fish, who recently joined together in a market initiative to promote quality products sustainably sourced from Icelandic waters to Southern Europe as well as other markets. For the promotion they used a little Icelandic house called Eldhús, Icelandic for “kitchen,” where visitors could sample products from salted cod.

The secret behind quality bacalao turns out to be salted cod from an Icelandic village and a Mediterranean chef.

Varied programme of events

The second edition of Seafood Barcelona featured national pavilions from countries in Europe as well as North and South America.

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The show’s programme included several culinary classrooms and a forum for debates about the seafood industry, featuring seven one-hour Master Classes on cod, shrimp, anchovies, tuna and mackerel, sea bass and sea bream. The presentations were made by Promote Iceland, Sogda Ltd, Catalan Federation of Fishermen’s Guild and the Government of Andalusia and the cooking classes were conducted by renowned chefs www.eurofishmagazine.com

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[ EVENTS ] Xanty Elias, and the brothers Sergio and Xavier Torres. In addition, nine sessions for cooking demonstration and sampling of seafood products from cuttlefish, mackerel, hake, sardines, sea snails,

langoustines and sand eels were held at the Catalonia pavilion and organised by Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Food and Environment and Promoter of Catalan Exports.

Seafood Barcelona for the second time proved to be an important event for Southern Europe and the Maghreb. In 2014 the show will be held under the name Seafood Expo Southern

Europe and will open its doors on 22-24 September, so make a note in your calendars.

Aleksandra Petersen, Eurofish aleksandra.petersen@eurofish.dk

fish international 2014 spotlights fish farming

American experts bring aquaculture workshop to Europe At the 14th edition of Germany’s only fish trade fair at the Bremen Exhibition Centre from Sunday 9 to Tuesday 11 February 2014 visitors will find the well-tried mix of product presentation, discussion of current topics, and ample opportunities for building or nurturing business contacts. Beyond that, the fair will this time be looking at some particular areas of the industry – and especially at the aquaculture sector.

Fish farmers with interest in RAS to benefit from workshop “We will be addressing both people who are considering starting an RAS farm and farmers who are already active in that sector and who want to expand or convert their farm”, says Michael Timmons. www.eurofishmagazine.com

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Jan Rathke

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n response to public demand the Bremen Exhibition is very proud to have been able to attract two internationally known authorities for the event, says Sabine Wedell, the project manager. Normally, Prof. Michael Timmons Ph.D. and James Ebeling Ph.D. hold their ambitious and yet entertaining workshop on fish farming in recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) during the summer months at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Now they will be presenting it in Europe for the first time: parallel to the trade fair in the neighbouring Congress Centrum Bremen on Monday 10 and Tuesday 11 February.

fish international 2014 in Bremen will also have an area dedicated to aquaculture equipment.

“The workshop will examine aquaculture systems from an engineering perspective and look particularly at the design of several system sizes from boutique to large commercial scale”, explains James Ebeling. And it will also consider the economics and profitability of recirculating systems. “We hope to show our audience that there is NOT one magical solution, no one optimal design“, says Timmons.

“We want our listeners to understand that a farming facility has to be individually tailored to the

location and its owner, be it family or company, if it is to be economically efficient.” The two scientists have already emphasized this in their standard work on recirculating technology “Recirculating Aquaculture”. One of the things they stress there is the significance of good management: it is absolutely wrong to assume “that an unsuccessful dairy or pig farmer could be a successful fish farmer.”

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[ EVENTS ] workshop can take place is thanks to the support of leading equipment supplier Aquacultur Fischtechnik from Nienburg and the fish feed producer Biomar.

Equipment manufacturers will again be well represented at the event. Among others, companies specialised in the conception and construction of extremely efficient recirculating systems for high-value species; in fresh and salt water treatment; in nets and accessories; and in water monitoring technology, will be available to show their equipment and respond to enquiries.

Network for sustainable aquaculture to debut The Aquzente network will be a newcomer to the Bremen fair.

Founded by 14 players from the aquaculture sector in the summer of 2012 the network strives for technological innovations for efficient and sustainable fish farming and marketing. The group will present an extensive lecture programme: in addition to the three topic sections “Aquaculture in the region”, “Process optimization through new technologies” and “Product development” the organisers also

(as of today) have about 20 lectures and discussions on the agenda for the three days of the fair. “At their stand Aquzente will each day be holding a workshop on the sensory aspects of food products”, announces Sabine Wedell. Visitors will then, for example, be able to taste aquaculture products in a sensory cabin and assess them according to different criteria.

In addition to the RAS workshop fish international 2014 also has two other premieres lined up. On the one hand there will for the first time be a contest to find the “Best

Seafood Product”. And on the other hand the long-standing event will be sided up by a brand new trade fair “Gastro Ivent” which will offer ideas and solutions for the restaurant and catering sectors or for traders who have a catering section.

The exhibition halls will be open on Sunday and Monday from 10:00 to 18:00, on Tuesday from 10:00 to 17:00. One ticket grants admission to both fish international and Gastro Ivent. The RAS workshop requires separate registration at www.fishinternational.de.

CONXEMAR-FAO Whitefish Congress, 30 September, Vigo

Unique opportunity to explore market trends The World Whitefish congress was organised by Conxemar, the Spanish Association of Wholesalers, Importers, Manufacturers and Exporters of fish products and Aquaculture, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), as part of its strategy of collaboration with the private sector. It took place in Vigo, the city of the sea, on 30 September.

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he congress brought together leading world experts on major whitefish species, such as Alaska pollock, cod, haddock, hake, hoki, pangasius and tilapia. Different issues on whitefish resources, markets, supply and utilisation were presented and discussed for the roughly 300 delegates from more than 20 countries. Árni M. Mathiesen, Assistant DirectorGeneral of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, FAO highlighted the importance of the blue economy worldwide, the growing role of aquaculture in the overall supply of fish and seafood, and stressed that the congress was a practical way to transfer information about markets and trade to the industry. He also expressed FAO’s 18

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Ministers and others from leading countries in the fish trade attended the opening of the CONXEMAR-FAO Whitefish Congress.

interest in continuing this collaborative approach in the future.

Carlos Domínguez Díaz, Secretary General for Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment of Spain, underlined the important role of Spain in the international

trade in fish and seafood products, and the need to gain the trust of consumers of fish products. He also expressed his satisfaction with the alliance between Conxemar and FAO which brings knowledge to Vigo, the heart of the Spanish fisheries sector, every year.

Demand for fish increases faster than production In general global trade and exports grow much faster than overall production. Some global trends are influencing this trend. Rising www.eurofishmagazine.com

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[ EVENTS ] population, income growth and diversifying diets to include more fish are some of the factors. The situation in the market for the main whitefish species is mixed. World whitefish markets used to be dominated by traditional groundfish species such as cod, hake, haddock and pollock. However, the aggressive growth of aquaculture production has changed this situation with tilapia and pangasius gaining strong niches in the market with new consumer groups. Tilapia farming is gaining attention worldwide, particularly to supply local demand in regions were local production is possible. However, the EU market is reluctant to switch to newer whitefish species, such as tilapia.

At the same time negative publicism and consumer perceptions affect demand for pangasius.

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With regard to the supply, there are reasons for optimism. Some examples in the past have shown that wild stocks can recover with the implementation of good management practices. For example, after years of overfishing cod stocks have recovered in the North Sea with the introduction of effective stock management and conservation measures. Currently, cod stocks in the North-Atlantic are abundant and it has put strong pressure on prices and ultimately on fishermen.

Groundfish holds a special place among Europeans Major producing countries of whitefish are Norway, Russia and USA, processing takes place in China (both fillet and surimi production) and major markets

are in the EU and USA. China, with about 24% share, is the leading supplier of groundfish to the EU market. It is estimated that nearly 45% of available groundfish volumes globally are consumed by EU consumers. Estimates for 2012 show that Atlantic and Pacific cod accounts for 65% followed by haddock and saithe with a share of 52% and hake – 50%. Apart from very traditional products – fresh and frozen fish and fillets, the Mediterranean countries are a traditional market for klippfish (salted and dried cod) and stockfish (air-dried cod); however this year’s cold weather affected this type of production negatively. Spain is known as the most important market within the EU for different whitefish species, but it has also a market for cocochas-hake tongues which

are considered as a delicacy by the Spanish consumers.

Miguel Arias Cañete, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Environment of Spain, joined the congress and in his closing remarks underlined the great importance of whitefish for a balanced diet, especially for Spanish consumers.

The Mediterranean diet (in which fish occupies a strong position) has been declared by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

He acknowledged the role of the congress in the dissemination of knowledge and experience and its impact on the competitiveness of the Spanish fisheries sector, which plays an enormous role in both the national and European economies.

Aina Afanasjeva, Eurofish aina.afanasjeva@eurofish.dk

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POLAND

Innovation and knowledge will play a greater role in the Polish aquaculture sector

Environmental benefits of fish farming need to be promoted The Department of Fisheries in the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is led by Tomasz Nawrocki, who spoke with Eurofish Magazine at length about some of the issues facing the Polish fishery and aquaculture sector.

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he Common Fisheries Policy is in the final stages of reform. What aspects of the reform (discard ban, regionalisation, fishing at MSY, and the general emphasis on sustainability) do you foresee as having the greatest impact on Polish fisheries, and how will this manifest itself?

Baltic Sea and other fishing companies must follow the rules while becoming more flexible and able to adjust to any change in the natural environment and on the markets. The main objective of the reform is to give the fishery and aquaculture sector an appropriately balanced economic, social, and environmental framework. The new elements of key importance to us are balanced fishing, discard control, ensuring a future for fisheries and aquaculture, increasing job opportunities, meeting consumer needs and expectations, more efficient management through regionalisation, and a more rational financing of the sector.

Many aspects of the Common Fisheries Policy reform have already been implemented by Poland. For example, when the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) set the annual fishing quotas and TACs, it considered not only 20

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Director Tomasz Nawrocki, Department of Fisheries, Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

scientific advice but also the necessity to achieve catches consistent with MSY starting in 2015.

Sometimes this requires the consent of the member states,

because it may call for a reduction in fishing quotas higher than those proposed by the EC. Of course, this is done after considering the economic condition

of fishermen and a careful analysis of ICES scientific advice.

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fishing will be one of the greatest challenges for Polish fisheries after 2015. The subject is now being negotiated in the regional forum, BaltFish. The discard ban will force fishermen to land all the cod, herring, sprat, salmon, and plaice they catch. They will have to adopt solutions that help them avoid unwanted catch and take only species of market value by using more selective gear.

The reform also addresses the protection of the environment, in particular the reduction in the impact of fisheries on marine birds and mammals. This too will make fishermen adopt new fishing technologies to deter and reduce the bycatch of seabirds and mammals, and will encourage them to change their fishing

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areas to protect the marine ecosystem.

What are the benefits and the drawbacks of moving to multispecies management in the Baltic as opposed to the current single-species management regime?

Currently, cod is the only species covered by a long-term management plan in the Baltic Sea. The disadvantage of the current single-species plans is that they seek restoration of one species without looking at trophic interrelations. The single-species plans do not look at fish migration and the role of climatic factors. But a multispecies plan should help to build a balance among a number of species that

are closely linked to each other.

In the Baltic, for instance, there is a strong relation between cod, herring, and sprat. Being a predatory fish, cod feeds mainly on sprat and herring, whereas the pelagics feed on cod roe.

This interaction creates a strong relation between the three species. The current singlespecies plan does not consider these relations, which has created problems with the Baltic cod (lean cod). Poland supports resource management based on multispecies plans that address all of the key interactions between mutually dependent species. The EC is now drafting a multispecies management plan for the Baltic Sea that will cover cod, herring, and sprat.

What differences, both positive and negative, do you expect a new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) will make to the Polish fisheries sector?

First, I must emphasise that work on the draft of a regulation on the EMFF for the period 2014–2020 is ongoing, and all of the solutions mentioned below may be subject to modification.

Greater support for aquaculture is envisaged in the EMFF. It includes measures that, so far, have not been available to all entities in the aquaculture sector. These include diversifying business, promoting human capital, and building contact networks. Support in this field

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POLAND

has until now been available only to fisheries local action groups (FLAGs). This prevented many aquaculture entities from accessing that support.

It should also be emphasized that a wide range of support for aquaculture farms will remain in place. It is especially important in Poland, where the production of farmed fish is highly developed and has a tradition that dates back to ancient times.

Compared with the programming period 2007–2013, the reduction in EMFF support for fish processing companies seems to be a change for the worse. The processing industry is an important segment of the whole value chain from fishing to consumer. Interrupting support for fish processing may well disrupt the coordination of strategic support for the fishing sector. For example, managing discards may not be feasible without investment support for the sector.

completely new rules, rather than using their experience from the past.

Aquaculture is a focal point of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy, as aquaculture production in Europe has been stagnant for many years. What is the status of the aquaculture sector in Poland, and what direction would you like to see it move in?

The stagnation in the volume of European aquaculture production is largely caused by limits set by the environmental protection law. It is high time to change those regulations and for green NGOs to realise the favourable effects of aquaculture on the environment.

Another significant change is the regulation of penalties for failure to obey the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy. Currently, individual fishermen are punished by having to return the grants, but the proposed EMFF regulation will freeze payments to the member state involved.

This is a highly unfavourable change as it may introduce a kind of collective punishment for the infringement by an individual.

Poland’s accession to the European Union nine years ago has offered new opportunities for modernisation and development in the aquaculture sector.

The Priority Axis 2 of the Operational Programme "Sustainable development of the fisheries sector and coastal fishing areas 2007-2013" (OP Fisheries) which allowed the implementation of aquaculture (investment and hydro-environmental) projects, has received only 20 of the budget and all of these funds have been spent. The scope of the investment projects is very wide. It includes, among other things, the modernisation and upgrading of farms, building facilities, and equipment that improve fish production.

The considerable changes in the system of implementing the operational programme, cofinanced by the EMFF, may also be a major obstacle. The new tasks, structures, and procedures will force people to master some

Further development of fish farming in Poland will follow directions mapped out at the EU level, and these continue the present approach. However, a clear trend is to release the potential of aquaculture.

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This is why the future European Maritime and Fisheries Fund foresees broader support to the sector than the current European Fisheries Fund. Although any changes will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, I cannot rule out some more dynamic modifications, especially in RAS production.

The future picture of the farmed fish and seafood industry will certainly depend strongly on the financial support received under the programming period 2014– 2020. The state of fishery science will also play a role, because it will determine the development and transfer of aquaculture knowledge.

Development of the sector is certainly a priority. The economic, social, and environmental aspects of aquaculture need to be better balanced, which means a greater role for innovation and knowledge within the sector. The planned fund no longer mentions the division into priority axes, each dedicated to a specific area of the fishing sector. But it proposes to define a relatively small number of priorities to be supported, that is, technological development through innovation, new technologies, transfer of knowledge, strengthening the competitiveness and profitability of business and its diversification, including new forms of income related to projects in aquaculture or associated areas. I can say that, for the first time, we have properly appreciated the potential of angling tourism and the experience of fishing experts, their knowledge of fish and the environment in providing advisory services or implementing projects serving the natural environment.

How does the aquaculture sector respond to farmed fish from countries outside the EU? Is it considered a threat or is the market big enough for domestic producers as well as imports?

Support will continue for environmentally friendly aquaculture. This is why we should expect further support for traditional carp ponds, which play a vital role in maintaining the environment. But we must make sure that the relevant knowledge reaches the minds of a larger group of people.

Clearly, low price is no longer the most important thing for buyers. There is growing awareness among consumers who are shopping with more care, getting information about products, and benefiting from campaigns promoting the consumption of fish and advertising the resulting health benefits.

Carp is the most popular species among fish produced by Polish farms. Its consumption has stayed at a level of approximately 0.45 kg/person for several years now. Carp consumption seems to face little competition from other fish species, because carp is the traditional fish eaten at Christmas, when market supplies of carp peak. Apart from domestically produced carp, the market is also supplied by some 2,000 tonnes of carp imported usually from neighbouring countries (Lithuania, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia). Producers have recently tried to extend the carp-selling season. Indeed, carp is increasingly seen on shop shelves all year round, and its sales are supported by many advertising campaigns. www.eurofishmagazine.com

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On the other hand, trout consumption is growing slightly.

Its consumption in 2012 was ca.

0.42 kg/person vs. 0.29 kg/person in 2002. Domestic production is supplemented by imports of ca. 7,000 tonnes, of which ca.

3,500 tonnes come from outside the EU (Turkey and Norway).

Fresh and chilled trout is usually available on the market. This means that the product offered for sale must be of top quality, which only domestic producers can provide. Trout sales, like the sales of carp, are also supported by massive promotional campaigns targeting final consumers.

We can say that, despite a wide range of imported products,

the sale of fish produced in Poland keeps growing. Polish consumers demand a wide range of products, and among them, Polish-farmed fish enjoys a strong position. Apart from the traditional carp and trout, we often spot fresh pike-perch, perch, tench, bream, and roach in our shops. We can also get fish from such smaller-scale cultures as sturgeon, African sharptooth catfish, tilapia, and barramundi.

At the same time, constantly improving distribution channels have a positive impact on the quality of the delivered product.

Poland has enticed a lot of Europe’s fish-processing industry to set up facilities, thanks to a competitively priced and

skilled workforce. But as living standards rise and Polish labour costs increase, companies may consider relocating.

How can Poland prevent this?

Many European fish processing companies have opened their plants in Poland in recent years, encouraged by easily available and well-qualified manpower, and the relatively low cost of labour. But companies also recognise that the Polish market for fish and seafood has a large, unutilised potential.

Fish consumption in Poland is clearly lower than the European average. An increase in fish and seafood consumption would open a large market for this type of product, and I think businessmen are aware of this opportunity.

THE

FISH FAIR IN GERMANY

Living standards have improved significantly in the country over the past decade. We must remember that despite the worldwide economic crisis, Poland’s GDP grew more than 17 in the period 2007–2012. Yet, the wages, and consequently the cost of labour in Poland, are still clearly lower than in most EU countries. The average monthly (gross) wage in Poland is approximately EUR 870. This is more than five times less than in Switzerland, which is at the top of the list, and more than four times less than in our western neighbour Germany. Poland comes behind other countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Greece, which are all deeply bogged down in the economic crisis, but also behind Turkey and the Czech Republic.

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Therefore, at the moment, we do not see the threats you mentioned. And we do not want the low labour cost to be the only attraction keeping investors in our country. We want the qualifications of our workers to be competitive, and we will carry on improving their abilities. Considerable funds for the development of qualifications and training came from the OP Fisheries. We also support high-quality production and the use of advanced technologies.

Contracts for investment projects worth nearly PLN 434 million (EUR 103 million) have been signed with fish processing companies under the OP Fisheries. As a result of these investments, Poland has among the most modern processing plants in Europe that meet the highest hygiene and veterinary standards. We are improving the transport network by building new highways and motorways, and we focus on improving the quality of raw materials and providing access to large quantities.

This is why we have set up the fish first sale centres. They buy fish from fishermen and deliver it to the customers, which include processing plants. In this way, we solve the problem of fragmented supply, delivering raw material, which is sorted, in good quality, and in the necessary volumes. We have improved our control systems significantly over recent years, and we can now be sure that all of the landed fish comes from legal and sustainable fishing.

The European Fisheries Fund’s Axis 4 started to actively deploy local partnership principles for

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the benefit of local fishing communities. How do you asses the success of this initiative in Poland?

The very implementation of that initiative is a success, despite a 2-year delay starting it. Altogether, Poland has 48 FLAGs in its 16 voivodships (provinces).

The FLAG Committee chooses the operations, based on the selection criteria approved by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. The FLAGs operate in fishing-dependent areas, that is, areas where the number of people working for the fishing sector is large. They could be employed in one of several activities: marine fishing, fishing on lakes, inland freshwater fish farms, or fish-processing companies.

The implementation of the FLAG strategy includes carrying out operations of different types. Fishermen can expect subsidies for restructuring and re-orienting their businesses and for creating new job opportunities outside the sector. Support is also available to municipal authorities for projects to improve access to public transport, reconstruct tourist infrastructure, and promote the area covered by the FLAG strategy. Also eligible for support are public organisations that work for the development of the area, for example, by organising special interest groups for children, building museums, or organising cultural events.

Support for local businesses and farms is also possible, for example, supporting the production and promotion of fishery products from local businesses.

Small, family-owned businesses

benefit greatly from this support, because it can increase incomes and help profile the company over other business types. Support is available in particular for fish farms and companies in the fishing business that wish to develop tourism as an alternative source of income.

The development of such business supports the development of the local economy as a whole, from bars and restaurants to various tourist attractions, and to the development of local industry.

The financial and economic crisis has been a long drawn out affair from which many countries have not yet recovered. What was the impact on the Polish fisheries sector, and what measures were implemented to mitigate it?

The results from the fisheries sector in 2012 were quite good despite the very difficult environment. The number of profityielding companies grew from 73.9 in 2011 to 85.1 in 2012.

This result was achieved largely through continuing growth in labour efficiency. In 2012, Poland exported 349 thousand tonnes of fish and fish products, which is a quantity similar to the 2011 figure (352 thousand tonnes). The value of exports increased from EUR 1,139 million in 2011 to EUR 1,201 million in 2012, and this growing trend is expected to continue this year.

Fish consumption in Poland is less than in many other EU countries. What efforts are being made to increase consumption of fish among Poles, and particularly among segments such as the young, who

are reluctant consumers of fish and seafood?

We take a variety of measures to increase fish consumption, including campaigns targeted at young people. In 2008, the Department of Fisheries coordinated a broad fish-consumption promotion campaign “Fish influences all”. Commercials were broadcast on the television and radio, and were well received among consumers. In 2012, we put out an information leaflet “Practical hints for fish consumers”, which was distributed all over Poland, mainly to gynaecological and obstetrics clinics. We wanted to target pregnant women and feeding mothers because of their special dietary requirements. The leaflet included official dietary recommendations and information on the benefits of consuming omega-3 fatty acids.

The Fish Promotion Fund was established in 2009 and is financed by 0.1 of the net value of all products subject to VAT. VAT-paying entrepreneurs are obliged to levy, collect, and pay the 0.1 to the Fish Promotion Fund. The Fund’s statutory activities include support for projects promoting fish consumption.

In 2011, the Fund financed the promotion of fish and seafood with a campaign known as “Fish Products from Poland”. It also co-financed the promotion of the Fish Market Development Association’s “Fish Wins”, a campaign on Facebook aimed mainly at young people. Associations also promote fish consumption using the European Fisheries Fund. For example, the campaign “Trout Now” by the Association of Salmonid Producers and “Mr. Carp” by the Fish Promotion Society.

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Source: Inland Fisheries Institute

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Source: FAO

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Polish inland fisheries

Economic importance to rural areas The inland fisheries sector in Poland comprises the rearing and culture of freshwater fish, commercial lake and river fisheries, and recreational angling in inland waters. Commercial lake, river, and dam reservoir fisheries and angling made the largest contribution to the production of freshwater fish until the mid-1980s, when production came to be dominated by fish from aquaculture.

Local fishermen pull up their catches in the Vistula Lagoon.

P

oland has approximately 550,000 ha of inland waters, and inland fishing accounts for ca. 30 of Poland’s total annual production or about 54,000 tonnes. Today, ca.

67 of inland fishery production comes from aquaculture, 26 comes from angling, and only ca. 6 comes from commercial lake, river, and dam reservoir fisheries.

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The Stanisław Sakowicz Inland Fisheries Institute dating back to 1951 is the leading independent research and development facility in this field. It is supervised by the subdivision of inland fisheries in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and is led by Director Bogusław Zdanowski, while Professor Arkadiusz Wołos heads the Department of Fishery Bioeconomics. In general, development

at the institute is moving in two directions. The first relates to aquaculture and biotechnology, and the other relates to natural waters and the implementation of the water framework directive.

In recent years, the institute has focused on innovation and implementation projects, including: r biotechnologies for the artificial reproduction and rearing of sturgeon species;

r

r

r

controlled biotechnology for controlled reproduction of pike-perch; increased production of stocking material of valuable fish species, with a special focus on pike; improved quality of the artificial reproduction and rearing of fish, with a special focus on fish welfare; www.eurofishmagazine.com

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Arkadiusz Wołos emphasises the importance of receiving recognition and support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

Director Bogusław Zdanowski leads the Inland Fisheries Institute in Olsztyn.

r

According to the FAO, Poland is the second largest carp producer in Europe and, although it had a period of decline, production has now stabilised and in 2012 totalled more than 17,700 tonnes; production of other species in the sector amounted to ca. 1,500 tonnes.

the promotional project known as Mr. Carp, which was designed to generate support for domestic production.

Status of the sector

1) production of carp and other fish species in ponds; 2) production of trout and other salmonid species; 3) fisheries in open waters, i.e., lakes, rivers, and reservoirs.

Arkadiusz Wołos

Polish inland fisheries can be classified into three subsectors,

of which the first two relate to aquaculture:

Cormorants consume about twice the total commercial catches in lakes.

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Less is known about the true situation of trout. According to Arkadiusz Wołos, the data reveals that we saw the highest registered production of trout five to seven years ago, with a total of ca. 18,000 tonnes.

According to the latest data, the extrapolated total production today would only be 11,000 tonnes, signalling a substantial drop.

Bogusław Zdanowski says “in the case of open-water fishing, of which about 90 of the catch is lake fishing, we have seen a drop over a 5 to 6 year period from around 2,500 tonnes to about 2,150 tonnes”. Paradoxically, despite this drop in production, the financial standing of the inland fisheries is stable.

The reason behind this is that farms, especially lake farms, are getting more involved in other types of activities, such as processing, establishing their own shops, or promoting tourism.

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are restocked with 23 different fish species – a rare situation in Europe – and the total financial value of restocking is much greater than the value of catches.

The economic performance of fisheries is generally stable with trout farms doing best, followed by lake fisheries, with carp farms last.

Carp producers are trying to introduce additional species in a bid to increase the profitability of their operations.

Table 1. Catches from 270,000 ha of lakes in Poland in 2012 Species

Tonnes

Species

Tonnes

Bream

724,18

Carps

141,92

Pike

273,15

Pike-perch

118,18

Roach

247,06

Eel

Vendace

206,80

Smelt

24,12

Perch

150,30

Other

24,34

Tench

147,53

Total

2142,66

Today fish stocks are more or less at a sustainable level. In lake fisheries, the greatest decrease is in eel. Production in the 1970s and first half of the 1980s was 500–700 tonnes annually, and now it is a little over 80 tonnes.

The main catches of lake species are shown in Table 1.

Cormorants: an enormous problem The increasing population of cormorants is one of the most significant problems currently facing Polish fisheries. Estimates indicate that these predators consume more than two times the total commercial catches in lakes. Temporary permits for shooting some birds are issued, but the results are more or less undetectable. Little is being done to reduce the stocks because the 28

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85,08

institution responsible for environmental protection remains guarded on the issue. “This is an official opinion and has created an obvious discrepancy between the position of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Environment. But this situation is not exclusive to Poland,” says Professor Arkadiusz Wołos.

Illegal fishing reduced Illegal fishing is decreasing. One reason could be the decreasing stocks, particularly of eel.

Eel was by far the most illegally fished stock owing to its substantially higher price compared with other species. Today, a kilogram costs PLN 70 (ca. EUR 17), while trout is PLN 15 (EUR 4). The reduction in the stock of eel has therefore removed much of the

incentive to fish illegally. Sturgeon and pike-perch also command premium prices compared with other species.

The fishery industry is an important element of the economies in inland and rural regions, and freshwater fish are an important source of income. Including the aquaculture sector, lake fisheries, and professional anglers, ca.

4,500 persons are employed.

Angling is a huge sector in Poland, with an estimated 1.5 million anglers. About ten years ago, the total value of angling, including catches, stocking materials, business, and fishing trips, was estimated at more than PLN 1 billion (about EUR 240 million). At the same time, the total value of aquaculture production was PLN 300 million (ca. EUR 72 million). Poland’s inland waters

The ratio of consumed inland fish is somewhat uncertain, but it is estimated that ca. 20 of Poland’s total fish consumption of 10–12 kg per capita is from inland fisheries, of which trout makes up about 1,25 kg per capita. Almost all products from open-water fisheries and carp farming are consumed in Poland, whereas trout is also exported.

Priorities for the next programming period, 2014–2020, focus on stabilising the legal environment for fisheries and taking action on the cormorant nuisance. Implementation of the new OP may prove difficult owing to the low profitability of some farms. They simply do not have the funds needed. And freshwater pond fisheries in Poland (and Europe in general) are not accepted as an important and equal-rights subsector of aquaculture but rather as a natural resource.

Inland Fisheries Institute The Stanisław Sakowicz Inland Fisheries Institute

irs@infish.com.pl www.infish.com.pl

ul. Oczapowskiego 10 10-719 Olsztyn Poland Tel.: +48 89 5241062 Fax: +48 89 5240505

Director: Bogusław Zdanowski Head of Department of Fishery Bioeconomics: Arkadiusz Wołos

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The Dgał Experimental Stocking Centre grows fish for research, restocking, and revenue

A focus on sturgeon and other high-value species The Dgał Experimental Stocking Centre is a unit of the Inland Fisheries Institute, which carries out experiments to improve the breeding of fish species with a particular focus on sturgeon and other high-value species for both restocking and sale.

S

turgeons are an anadromous species, which means they migrate from the sea to freshwater for spawning. In Poland, they have been recorded travelling as far as 700 km for this purpose. In a recirculation system, the spawning of sturgeon takes place in January and February and takes about two months.

It is more complicated than with other species, but the Dgał Experimental Stocking Centre has been doing it successfully for 12 years.

The conditions in the basins imitate the fish's natural environment. During winter, water temperatures are decreased and then gradually raised and lights are turned on to signal spring. The fish do not produce eggs every year, so several stocks of each species have to be maintained according to the number of years between spawning (two years for Siberian sturgeon, four years for Russian, and at least four years for Atlantic sturgeon).

Atlantic sturgeon is a delicate species and is bred for restocking in the Baltic Sea region, but plans are being made to produce the fish for sale. Atlantic sturgeon matures between 13 and 14 years of age when females reach a weight of ca. 50 kg. In the wild, maturity would not occur before they reached 18 to 20. Being sensitive, they react to anything: movement, sound, and lights being 30

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turned on and off. Because of this, losses of Atlantic sturgeon are more frequent and still occur after they reach 1 kg, whereas other sturgeon species experience practically no losses.

The species can reach sixty years in age and grow to almost 5 m, with weights exceeding 300 kg. Today, natural sustainable populations are maintained only in the US and Canada. In Europe, they are almost entirely extinct, so stock restocking is highly prioritised.

Studies have revealed that the sturgeon population in the Baltic Sea belongs to the Canadian subspecies rather than the European variant, as previously thought. Research indicates that this species migrated to the Baltic approximately 1,300 years ago and subsequently displaced the native species.

Most experiments are carried out on the Siberian sturgeon, because it is the easiest to grow and reaches sexual maturity at the age of only 8, making it the species of sturgeon most commonly bred in captivity. Research focuses on obtaining the female stocks by, for instance, hormonal reversal of sexes. But the coding system for sexes is different in sturgeon than in other species. Currently, it is not possible to genetically distinguish males from females, and only when they reach a size of

Fish for restocking are tagged to allow them to be traced.

ca. 1,5 kg can the sexes be identified using ultrasonic scanning; but this is labour intensive and therefore done only for restocking or in connection with the production of caviar.

source breeding materials from our hatchery and sell them to Russia. We sell sturgeon weighing 1 to 2 kg to Russia, and thus Polish sturgeon is the origin of Russian caviar. At least some of it”.

Polish sturgeon behind Russian caviar

A fish for the future?

Russian sturgeon is excellent for caviar, so-called black gold, because their eggs are big and very black and this makes them more sought after, although they mature later (ca. 12 years of age).

They grow without much effort to 200 kg and 3,5 m.

Two companies in Poland breed sturgeon for caviar. According to Mirosław Szczepkowski of the Stanisław Sakowicz Inland Fisheries Institute, “We have many customers in Lithuania who

Pike-perch is bred from the institute's own broodstock. “Everyone wants to breed this species, but unfortunately, it is very difficult”, says Miroslaw Szczepkowki. “Especially at the initial stages, growing them from eggs to 1 to 2 g fish and getting them to eat feed. There are farms in Denmark and Poland that specialise in growing them, but in Poland, we are the only ones who grow them from scratch”.

The species is only bred for restocking but there is a huge demand for this fish once they www.eurofishmagazine.com

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have reached the 1 to 2 g threshold.

Prospects for growing this species have the greatest potential, and the institute has been contacted by a Dutch company willing to pay very good prices. Currently, the breeding process is far from perfect, and there is ample room for improvement, but the institute believes this is a species for the future and will be working on this more intensively.

This species is also very popular for angling, which is why they are caught extensively. The traditional methods of restocking fish of 2 to 3 cm is not very effective for pike-perch. They are eaten by predators and therefore have to be bigger. The institute has to find out the optimal size for restocking. Advantages are, however, that pike-perch adapt easily and maintain their killer instinct. Even after having been fed on fish feed, they quickly go back to preying on other fish when released. Pike for instance needs to be released when it is no larger than 5 gr, otherwise they lose their instinct to prey on fish. Pike breeding is otherwise quite productive”.

Pike-perch and pike are mainly restocked within the region.

Currently, research is being done on white fish (Coregonus

lavaletus), which is very popular in Poland. In fact, it nearly became extinct because of its popularity. Two breeding stocks for both restocking and sale to farms are maintained. Szczepkowski explains, “They grow quickly but are somewhat delicate, especially to some bacterial diseases. We are working to improve its resistance. The species is also popular with trout farmers as a supplementary fish.

White fish from here is stocked throughout most of Poland”.

Measuring the effect All fish for restocking are tagged with microchips under their skin, which will remain in them for life. Monitoring the efficiency of the restocking is an important objective and, with these tags, identification can be made, fish counted, and movements tracked using different monitoring systems. Gear attached to buoys or boats that register the fish can be used for this. Radio transmitters are used for sturgeon and pikeperch. The tags are hydroacoustic and can be registered using antennas.

If the fish do not register, they either are dead or have been caught. Because the radio

The sexes of sturgeon cannot be determined before they have reached a size of 1,5 kg.

transmitters are fairly large, they generate a return rate of ca. 66 from anglers. Only a small percentage of the smaller tags are returned, because anglers simply do not notice them. This information was beneficial as it proved that pike could survive after spawning. The fish were marked after spawning and released into the lakes, revealing that the fish did survive. This caused changes to procedures, allowing fish to be released for restocking after spawning at the hatchery.

The hatchery employs six academic researchers and seven technical workers to conduct experimental research. The hatchery produces 300,000 fry per year, of which 50,000 are released for restocking, and 250,000 are sold. It has facilities to produce more

sturgeon, but this is the amount that currently can be sold.

Demand is growing however, ca.

20 per year.

“With our specialties, sturgeon, pike-perch, and white fish, we are definitely the leaders in our field and receive at least 30 to 40 visits from other breeders to see how we do it”, says Szczepkowski. “As a result, in recent years, the number of recirculation aquaculture systems established around Poland has increased, with support from the EFF. It is seen as an opportunity to move from an extensive to an intensive farming method.

We want to develop and encourage more and more people to develop their own farms. Beginnings are always tough, but it’s important not to get discouraged,” says Mr Szczepkowski.

Dgał Experimental Stocking Centre The Stanisław Sakowicz Inland Fisheries Institute Department of Sturgeon Fish Breeding

Mirosław Szczepkowski shows off some of the farmed species. www.eurofishmagazine.com

06_Poland_PO.indd 12

Tel.: +48 87 428 3666 Mob: +48 500 052 342 szczepkowski@infish.com.pl www.infish.com.pl

Mr Mirosław Szczepkowski Pieczarki 50 11-610 Pozezdrze, Poland Eurofish Magazine 6 / 2013

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Bogaczewo – Lake fisheries and more

Diversification at its best ‘ Zakład Rybacki Bogaczewo, or Bogaczewo Fish Department in English, was establish in Bogaczewo between Warsaw and Gdansk next to Lake Narie in 1952. It has made Bogaczewo synonymous with diversification in inland fisheries.

M

anaging Director Bogusław Kelles-Krauz and his wife moved here as newlyweds, straight after graduation. He has been director for more than 20 years and proudly shows off his accomplishments.

The farm is located on 4,700 ha, of which 4,300 are lakes. The rest consists mostly of grassland, forest, and meadow. The company was initially state owned but was privatised in 1994, when the former employees established a joint-venture cooperative that won the tender in the privatisation process.

Activities galore The company started out with simple lake fisheries but subsequently began breeding, catching, selling, and processing. The company owns a trout farm and five carp centres covering more than 220 hectares. Carp centres are farms with hatcheries, where they breed carp for their own production as well as for sale to other fish farms.

As the company grew, it gradually added facilities for storage, refrigeration, freezing, smoking, processing, and packaging. The processing is basic and involves cleaning, descaling, and filleting. Ninety-nine per cent of their products are made with fish from their own catches, and all waste products are sold to a fish-feed producer. The place also features two guesthouses that can be rented, overlooking the lake.

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Lake Narie, one of the lakes owned by Bogaczewo. The company has a total of 4,300 ha of lakes.

Most of the bookings are made between May and August, but it is possible to rent them yearround.

“We own two small shops where we sell a large selection of our products to the locals and to other local shops, like in the nearby city of Olsztyn”, says Kelles-Krauz.

“We also have an agreement with

the LeClerc supermarket chain, which sells our whole line of products in stores throughout Poland”.

“And then there’s our restaurant, which operates during an extended summer season from April to October, where we serve dishes made with our freshly caught fish. It is very popular with both locals and tourists,”

says Kelles-Krauz. “People like to come out to eat good quality close to where the fish are caught. Fish is simply better that way”. Bogaczewo does not sell products abroad because there is still plenty of opportunity in Poland.

The types of products sold vary depending on the season. For

Managing Director Bogusław Kelles-Krauz www.eurofishmagazine.com

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Nets confiscated from illegal fishing decorate the terrace.

Approximately 50 to 60 tonnes are not sold because they constitute the basis for the breeding of stocks.

Nothing comes easy

Mr. Kelles-Krauz’s wife shows a hook used for smoking eel

instance, king carp is sold live and almost only in December according to Polish tradition. The fish scales look like coins and symbolise wealth; they are given to family and friends around Christmas. The fish is sold live, and people take pride in descaling, cleaning, and giving them away. Most other products like trout and vendace are sold either whole or filleted, fresh on ice, smoked, or frozen, in vacuum packs to preserve the quality.

Approximately 500 to 600 kg of fish are processed daily and, including sales of unprocessed www.eurofishmagazine.com

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or live fish, the company can sell up to a tonne per day. Processing is driven by the daily demand.

“We try to regulate our catches according to our needs, so we don’t catch more than we expect to sell. That way, we ensure that the stock will survive in future, and we can guarantee our customers that the fish is as fresh as possible,” he says.

The operation employs 35 people.

It uses approximately a tonne of feed for the fish farms per day.

Last year roughly 300 tonnes of fish were sold, generating a revenue of ca. EUR 840,000.

“We are impatiently waiting for society to become wealthier”, says Kelles-Krauz, “because fish is more expensive than other foods and not affordable by everyone.

But we are moving in the right direction. Polish society has to learn to eat carp all year round instead of just at Christmas. We are trying to do this by extending the season that carp is available. Now, sale starts in October and doesn’t end before summer.

Bogaczewo Zakład Rybacki Bogaczewo Spółka z.o.o.

14-300 Morag-Bogaczewo Poland Tel.: +48 8985 4031 Mob.: +48 8975 4031

Earlier, we only sold live carp, but now we also sell fillets to make it easier for people to eat”.

Bogaczewo has received cofunding for investment in the farm from the European Fisheries Fund and Mr Kelles-Krauz is waiting for the new fishery programme to determine if any future opportunities can receive financial aid. “There are always lots of ideas and new plans. The fishing business is not easy but it’s not too bad either”. He smiles before continuing. “This is our first real job, and we would like it to be our last. So, just 15 years more to go”.

Company Fact File Activities: Lake fisheries, five carp farms with hatcheries, a trout farm, a small processing facility, two small shops selling fish, and a restaurant Employees: 35 Yearly production: 300 tonnes

Managing Director: Bogusław Kelles-Krauz Eurofish Magazine 6 / 2013

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FLAGs of opportunity

Helping communities become sustainable Poland has allocated 32% of its European Fisheries Fund (EFF) budget to Axis 4, making it the EU member country with the largest allocation, accounting for roughly 40% of the total Axis 4 budget or EUR235m.

Fishermen prepare their gear in Piaski harbour.

W

ith a EUR 235 million budget from the EFF, Poland is well ahead of runner-up Romania, which has only EUR 75 million. An additional one-fourth of the support comes from national funds making the total budget EUR313 million. Axis 4 funds are managed by fisheries local action groups (FLAGs), partnerships between fishery actors and other local public and private stakeholders in a region. Together, they design a strategy that addresses the specific needs for economic, social, and environmental welfare, which can then be implemented through a variety of initiatives.

The advantage of this bottom–up approach is that the application 34

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process is managed by those who know the people, the community and, more importantly, their needs.

A central body in Warsaw could never know the different needs of different communities. People are helped in the application process by locals and do not need to travel long distances to apply. This makes it possible for more people to apply.

Poland’s 48 FLAGs cover almost a quarter of its territory, with about one-fifth of them situated on the coast and the rest distributed inland.

Eurofish magazine had the chance to visit two FLAGs in northern Poland to get an idea of the issues that were important to the communities and the opportunities that the FLAGs provide.

Vistula Lagoon FLAG The Vistula Lagoon is a shallow freshwater lagoon located in northern Poland on the Baltic Sea, roughly 90 km long, 10–19 km wide, and up to 6 m deep, with an average depth of around 2 m. The Polish–Russian border runs right across it, so that the surface of the Polish part of the bay amounts to about 340 km2, with approximately 500 km2 remaining on the Russian side. The lagoon is fed by several rivers and is connected to the Baltic Sea by the Strait of Baltiysk, on the Russia side of the border.

An agreement signed between Poland and Russia in 1956 allowed

the free movement of vessels on the Vistula Lagoon without the need for documents or visas. It also granted access of passage to the Baltic Sea; however, this has periodically been revoked, most recently in 2005. This has been so problematic that the idea of building another passage on the Polish side into the Baltic Sea, so easing its dependence on Russia, has been considered. The investment would, however, be great and could cause ecological disruptions, such as unbalancing the lagoon’s freshwater ecosystem as a result of the inflow of brackish waters from the Baltic.

Border issues The border between Poland and Russia, however, also provides www.eurofishmagazine.com

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pike-perch, and bream. In summer, the bay is shallow, and the water gets too warm for the fish, affording the fishermen a break. That makes tourism even more important. This downtime could be used to provide services to visitors.

Director Andrzej Wisniewski and Piotr Kasza, fisherman and board vice-president, show what the Vistula Lagoon has to offer.

the region with potential. Tourism from the neighbouring Russian city of Kaliningrad is thought to be an untapped source of income to improve the economy of the Vistula Lagoon area. With a population of ca. 450,000 people living in Kaliningrad (approximately the same size as Gdansk) ´ and located less than 60 km from the Polish border, the city offers significant potential for cross border tourism. Unfortunately, Poland is making entry from Russia very difficult, so the Russians do not come as often as the Poles would like.

Piotr Kasza, a local fisherman and vice-president of the FLAG board, says, with 28 unemployment in the region, we should really be interested in the development of tourism. Tourists that spend PLN 10–50,000 PLN (EUR 2–12,000) per visit won’t accept having to spend four hours crossing the border.

When the borders were open, each quarter Poles spent PLN 4 million (EUR 1 million) in Russia, while Russians spent PLN 40 million (EUR 10 million) in Poland.

This amount was documented by VAT returns, which do not account for services like hairdressers, spas, and other treatments, and therefore the actual amount is in fact substantially higher. Kasza says, “Our only opportunity for the region is cooperating and trading with Russia, and encouraging tourism.”

During the trip on the lagoon, a vessel from the fish inspectorate pulled up and agreed to answer a few questions regarding illegal fishing. Controls are performed daily, and amounts of catches and types of fishing equipment are noted. The fine for illegal fishing is up to PLN 50,000 (EUR 12,000), so very few venture into this illegal business. Thirty illegal fishermen are caught annually, and 450–500 illegal nets are confiscated, usually in spring when pike-perch and bream spawn here. Provisions excluding people caught fishing illegally from applying for EU funding has helped limit illegal fishing.

When asked what FLAG funding has been spent on, Director Andrzej

Wisniewski states, “Seventy per cent of our funds have already been spent and only PLN 200,000 (EUR 50,000) remain for next year. These funds have been vital to the sustainability of our region”.

A few highlights of how money was spent include renovating a kindergarten, building playgrounds, setting up an agritourism enterprise, purchasing equipment (for tourism, medical centres, fire departments, etc.), setting up a restaurant, constructing two hatcheries, and a permanent astronomy exhibition in Frombork cathedral to commemorate Nicolaus Copernicus.

Northern Kashubian FLAG Located in a former fishermen’s house and sharing a building with the Władysławowo city council is the Northern Kashubian FLAG headquarters. The focus of this FLAG is fisheries and tourism.

Its area covers 770 km2 and has a population of almost 100,000

Cormorants are also an important issue in the Vistula Lagoon.

Currently in the region, there is a natural reserve of 15,000 pairs of black cormorants, who eat all of the fish. It is a tragedy for fishermen in the Vistula Lagoon.

The main species fished in the lagoon are herring (in spring), eel,

Vistula Bay FLAG Total public budget of FLAG 2007–2013: EUR 6.9 million EFF: EUR 5.2 million Other public (national/ regional/ provincial): EUR 1,740,000

Address: Zalew Wislany ul. Zeromskiego 14 14-500 Braniewo Poland

Director of the Vistula Lagoon FLAG: Andrzej Wisniewski Vice-President of the Board and fisherman: Piotr Kasza

Tel.: +48 55 235 11 12 Fax: +48 55 235 10 42 info@lgrzalewwislany.pl www.lgrzalewwislany.pl

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A fishing vessel in Frombork harbour with the cathedral in the background where Nicolaus Copernicus worked.

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Wearing a traditional fishing hat of the region, President of the Northern Kashubian FLAG Zbigniew Chmaruk sets sail in a Pomeranka, a traditional wooden fishing boat.

inhabitants. With EFF aid exceeding EUR 13 million, the Northern Kashubian FLAG has one of the largest budgets to assist and develop the region. Approximately EUR 10 million have been spent, with another 5 million left to spend before the end of the programme in 2015. The fishing index of this particular FLAG is 5,34, which means that there are 5,34 fishermen per 1,000 inhabitants.

This is one of the highest indices in Poland and throughout Europe.

The region’s history dates to before the 16th century when Kashubian fishermen united in occupational groups known as Maszoperias in order to fish more effectively.

The basic rule in these groups demanded an equal division of catches. The skipper, referred to as “the first among equals”, had to work like the others. Maszoperias were organised primarily for types of fishing that required the integration of larger groups of fishermen, such as seine and fyke fishing.

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Traditional oak fishing boats with sails, many built by the fishermen themselves, were also used for traditional coastal fishing. The vessels were similar in structures but varied in size. The largest “Pomeranka” was about 7 m long and was used to fish with a large salmon seine.

The absence of ports made this vessel popular because they could be pulled safely ashore during storms using one’s own strength.

Today, the fishing fleet has been upgraded, and the Pomerankas cater mostly for enthusiasts and tourists.

Fishing has always played an important role in the Northern Kashubian region. Inhabitants of the Hel peninsula, a sandy, 35-km long peninsula almost lacking in agricultural land, were forced to support themselves almost exclusively with marine fisheries. This has made the people proud, and their strong ties to fishing are revealed in many aspects of their lives. This manifests itself in a fishing forest, fishing houses, a fishing

language, and fishing-related festivals. Religion has a strong presence here, but fishing is omnipresent, as seen in the church in Jastarnia, decorated with fish and fish motives, inside and out, on its doors, ceilings, benches, and altar.

Today, the beaches of the peninsula attract many tourists, especially during summer, as well as wind and kite surfers.

At the end of October, a call for proposals was closed for the

allocation of EUR 3 million. The FLAG staff helped more than 60 newcomers apply for funds.

FLAG receives an average of 120 applications per call, of which 20–30 are implemented. This time, 153 applications were received, 86 within the area of “Adding value to fishery products, the development of services to the communities living in areas dependent on fisheries – the social and economic sector”. This demonstrates the area’s thirst for funding and the wealth of ideas. Eighty projects have already been implemented or are ongoing. Large projects include building piers that double port capacity, establishing recreational marinas, creating Poland’s first subterranean vacuum pumps for unloading fishing vessels, extending storage facilities, and providing new processing equipment.

Smaller projects include providing equipment for restaurants, creating sailing schools, creating horse-riding facilities, and building playgrounds. Projects can be viewed on an interactive map on the FLAG website.

Ending the tour of the Northern Kashubian FLAG, President Zbigniew Chmaruk sums it up quite well. “Fishing is not just a living, it’s in our hearts”.

Northern Kashubian FLAG Total public budget of FLAG 2007–2013: EUR 17.7 million EFF: EUR 13.3 million Other public (national): EUR 4.4 million President: Zbigniew Chmaruk

ul. gen. J. Hallera 19 84-120 Władysławowo Poland.

Tel.: +48 58 114 68 90 Fax: +48 58 774 53 62 biuro@plgr.pl www.plgr.pl

Address: Północnokaszubska Lokalna Grupa Rybacka,

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First-sales centre

Advantages for fishers, buyers, and authorities Located in Władysławowo harbour is one of the four newly created first-sales centres in the region (there are currently nine centres in Poland). This one is managed by Poland’s largest fishermen’s association, the Association of Sea Fishermen. It is led

by Jarosław Kirszling and represents 250 captains and ca. 30% of the Polish fleet.

T

he fishing vessel that has just arrived in the harbour is carrying cod, which fishermen are obliged to register at the first-sales centre, according to regulations from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. In the process of weighing, they are sometimes accompanied by an inspector from the sea-fishery inspectorate, sometimes not. Usually 20–30 of the catch is randomly selected and weighed while the rest is loaded directly on the transport truck, in case a buyer already is sourced. This figure, however, can be changed by a buyer or an inspector.

After weighing, a “first-sales document” is produced, which is required by the control regulations. Fishermen have no obligation to use the first-sales centre to aid in the sales process. But if some or all of the catch has not been sold already, the centre can facilitate a sale and also provide the necessary storage facilities until the products can be distributed.

The advantages are that buyers are certain that they receive the right amount and quality, and do not have to perform their own controls. Also, some buyers are interested in larger quantities than a single fisherman can provide, and so the first-sale www.eurofishmagazine.com

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centres collect fish from several vessels until they can provide the right amount. At the same time, authorities know that all catches are correctly accounted for. Cod and salmon species must be registered at the first-sales centres, but fishermen use it for other species too because of the services that the first-sales centres provide, which also includes providing ice and facilities to clean equipment. Hygiene is obviously very important to maintain the freshness of the fish as long as possible.

“Initially, local fishermen were not positive towards the idea of the centres, but now after they started using the facilities and can see the advantages, their perceptions are gradually changing”, explains Leszek Piłka, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Jarosław Kirszling, a fishing vessel owner and head of the largest fishermen’s association in Poland, the Association of Sea Fishermen.

For more information, please contact: Leszek Piłka Head of Market and Fish processing unit Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development 30 Wspólna St. 00-930 Warsaw Poland Tel.: +48 22 623 24 40 Fax: + 48 22 623 22 04 leszek.pilka@minrol.gov.pl

Leszek Piłka, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is happy with the success of the first sale centers.

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Polish Fish Industry Congress, 16–18 October 2013, Bolszewo

Fish marketing should focus on greater value addition Between 16 and 18 October at the Polish Fish Industry Congress, representatives from Poland’s fish-processing industry met scientists, experts, and advocacy groups to discuss the current condition and future development of Polish fish processing.

Invited speakers gave advice on how to overcome current stumbling blocks and prepare for a brighter future, and local players debated matters closer to home.

T

According to Grzegorz Mech (GfK Polonia), Polish consumers are not shopping as much as previously and are choosing less-expensive products. Recently, less has been spent on products in most categories, except for fresh and smoked fish, although an increase in trout and salmon sales was noted.

results for the first half of 2013, during which the Polish fish industry generated smaller profits despite increased sales. This is mainly the result of a weak internal market and the high cost of raw material, especially salmon.

Adding value a priority

future of the Polish fish market was that of fish promotion. Kristin Pettersen from the Norwegian Seafood Council pointed out that marketing should not focus on increasing the sales volume, but must prioritise product valorisation and maximisation of added value.

Krzysztof Hryszko (IoAaFE) pointed to the poor financial

A theme vitally important to all participants and relating to the

Increasing added value was the subject of presentations by Hubert Bierndgarski

he congress opened with a session devoted to trade, which focused on demand in the domestic market and the financial situation of Polish firms. It was repeatedly emphasised that, despite high hopes for an increase in the consumption of fish in Poland, the demand for fish and seafood remains stable or is even decreasing slightly.

Presentations at the conference often provoked a lively discussion which benefited the audience as well as the speakers. Here, Jerzy Safader from the Polish Fish Processors Association has the floor.

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suppliers of technology. Łukasz Betli´nski (Linde) pointed to the crucial benefits of cryogenic chilling and freezing to fish products, and Gonzalo Campos (Sealed Air) showed several innovative solutions in the field of packaging.

Katia Tribilustova from Eurofish pointed out a number of trends in the labelling of fish and seafood products. Labels are used to highlight the value of fish as a protein source, to focus on the product’s green credentials, or to emphasise its nutritional value. She showed how labels can be used to attract specific consumer segments, such as the elderly with large and clear texts that are easy to read, and how they are used to stress health aspects such as reduced salt, no trans-fats, or the use of certain oils.

Hubert Bierndgarski

POLAND

The winners of the Fish Market Development Association Prize: Jacek Juchniewicz (left), chairman of the Polish Trout Breeders Association, and Jacek Suryn, fish category manager, Lisner Ltd.

Problems of certification devalues the information about certification on the label. In this situation, “only a long-term information campaign will increase the value of certification as perceived by consumers”.

An emotional discussion took place concerning the certification of fish products. From the ecologists’ point of view, represented by Piotr Pr˛edki from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Anna D˛ebicka from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the certification of fish products (MSC and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council) supports the sustainable use of natural resources. For the fish processors, it is an expensive tool that increases the price for consumers. The processors maintained that, although certification is voluntary, in fact, pressure from the supermarkets makes it obligatory. Further, supermarkets derive marketing benefits without incurring any costs.

On the last day of the congress, representatives of the fish industry and administration discussed future challenges. These included the slow consolidation in the Polish fish processing industry (Bogusław Kowalski, Graal), the difficult raw-material situation (Jerzy Safader, Stanpol), and increasing regulations connected to food safety and environmental protection (Piotr Bykowski, Polish Fish Processors Association).

Describing his own experiences introducing certified products to the Polish market, Przemysław Cie´slik (Contimax) pointed out that customers are overwhelmed by the flood of advertising, which

Outlining the financial perspective until 2020, Paweł Łazarski, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, left no room for misunderstanding: EMFF will not finance investment in fish

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Looking ahead

processing, except for activities that foster innovation. He encouraged the processors to seek other EU financial instruments.

The annual Fish Market Development Association prizes for the best fish and fish-product promotional campaigns were awarded. The best social campaign, the third stage of a campaign promoting trout, was created by the Polish Trout Breeders Association. “The Golden Fin” prize in the category of promotion of a branded fish product was awarded to Lisner

Ltd, Poznan, ´ for a campaign promoting the sandwich paste “Pastella”. The prizes are awarded by an independent jury of eight, representing Polish fishery organisations and experts.

The Polish Fish Industry Congress successfully nurtured debate among the scientists, experts, and the managers of the Polish fish processing industry. The project was financed by the European Fisheries Fund in the frames of the Polish operational programme for fisheries.

Tomasz Kulikowski, Fish Industry Magazine

Polish Fish Industry Congress Date: 16–18 October 2013 Location: Bolszewo, Poland Organiser: Fish Market Development Association Partners: Eurofish, Linde, TUV Nord, Sealed Air, North Atlantic Seafood Forum, Fish Industry Magazine

No. of participants: 103 Fish processing plants represented: 28 Fishery and aquaculture organisations represented: 12

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BMC - What you see is what you get!

Graduating from trading to processing Best Marketing Concept, or BMC as it is currently known, started 25 years ago as a small, family-owned company trading mostly fish products. Within a few years, the political situation in Poland would change the company’s future.

P

oland’s political transition at the end of the 1980s affected many companies.

Many of the country’s fish processors were unable to come to grips with the adjustments and were forced into bankruptcy. This was also the case in the Baltic Sea region, where BMC was doing business. As a growing number of companies, whose products BMC was trading, went out of business, BMC had to develop a plan to secure its own survival.

An opportunity lay ahead, because the company knew that the market for processed fish products was still robust, with strong demand from its buyers. So, the company made the strategic decision to venture into the processing business.

According to Jerzy Szczepankowski, managing director of BMC, “Obviously substantial investments in equipment and machinery had to be made and, at the start, hiring and managing personnel were also difficult. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea and we should have just continued trading,” he says with a modest smile. In 1993, the first can was produced with the BMC brand, and the company hasn’t looked back.

Today, the company has a complete processing plant in Władysławowo on the shore of the Baltic Sea, approximately 40 km north of Gdynia. It employs 150 people, 40

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with the number increasing to 200 during seasonal peaks. Production stands at between 50,000 and 100,000 cans of fish, divided into approximately 60 different products in 10 different types of cans.

The products are primarily sold under the “BMC” and “Baltica” labels.

The main species include sprat, mackerel, and herring, but several other fish, such as salmon, tuna, trout, flounder, and carp, feature in smaller productions. “Our turnover is up to USD 1 million (EUR 750.000) per month”, says Jerzy, “and 90 of our products are packaged at weighing stations by hand to assure that the right amount of fish is provided”.

Raw materials from Poland and the world BMC has two major local suppliers of raw materials primarily for herring and sprat, and several smaller companies for specific species and for general availability. Mackerel and Atlantic herring are usually purchased abroad, and the company buys raw materials from Scandinavia, Ireland, Iceland, China, and Canada. “When fish of good quality is accessible at a reasonable price, we buy it. The source does not matter," says Mr Szczepankowski.

A small shop next to the BMC factory sells its products to the local community, but

Jerzy Szczepankowski, the Managing Director of BMC takes pride in delivering quality products.

most products are distributed throughout Poland by a network of wholesalers, and are available in many supermarket chains.

A few export adventures have also been tried in Ireland, England, and China, but these were more as prestige projects than for profit.

Revenue is invested Mr Szczepankowski, “We have a principle that everything generated by the company stays in the company. We try to invest our earnings to maintain, develop, and modernise the company. This is a family business and we want to see it grow”. Lack of funding, however, is always an issue, he explains.

Another issue of concern is the everpresent challenge of sourcing fish.

For example, he points to the current situation with mackerel, which is difficult because stocks from last year are running low and the new season has barely started. “We are eagerly waiting for new deliveries of mackerel”, he says. “The sellers know that this is the situation for everyone and are therefore increasing prices.

Not an optimal situation for us”.

Diversifying in a competitive market The Polish market for canned fish is very competitive, with pressure from buyers for lower prices. Several initiatives have therefore been taken to produce alternative products that stand out. Last year, BMC www.eurofishmagazine.com

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One assembly line can produce 8.000 cans in an 8 hour shift.

began smoking fish with a new smoking oven partly financed by EFF. Today, smoked products create work for 25 to 30 people or for 15 of the staff. Fish pâtés, marinades, and salads are also newly developed products. In future, the company will introduce other products with ready-to-eat meals and fish soups, which the company believes will be successful.

Making good quality visible BMC is also in the initial stages of testing a new range of packaging for existing products, namely glass jars. Glass allows the customers to see the highquality products on the shelf and not wait until they open www.eurofishmagazine.com

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the packaging. The use of glass packaging requires changes to the production lines and is more labour intensive, requiring personnel to place the fish carefully into the jars, knowing that it needs to look appealing.

“But we believe the investments are worth it. The first labels arrive soon, and the slogan for the new range of products will most likely be ‘What you see is what you get’.

It sums up our wish to show off the high quality, although the saying isn’t very polite in Polish,” Mr Szczepankowski reveals.

“We deliver products of pristine quality and, because this is a family business, I am putting my family name on the line for every

Sprat being prepared for smoking.

Company Fact File Activities: Fish processing Main species: Sprat, mackerel, and herring Main products: Around 60 types of canned products Production: 50,000–100,000 cans per day Employees: 150–200 Turnover: Up to EUR 750,000/ month

Best Marketing Concept ul. Przemysłowa 14 84-120 Władysławowo Poland Tel.: +48 58 67 40 206 Fax: +48 58 67 40 935 jerzy.szczepankowski@wp.pl www.bmc.com.pl Managing Director: Jerzy Szczepankowski

product. It is more than just selling large quantities. I don’t want to sell an inferior product in order to save a little. And I want to create products that are ready

to eat, delicious, and look inviting.” This attitude has earned the company eight golden European awards for the quality of its products.

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Fishing, processing, port management, and shipbuilding

Szkuner is the heart of Władysławowo Established in 1955, Szkuner is one of the largest fishing companies in the region as well as one of the oldest. Today, it makes up a substantial part of the Władysławowo harbour with its administrative, processing, cold storage facilities, and shipyard.

I

n the 1950s, the company operated small fishing boats, but gradually brought larger units into service. As the company developed, the number of vessels grew, reaching more than 50 in the early 1980s. With the large and modern fleet in place, the introduction of processing was a logical next step, building a flake ice plant, a fishmeal and cod-liver-oil factory, and processing, storage, and freezing facilities. Since then, the fishmeal and fish-oil factory has been closed as an environmental initiative and the fleet reduced. In recent years, funds from the EU have helped introduce a modern cold storage, renew the production facilities, and improve the shipyard.

Five vessels remain Fishing and processing are Szkuner’s main activities, accounting for ca. 75–80 of the company’s turnover. Today, only five 25 m fishing vessels with maximum capacities of 80 tonnes remain, which fish primarily for sprat, herring, and cod in the Baltic Sea. This year, catches have amounted to ca. 5,500 tonnes of sprat, more than 500 tonnes of herring, and ca. 50 tonnes of cod. Thirty people, or six per vessel, are employed in this activity. To meet demand, this supply is supplemented with purchases from fishermen in Władysławowo and other ports.

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Semi-processed products There are many companies in Poland that engage in final or full processing, but Szkuner sells only semi-processed products, primarily for further processing. This was a strategic decision made many years ago, during the pre-accession period, because further processing would require significant investments that could not be sourced.

Seventy per cent of the products are delivered to the five major producers of preserved fish, ca. 20 are sold to smaller companies, and 10 is sold to wholesalers. In total, 90 workers are employed processing fish, with seasonal increases of about 30. Main products include frozen blocks of sprat that end as smoked or canned products, fresh or frozen herring fillets for marinated and canned products, and fresh or frozen IQF cod fillets.

All products are sold to domestic companies.

About adding final processing to the long list of activities at Szkuner, Michał Hernik, director of fishing and processing says, “We thought about whether to pursue this market, but it would require the construction of a completely new processing facility from scratch. We own a plot of land that could be used for that purpose, but it would require significant funding.” In 2008, a new cold storage was opened, increasing the total storage area to

Michał Hernik is director of fishing and processing at Szkuner and manager of the Władysławowo fishing port, which berths 60 fishing vessels.

2,000 tonnes. The company’s freezing equipment has the capacity to freeze 80 tonnes of fish per day. Fish waste is sold to Denmark.

Mr Hernik is also the manager of the Władysławowo port, ensuring that the harbour’s infrastructure is maintained, supplying water, ice, and energy for vessels, and managing berths.

Modernising and repairing the Polish and European fleets The shipyard repairs and modernises more than 100 vessel per

year; ca. 10 are complete builds or reconstructions. Operations can be performed on steel or wooden units up to 30 m long and weighing 220 tonnes. Typical work includes painting, welding, construction, and repair.

The yard is full of vessels and barges, and current projects include turning a vessel commissioned by a Dutch company into an offshore vessel that will work off the coast of Africa. Permits and clearance to work on police and military vessels have been granted, and this year, the yard has been ISO 9001 certified. This is a stamp www.eurofishmagazine.com

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of approval and is expected to help attract additional business. In all, 45 workers are employed on full contracts, and ca. 120 additional workers are hired during busy periods.

This shipyard shows off some of its latest improvements, including a new mobile crane and a recently built 22 m high, 35 m long, and 21 m wide tent-like building. This provides better indoor working conditions. Among other things, it will be used for paint work, because the air in the structure can be dehumidified with machinery, thus extending productivity by eliminating dependence on favourable weather conditions.

The tent is non-flammable so that welding and electrical work can be done indoors without fear of igniting it.

Currently, 90 of the work commissioned at the yard is on Polish vessels but foreign companies are becoming more frequent, with several prospects already in the pipeline. Adam Otrompka, the Director of Shipyard, says, “We are negotiating with a Norwegian company who wants us to build an historic vessel for the city of Bergen. It will be a small vessel built from scratch that will

transport up to 12 people. A water tram”.

The Dutch company mentioned above is also planning to reconstruct at least one other vessel within the next year. The shipyard wants to be able to pull out even bigger vessels in the future and is also looking at diversifying into aluminium service, repair, and construction. Business is slowly developing in a positive direction after a period of stagnation. “Ship and vessel owners had to postpone modernisation and maintenance work as they simply could not afford it during the past several years, but this is slowly changing,” says Mr Otrompka. “Hopefully, it will mean more work for us in the future.”

As a large company in a relatively small city, Szkuner takes pride in its involvement in the community.

Currently, it has strengthened cooperation with the local FLAG to create a programme of workshops for students of gastronomy schools to familiarise them with the processing of and value of fish products. This will also promote the consumption of fish products in general, as future chefs get interested in traditional fish dishes, popular in the region.

Director of Shipyard Adam Otrompka would like to attract more foreign customers.

In July, Szkuner sponsored fish soup for 4,000 people as part of a publicity event at Władysławowo harbour. It was an excellent promotion activity and created awareness in the region of the

benefits of fish consumption. Next year, another event is planned where a fish market with local fish dishes will be opened for ten days at the end of August. “We hope to see you there.”

Company Fact File Szkuner Sp. z o.o. ul. Portowa 22 84-120 Władysławowo Poland Tel.: +48 58 677 74 01/ +48 58 677 75 55 Mob: +48 699-422-509 szkuner@szkuner.pl www.szkuner.pl

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Director of fishing and processing: Michał Hernik Director of shipyard: Adam Otrompka

Activities: Fishing, processing, port administration, and shipyard services Main species: Sprat, herring, and cod Main fish products: semiprocessed products, fresh and frozen Production this year: 5,500 tonnes of sprat, over 500 tonnes of herring, and 50 tonnes Employees: Shipyard: 45–120 and Fishing/Processing: 120–150

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ARMENIA

Fish farming in Armenia is flourishing

High quality contributes to explosive growth in fish exports Armenian apricots and brandy are probably the best known and most popular agricultural products exported from this country. In 2011, of the total export of food and beverages from Armenia, beverages, spirits and vinegar had the largest share of 87%, followed by vegetables and fruits with 8%. Meat, fish and seafood amounted to 1% of the total Armenian food and beverages export.

Production of farmed fish in Armenia has grown 67% in the last four years. In 2012 output was 8,850 tonnes, of which trout species amounted to about half or 4,800 tonnes, sturgeons for 1,636 tonnes and other fish species for 2,414 tonnes.

F

ish and seafood export is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country. In 2011, fish exports from Armenia amounted to 1,600 tonnes, from 429 tonnes in 2010 due to an increase in exports to the Russian Federation. In 2012, this tendency continued as fish exports reached 1,800 tonnes. Russia is the main market for Armenian fish, but Armenian companies also export their fish products to Ukraine, Georgia, the USA and the United Arab Emirates.

Abundant freshwater from artesian wells Fish breeding is a relatively recent phenomenon in Armenia. This 44

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land-locked country has extensive experience in fish farming since 1920, however its commercial fish production did not exceed a few hundreds tonnes until the end of the last century. Starting from the late 90s, a new stage in the development of fish farming began which was supported by new business models in the agricultural sector. Several large fish farming enterprises were established that made rational use of their water supplies, and some of these fish farms introduced fish hatcheries.

Armenian fish farms are mainly located in the Ararat Valley, which is rich in high-quality ground

water. Around 70 of all water sources drain to the Ararat Valley, and there groundwater is used for irrigation in agriculture and fish farming. The water arrives under pressure from a depth of about 100-180m, and depending on the actual depth, the temperature varies from 13ºC to 15ºC. Armenian underground water is very clean, and in most parts of the country it is possible to use groundwater for drinking without additional purification or filtration. About 25 of the country’s springs have high concentrations of nutritious, nitrates and fluorine compounds. Additionally, Armenian groundwater resources are very well protected from pollution

due to their deep location; the aquifers are covered by thick, almost impermeable, clay layers and the upward flow of groundwater prevents pollution from entering the aquifers. The country’s groundwater resources are highly significant for fish farming, and Armenian fish has gained a special niche on many markets as a natural and especially tasty product due to the qualities of the water used for breeding.

Trout and sturgeon dominate production today Expansion of the national fish farming accelerated at the end of www.eurofishmagazine.com

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ARMENIA

the 1990s. While in 1991 there were only 10 fish farms in the country, 9 for carp and 1 for trout, and 4 fish hatcheries, in 2012 the number of fish farming companies reached 234. About 78 of all fish farms or 183 companies are located in the Ararat Valley, and they occupy 97 of the total area used for fish farming (2,677 hectares). Reflecting the flourishing number of fish farms, the total production of farmed fish in the country increased in the past four years by 67 from 5,280 tonnes in 2009 to 8,850 tonnes in 2012. In 2012, trout species were responsible for half of the production or 4,800 tonnes, sturgeons for 1,636 tonnes and other fish species for 2,414 tonnes. The local market is the main outlet for the distribution and consumption of Armenian farmed fish absorbing 80 of the farmed fish output, while 20

is exported. Russia is the main market for Armenian fish which have reputation for high-quality, in particular, trout and sturgeon.

Armenian companies also export fish in fresh and chilled and processed forms to Georgia and Ukraine, and to the USA and the United Arab Emirates.

The sector has several dynamic companies looking for opportunities to improve and expand their businesses. A few of them are briefly profiled in the following pages.

Mkhchyan Fish specialises in sturgeon This fish farm was established in 2010 in the Mkhchyan village in the Ararat Valley. It has successfully used advanced technology and production methods to meet

Ambik Gevorgyan, director of Mkhchyan Fish, a company that has successfully made use of advanced technology to farm fish. www.eurofishmagazine.com

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Mkhchyan fish specialises in sturgeon farming, and in particular on Beluga and Siberian sturgeon.

market demands. Led by its director Ambik Gevorgyan, Mkhchyan Fish specialises in sturgeon farming, and in particular, of Beluga and Siberian sturgeon. Beluga or European sturgeon (Huso huso), also called giant sturgeon, is one of the largest and most valuable sturgeon species. Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri Brandt) is another sturgeon species farmed by the company. Mkhchyan Fish has its own sturgeon hatcheries where 6 million fingerlings are reared. Sturgeon species are sold when they reach 2 kg of weight.

The territory of the sturgeon hatcheries and farms is over 5 hectares, and the water used for fish farming comes from underground springs, which ensures the best possible quality. In 2012, production of Mkhchyan Fish was 400 tonnes of fish, consisting mostly of sturgeon species.

Of this volume, 150 tonnes of sturgeon were exported to the Russian market. In 2013 the company is expecting to increase production by 75 to 700 tonnes, a figure that is expected to grow to 1,000 tonnes in the future. With its 289 employees, the company is among the largest fish farms in Armenia.

Mkhchyan Fish has also built a smoking facility to produce its own smoked delicatessen

products. The main market for the products is the local one, while the exports go to the Russian market. The company expects exports of sturgeon products to increase with rising levels of production.

Low-density farming characterises Buniatyans Fish’ production Fish farm Hayr ev vordi Buniatyanner (Buniatyans Fish – Father and son Buniatyan) was established

by Mr Armen Buniatyan in 1991.

Founded in Armavir region in the city of Echmiadzin the company is engaged in fish farming producing rainbow and golden trout, gegharkuni (a type of Sevan trout), river trout, sturgeon, silver carp and white Amur. The fish farm is located in Gai village and occupies more than 10 hectares, out of which 4 hectares are used to produce trout, 3 hectares are for sturgeon farming and 3 hectares for carp and white Amur species. The water from eight artesian wells has a temperature of 13-14ºC degrees throughout the whole year, and is one of the key factors influencing the quality and taste of the fish.

The sturgeon species are farmed at 18-25ºC, and carp species at 25-30ºC and the water is warmed naturally by the sun. Underground water comes from a depth of 150 m.

The density of fish farming is 10-15 kg Eurofish Magazine 6/ 2013

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Ghulyan Arman, Khachatryan Susanna, Avetyan Azat, Aleksanyan Tigran, Poghosyan Gagik, Buniatyan Armen, Buniatyan Arman, Poghosyan Vardan, Mkrtchyan Harutyun — representatives of the Association of Fish Breeders, and the Ministry of Agriculture.

of fish per cubic meter, while in other countries it can be up to 170 kg. Low density is another key factor for the quality of the fish.

The production of the farm in 1991 was 10 tonnes, and over the following years the company increased it to 700 tonnes. Hayr ev vordi Buniatyanner today produces over 300 tonnes of trout species, 300 tonnes of sturgeon and 100 tonnes of carp and white Amur species.

The fish feed is imported exclusively from Le Goussant and Biomar and feed costs amount to 80 of the final product costs. Hayr ev vordi Buniatyanner production is distributed under the brand Buniatyans Fish. The company is exporting production to the Russian market and planning to diversify its export markets in the future. This year we have produced 500 kg of black caviar, Armenian fish farmers have their own brood stocks, so we have a fully integrated production cycle, explains Armen Buniatyan.

The fish farming industry has been very actively developing in Armenia since 2002-2004. Our fish farmers cooperate closely and we 46

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are developing a common quality brand for Armenian fish, says Armen Buniatyan. We can compete on quality, but the main issue remains access to the European market and accreditation of the laboratories, he adds. In the meanwhile, Russia is the main export market and is seen as a facilitator and driver of increased production.

it is sold at USD15 per kg, said Mr. Poghosyan. If demand in Europe is equally high, we can increase production 2-3 times. The meeting was also attended by several private fish farmers like Arutyun Mkrchan (rainbow trout, river trout and carp producer) and Karen Oganesyan (rainbow trout producer).

Association of Armenian fish breeders discusses future of sector

Unifish – integrated production from broodstock to final product

Several representatives of the Association of Armenian Fish Breeders, which unites 150 fish farming companies in the country, exchanged their views on the current and future development of the fish farming industry in Armenia.

Poghosyan Gagik, the Head of the Association runs a company which produces about 600 tonnes of fish (sturgeon and trout), and all the production output is exported to Russia. We started applications for export procedures in 2009, and in 2011 our products were on the Moscow market, where we see a very good demand. Production cost of sturgeon is USD5-6, and in Moscow

The company Unifish, owned by Armen Mkrtchaynis, is currently one of the largest fish farms in the country. Unifish was founded in 2007 as a result of the restructuring of the company Miavar LLC. The company’s first fish breeding unit was established in the basin of the lake Sevan near the village Gandzak in 2002 for breeding two sub-species of Sevan trout (Ghegarkunik and summer trout) and rainbow trout. At present, the total area of the water basins exceeds 28 thousand sq. m. The incubation centre in the farm has a capacity of more than 2.5 million eggs of caviar.

The basins for juveniles measures

1,200 sq. m with an annual output of 1.8 million juveniles of various trout species. There are also areas for on-growing commercial fish.

Water is sourced from six artesian wells, which can be expanded to 11 if needed. The water temperature in different springs varies from 14.5ºC to 15.2ºC. This water temperature is ideal for trout breeding and together with the extruded feed enables the production of trout with a weight of 0.5-1.5 kg in less than 12 months. Unifish uses French-certified mixed feed for trout with no growth stimulators or genetically modified ingredients.

Over one million fish juveniles of different trout species are sold. This includes sales to the state of Sevan trout juveniles. The commercial fish is sold live, mostly at the local market. Unifish has its own fleet of vehicles that transport the fish throughout the country. In 2009, the volume of annual trout production exceeded 230 tonnes. With the expansion of the production areas and introduction of technologies for intensive farming the total output reached a level of 4,000 tonnes in 2012. Construction of sturgeon www.eurofishmagazine.com

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ARMENIA

Armen Mkrtchaynis, Director of Unifish and Tigran Aleksanyan, Head of Fishery and Bee Keeping Division of the Ministry of Agriculture.

farms for breeding of Siberian sturgeon and Beluga, as well as white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) and Stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) was launched in 2006. The farm is also experimenting with breeding Japanese carpkoi for delicatessen production and decorative purposes.

The trout farm includes an incubation department, two young fish breeding departments for growing fish of various weight, areas for growing commercial fish and replacement brood stock, and an experimental area to test new species of fish. A certain amount of Beluga larvae is imported for further breeding black caviar. The sturgeon larvae are imported from Russia in the last phase of development and are pre-incubated in the incubation department of the sturgeon farm. The production cycle of sturgeon farming lasts 10-18 months.

At present the broodstock is produced on the farm. Three-yearold fish weigh 10-12 kg. The sterile water at the optimal temperature for breeding sturgeon, the good quality feed, and the high breeding standards observed ensure that medicine is not used in the production and result in excellent tasting fish within 12-14 months, explains Armen Mkrtchaynis. Since 2008, Unifish has sold juveniles of various sturgeon and carp-koi species www.eurofishmagazine.com

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with a weight of 10-100 grams. The incubation and juveniles rearing department grows more than 350 thousand sturgeon juveniles annually. Exports are growing though mainly to Russia, Ukraine and Georgia. The company is planning to increase its export to European countries and is working towards the certification of its production in accordance with European standards.

Fish farming has huge potential The expansion of the fish farming industry in recent years demonstrates the range of experience that has been built up and successfully applied by the Armenian private sector. The Ministry of Agriculture of Armenia is keen for the sector to grow further and has drafted a programme for development until 2015, which is currently awaiting approval from the national government. The ministry forecasts that the implementation of the programme will increase farmed fish production in the country to 25,000 tonnes. With the implementation of closed recirculation systems, national production of farmed fish can reach up to 100,000 tonnes.

Katia Tribilustova, Eurofish katia.tribilustova@eurofish.dk

Sturgeon larvae held at the incubation department of the Unifish sturgeon farm. The sturgeon larvae are imported from Russia in the last phase of development and are pre-incubated at the sturgeon farm.

Unifish’ trout is bred to a market size of up to 1.5 kg for sale mainly on the domestic market.

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SERBIA

Serbia watches its aquaculture industry grow

Carp is still king Aquaculture represents a small part of the Serbian economy. Still, consumption of fish has doubled in the past decade, and the number and efficiency of fish farms have increased considerably for all species. Production of farmed carp in particular has gone up by more than 100%. These developments point to a promising outlook for the Serbian aquaculture industry.

S

Fish farming in Serbia dates back to the mid 19th century, but it was between the 1970s and the 1990s, when fish farming expanded there.

State-run companies built highcapacity farms, and private individuals built more modest farms.

Carp farms were established on the plain of the northern province of Vojvodina. Trout farms were built in the mountainous regions of Serbia, south of the Danube and Sava rivers, near high-capacity springs.

The terrain’s configuration makes natural lakes sparse and small, 48

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Zoran Markovic

erbians consume an average of approximately 7 kg of fish per capita annually, putting Serbia at the bottom of the European consumption scale.

Of the total amount of fish consumed, only one-third is domestic and two-thirds is imported. In the past ten years, however, annual fish production in Serbia has risen from 7,000 to 15,000 tonnes. The upsurge is the result of increased carp production, which has otherwise declined in most European countries in the past two decades. Carp has been an important aquatic food item around the world, but as more fish species have become readily available, the importance of carp culture in Western Europe has declined, partly as a result of the appearance of more desirable fish such as trout and salmon. However, fish production in ponds is still a major form of aquaculture in Central and Eastern Europe.

More than 95% of carp production takes place in semi-intensive systems. This type of carp production mixes natural food and additional feed (cereals and compound feed, extruded and pelleted).

and most of them are located in Vojvodina. Elsewhere, there is an abundance of relatively unpolluted surface water and many underground water sources with excellent water quality. After the break-up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s and the coming of independence, private entrepreneurship started to develop in Serbia. The privatisation of fish farms began in 2003.

Serbian aquaculture today Today, apart from some very small farms that remained state owned, more than 95% of the approximately 14,000 ha used by fish farms are privately owned. Most of the surface area used for fish farming, approximately 97%, is located in Vojvodina. There are more than 200 fish farms in Serbia, including 85

carp farms, 120 trout farms, 10 cage systems for the culture of warmwater species, 3 cage systems for cold-water fish (rainbow trout), and 1 low-capacity cage system for beluga and Danube sturgeon.

Conditions in the landlocked country of Serbia are only suitable for farming warmwater species. Fish are the only aquatic organisms farmed under www.eurofishmagazine.com

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industrial conditions, apart from ornamental and aquarium organisms (primarily fish).

Farmed recreationally by a few low-capacity farms, ornamental carp are popular aquarium and pond fish, the two most notable being goldfish and koi. Carp is the main species farmed in ponds, including common carp (Cyprinus carpio), bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Other popular species include wels catfish (Silurus glanis), sander (Stizostedion lucioperca), northern pike (Esox lucius), and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Species farmed in smaller amounts include tench (Tinca tinca), brown trout (Salmo truta m. fario), beluga (Huso huso), Danube sturgeon (Acipenser queldenstaedti), greyling (Thymallus thymallus), huchen (Hucho hucho), and freshwater bream (Abramis brama) fry, used for river and lake stocking.

As farmed fish production in Serbia continues to increase, carp leads the way, accounting for 78% of the output. Fifty-eight per cent of the water supply comes from rivers, 39% from irrigation and drainage canals, and 4% from wells.

Carp production in warm-water farms More than 95% of carp production takes place in semi-intensive systems. This type of carp production mixes natural food and additional feed (cereals and compound feed, extruded and pelleted). A small percentage of carp-pond production is intensive. It is usually used in fry production in small fish pools, where production reaches between 5,000 and 10,000 kg per ha, using aerators and compound feed. Extensive www.eurofishmagazine.com

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production in carp fish ponds is almost non-existent.

Production has doubled in the previous ten years. This increase is the result of the privatisation of fish farms in 2003, improved fish farm management, and from 2005, more frequent replacement of cereals with complete – primarily extruded – feed in semi-intensive farming systems. In 2012, production was around 7,500 tonnes, representing more than 62% of the total amount of carp produced in Serbia. Production technology is based on feeding on natural production (zooplankton and bottom fauna) and the use of complete feed (primarily extruded) with different protein contents, depending on fish age, water quality, and season. Owing to the collaboration of Serbian research institutions, fish-feed manufacturers, and fish farmers, the production technology is improving every year. With complete feed, carp production in Serbia has increased from 700 kg per ha in 2005 to around 1,220 kg per ha in 2012. On farms that use compound feed exclusively, production can reach more than 2,000 kg per ha. Significantly less feed is used to achieve desired growth, and there is less non-digested feed in the water. Finally, the fish taste better.

4 2 6

Common carp

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Rainbow trout Bighead carp Grass carp Miscellaneous fish 78

Production of farmed fish in Serbia by species in percent.

Consequently, the quality of carp meat improves, and taste and nutritional value become the leading argument used in marketing carp to households.

Trout production in cold-water farms Intensive systems are used in trout ponds and cage systems. Unlike carp farming, which has increased in the past decade, production in trout farms varies constantly. In the past decade, total trout-farm production has varied between 1,200 to more than 2,000 tonnes (25% fry and 75% fish). Variations in production are primarily the consequence of drought.

In 2012, the water supply to trout farms was low, resulting in a very dry year. The total surface area of cold-water farms is approximately 14 ha. Although intensive

farming systems are applied, on average a small amount of fish per cubic meter is produced in these farms (12–20 kg per cubic metre of water), because a large number of trout farms operates at only 5–50% of their capacity.

This is the result of their dependence on spring and river capacity. However, in recent years, systems for water aeration with oxygen have been used, enabling steady production that is significantly greater than the average production in Serbia (up to 50 kg per cubic metre of water). Unlike feed for carp, which comes only from Serbian factories, feed used in trout farms is usually imported.

Production in cage systems Cages for warm-water-species farming are set in ponds created

A decrease or elimination of a muddy taste (the scent of cyanobacteria in the water) and a lower fat level in the fish meat have led to improved taste. Instead of so-called “corn” fat, the usage of preserved feed decreases fat levels to 2–5%.

Corn fat is often present in more than 10% of total body mass, created during the second half of summer and the beginning of autumn, in carp fed with cereals, primarily corn. In addition, the extrusion process and the careful choice of ingredients in feed production improve the carp’s fatty acid profile.

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after the gravel, sand, or ore, has been removed. These cages are used almost exclusively to farm carp, although catfish is also farmed in them, but very rarely and in small amounts.

Current cage systems capacity is low, from a few tonnes to 30 tonnes, approximately 1% of total carp production. Cages for trout farming are placed in coldwater reservoirs and have a total capacity of approximately 150 tonnes. Only rainbow trout is produced in them.

Marked increase in farming efficiency

area has increased only 1% per year, the increase in production was greater, with an average of 8% annually, resulting in a twofold increase in fish production in 2012 over 2003. Production growth, which is based on the growth of carp production, was the result of better fish-farming management after privatization in 2003. After 2003, production continued to grow with the introduction of new carp feeding technology. Beginning in 2006, the traditional use of cereal feed was slowly replaced by a new feeding technology based on the use of compound feed, pelleted and extruded. Today, almost twothirds of the carp is produced using compound feed, primarily extruded.

Together with the increased use of compound feed, interest in compound feed production (primarily extruded) has grown.

Feed companies produce feed mainly for warm-blooded animals, but also have a production

Today, almost two-thirds of consumable carp is produced using compound feed, primarily extruded. Here, an extruded feed produced at the Veterinary Institute in Subotica.

line with an extruder for fish feed.

These companies have a production capacity of 40,000 tonnes, which is significantly more than Zoran Markovic

In Serbia, the total surface area dedicated to fish farming has increased 10–15% in the past decade. Although this increase is relatively minor, the number of newly built farms is great. Since 2003, the number of farms has doubled, and approximately 100 small, family-run fish farms have been established. Although in the past decade the fish-farm surface

Zoran Markovic

SERBIA

current fish-farming needs. A small amount (approximately 2,000 tonnes) of extruded feed is exported to neighbouring countries including Bulgaria, Romania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The development of carp farming has been brought about by the collaboration between scientific institutions and feed and fish producers. A two-year programme to adjust the ingredients in feed is meant to increase the content of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, and improve the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids, which will benefit carp placement in the marketplace.

The future of Serbian aquaculture

Although in the past decade the fish-farm surface area has increased only 1% per year, the increase in production has been greater, with an average of 8% annually, resulting in a doubling of production between 2003 and 2012. Here, fish being harvested in winter.

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Unlike the potential of the carp farming (including other species cultivated in carp farms, such as silver carp, grass carp, catfish, northern pike, and pike-perch), the potential for cold-water-species www.eurofishmagazine.com

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quality of carp meat will lead to greater demand. Improvement in carp-feed programmes combined with a carp-family selection programme, which began six years ago with the aim of improving the quality of stocking fry, will lead to the continued enhancement of Serbian carp production.

The change of traditional carp feeding methods in semiintensive farming systems has resulted in more economical production, improved nutritional value, and reduced pollutants in fish-farm ecosystems and outflow water. Further improvements to the quality of

Zoran Markovic

(primarily rainbow trout) is much less. The interest in farming other warm-water species is likewise significantly less. Apart from one farm that produces only a few tonnes of beluga and Danube sturgeon, there is little interest in such investment so far. Because more than 100,000 ha of Serbian land are not being used, have low fertility, are located next to rivers and canals, and are convenient for farm construction, carp-farming surface area will certainly increase. The amount of carp produced will also increase, not least because compound carp-feed ingredients are produced domestically. Additionally, the improved

Carp is the main species farmed in ponds in Serbia.

The freshwater fishery in Serbia The freshwater fishery in Serbia is primarily on the rivers Danube and Sava. Fishery waters include 65,980 km of rivers and streams, about 50 natural and 150 manmade lakes (accumulations, impoundments) occupying a total surface area of approximately 30,000 ha, and a canal network with a total length of approximately 30,000 km. Most important is the Danube–Tisza–Danube canal system, which is 840 km long and has a surface area of 3,600 ha. Fishery waters in Serbia are organized into six fishery areas that are assigned to users through a competition and under conditions regulated by law.

Serbian waters are inhabited by 90 species of teleost fish, including 52 species regulated as commercial and recreational fisheries, 29 species that are important to commercial fisheries, and 12 that are targeted species of interest. The recreational fishery includes 45 species. Commercial fishing is practised in lowland rivers: the Danube, Sava www.eurofishmagazine.com

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and Tisza. The longest river in Serbia, the Danube, which is 588 km long, is the country’s most important natural resource: half the freshwater fish caught in Serbia are taken from the Danube.

fish feed and carp meat, selective breeding programmes, and Serbia’s huge potential for carp farming create many possibilities for improvement and growth, not to mention

increased consumer interest in carp.

Zoran Markovic and Vesna Poleksic, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Belgrade, Serbia.

Serbian fish processing Recreational and sport fishing are practised in all Serbian waters, except in protected areas and in the pond systems, where it is prohibited.

The number of recreational anglers and commercial fishermen totals between 50,000 and 100,000; 450 to 1,000 permits are issued for the commercial fishery annually. The average recreational fisherman goes on the water 50 times per year, and a commercial fisherman is on the water 200 times per year. According to the National Statistical Office, the total catch of freshwater fish in the period 1949–2005 varied between 500 and 2,000 tonnes. For a few years, it was less than 500 tonnes. Since 2005, the total has increased, reaching 4,300 tonnes in 2012.

In Serbia, simple forms of fish processing (smoking, air drying, etc.) are carried out as soon as the fish is caught from rivers and lakes. This type of processing is done as a home-based activity by people living near large rivers (Danube, Sava, Tisza). In Serbia, freshwater fish is sold live or fresh owing to short delivery times; however, consumer demand for processed fish has increased. Processing for wider markets is relatively new. In the beginning, processing was done on a small scale aimed at family celebrations and restaurants. In recent years, the amount and diversity of processing has increased. In the past decade, more than ten new fish processing facilities

have been established. Some of them have low capacity, from a few to several tens of tonnes, but there are also processing plants with processing capacity of 5,000 tonnes per year, such as DTD Ribarstvo in Bacˇki Jarak.

The company complies with all food safety standards in its newly built facilities, where freshwater fish from Serbian fish farms (carp, rainbow trout, white bighead, and gray bighead), but also imported fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel, and hake) are processed. Processed products include steaks, hamburgers, hotdogs, pâtés, as well as semi-prepared/readyto-cook dishes, including fish stew, fish soup, and fish meatballs.

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[ AQUACULTURE ] Fish-farming tanks: form and function

Fixed solutions or modular concepts?

All aquacultural facilities need tanks, basins, or other containers to hold the water and the fish. They are available in various shapes and sizes and can be made from different materials. Tank design and construction depends heavily on their intended application.

Every model has certain advantages and disadvantages, and there is no universal solution for all aquaculture needs.

W

hen people think of aquaculture, the first things that come to mind are ponds or net cages, like those used in salmon farming in Norway. Although this is not incorrect, it is only one of the many options for farming fish and seafood today. More and more products are produced in land-based facilities that operate independently of the sea or open inland waters. They get their water supply from rivers and small streams, or springs and subterranean water that is pumped from the earth. The water flows into basins or tanks, which then become “mini water bodies” in which fish live and grow. These basins make landbased farms largely independent of the local aquatic conditions.

Basins and tanks are used not only here, however, but in all of the different aquaculture processes. They serve as storage tanks for adult fish and as hatchery tanks for young fish. They are used for the production of live feed and as grow-out tanks, as transport and quarantine containers, and for holding, presentation, or short-term fish storage.

The shapes of the containers are no less varied than their applications. They can have rectangular or round bases; they can be cylindrical or cone shaped and stackable in one another. The tank floor can be flat or slope conically towards the centre. There are also “hanging” funnel-shaped tanks, which can stand either on supports or on the ground. Or they can be partly sunk

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Indoor raceway for trout production. Through the parallel arrangement of the tanks, optimal use is made of the available space in the hall.

in the ground, which sometimes makes work easier.

between what they would like and what is actually possible.

Many factors influence choice of tanks

When choosing tank materials, however, there are some areas where compromises are not possible, because the material has to be watertight, rustproof, non-toxic, and should keep its shape when filled. The surface of the material should not cause skin abrasion if fish rub against it. In practice, plastics are used, such as polyethylene, fibreglass, or polyresin, a sturdy resin compound made of sand or ground stone mixed with synthetic resin. This category also includes tanks made of PVC or PE film that are suspended on stable frames.

Because plastics lack natural stability, however, they are best used for

The decision for or against any of these solutions depends on the fish species as well as on specific production regulations, climatic conditions, concrete environmental requirements, and of course on the financial scope of the investor.

Anyone planning to use salt water in their facility should note that the materials for tank construction are not the same as those required for freshwater tanks. Local energy costs can also influence tank construction. Farmers are often forced to find an acceptable balance

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smaller tanks measuring up to ca. 8 m in diameter. If sturdier materials are needed, farmers should choose steel or concrete (coated or noncoated).

Basins and tanks are available in all sizes, in a wide range of designs and for various applications. However, irrespective of the design (which is often the result of compromise), nearly all farming tanks can be divided into two basic types: channels, also known as raceways or flow-through systems, and round tanks. The two types differ not only in their design but also in the realisable water-exchange rates. The higher the water-exchange rate, the more often the water in the tank can be renewed. This depends, for example, on how fast sediments www.eurofishmagazine.com

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[ AQUACULTURE ]

Because water quality in long raceways decreases gradually, the tanks are often additionally aerated or pure oxygen is added to the water.

settle in the tank and whether or not these can be completely washed away. The water-exchange rate also influences the oxygen and ammonia concentrations in the water and thus ultimately the possible fish densities in the tank.

Raceways have a strong self-cleaning effect If fast and effective water exchange is important, farmers will often choose raceways. The freshwater that flows into the channel from one side pushes the old water out the other side, thereby replacing it almost completely. This leads to a continuous current, which carries any waste materials (fish faeces and feed residue) out of the system. However, this only works if the raceway dimensions are correct and the fish species and density fit the chosen design. The ratio of width to depth should be between 2:1 and 4:1. The length of a raceway depends on the fish species that it contains and the species’ requirements for water quality. For example, although the oxygen content in the water decreases between the supply end and the exit, ammonia content increases simultaneously.

Along the length of the raceway, the conditions become poorer with every metre. They are best directly at the water inlet and poorest at the outlet. This “inhomogeneity” of living conditions is one of the serious drawbacks of raceways. www.eurofishmagazine.com

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On the positive side however, raceways save space because they consist of several long channels, often a dozen or more, which are installed next to each other. The construction of such facilities does not demand any special know-how and can as a rule be done by non-specialist building firms, if certain basic rules are followed during planning. For example, the channels should have a slope of 1–2 from the water inlet to the outlet so that gravity will ensure constant current within the raceway. At the same time, the current is the prerequisite for

optimal self-cleaning of the channel, because dirt particles are regularly rinsed out of the system with the water current. If too much dirt settles on the bottom, it is often sufficient to simply reduce the water level. This will lead to an increase in current speed, which in turn, intensifies the cleaning effect.

As the water level falls, fish density in the channel rises proportionately. As the fish move, more dirt is churned up from the bottom, picked up by the current, and removed from the system.

Small bends or slight changes in direction within the raceway can create zones without any current at all, where dirt particles will settle. Sometimes steps or sharp edges are built into the floor contour to create turbulence that causes more dirt to remain suspended and prevents it from settling. Channels or raceways are among the traditional techniques used in freshwater aquaculture.

Clearly, raceways are particularly suited to current-loving species, particularly salmonids. Typical trout raceways are ca. 30 m long, 2–3 m wide, and 1–2 m deep.

Other fish species, for example tilapia, sturgeon, some catfish, or individual cyprinid species, are often farmed in raceways. As a rule, the water volume in the raceways is renewed completely once an hour. Still, for species requiring a large amount of oxygen, such as young salmon or trout, this is often inadequate to ensure sufficient oxygen. For this reason, many raceway operators

If the segments are prefabricated to the exact size, they only have to be assembled on site to produce a finished farming tank.

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[ AQUACULTURE ] replace 98 of the original contents of the tank!

Many aquaculture tanks are made of plastic with relatively low stability, which limits the size of the tanks.

also use additional technical aids, for example, paddle wheels, injectors, or air blowers, or they even add pure oxygen to the water.

Raceways are flow-through systems requiring a lot of water.

Therefore, they are, above all, suitable to locations with sufficient water available in a suitable quality. Because the raceways are constantly flushed through, the concentration of dirt particles in the outgoing water is relatively low, and cleaning the water is rather complicated and expensive.

For this reason, sedimentation tanks or plate separators, in which the outgoing water remains for some time, are often used, allowing dirt particles to settle. Sedimentation tanks should not be too small if they are to achieve measurable cleaning effects. Although they require a lot of space in the farming facility, they usually repay the investment quickly because operational costs are low, apart from the regular removal of the sludge that settles there. Occasionally, however, other technologies are used to clean the water, for example, swirl separators, air flotation, foam fractionation, or chemical flocculation.

Elongated tanks like those used for young fish in hatcheries and in 54

other areas of aquaculture are only variations on the traditional raceway described above. Many models and types are available. Mostly, they are 2–4 m long, are made of durable plastics, and have numerous additional options, including outlet pipes and faeces pits in which dirt particles can collect; floor screens and separator screens for separating the different batches of young fish; and hanging nets for the hatching eggs or for larvae.

Round tanks offer homogeneous living conditions The second basic type of fish-farming tank is the round tank of which there is also a variety of models.

Round tanks also have a natural self-cleaning potential, although it is not as effective as that of raceways, because the stronger mixing of old and new water in round tanks reduces the water exchange rate considerably. Round tanks require ca. 10 times the tank’s water volume to fully renew its contents once. If 10 m3 of water are added to a full 10 m3 round tank, only 60 of the water content is renewed, because part of the incoming freshwater flows immediately out of the tank with the old water. Even if the volume of freshwater added is 9 times the tank volume, it will only

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That said, the prerequisites for selfcleaning in round tanks are actually very favourable. The circulation of the water in the tank causes the dirt particles to drift to the middle of the tank for effective removal. This centripetal effect is often supported by a slight sloping of the tank floor (on average ca. 2) to the centre.

The self-cleaning principle works best in round tanks with a diameter of less than 6–8 m. In larger tanks, as dirt particles move towards the tank centre, they are churned up repeatedly by the fish and often dissolve before leaving the tank.

As unfavourable as the mixing of old and new water might be for the cleaning of the tank, it is nevertheless advantageous to the homogeneity of the living conditions for the fish stock. For example, this can be seen in the oxygen within the tank, which spreads out more evenly in round tanks, creating more uniform conditions. Further, round tanks have a more favourable ratio of surfaces (side walls and bottom) to the contained water volume than raceways. This means that the fish contact these surfaces slightly less often than in raceways, so reducing the risk of injury. The circular current in round tanks also suits the natural behaviour of many species that swim against it and develop more muscle.

The disadvantage of round tanks is that they use more of the farm’s floor space. Whereas raceways are often arranged directly next to each other, round tanks should be positioned at a greater distance from each other, because they are relatively difficult to manage, which becomes apparent, for example, when sorting or harvesting the fish.

For this reason, many round tanks are not higher than 1.5–2 m.

Other tanks with different dimensions are based on the typical round tank. Oval or polyhedral tanks, for example six- or eightsided tanks, are easily recognisable as developments of the round tank. Rectangular and coneshaped tanks can also be included in this category. This increases the spectrum of possibilities in this sector, offering tanks of different shapes and sizes for many different purposes. The choice ranges from cylindrical containers with a cone-shaped base in which the height of the tank is greater than its diameter, to classic round tanks with diameters of 1–10 m and more.

The so-called D-ended tanks are a compromise between raceways and round tanks. They are mostly channel-shaped or elongated-oval designs, and they have a central dividing panel along the longitudinal axis around which the water circulates. This tank shape also has certain advantages and disadvantages with regard to its self-cleaning capacity and the homogeneity of the living conditions. D-ended tanks are often used where space is restricted and only a limited amount of water is available.

Various plastics, steel, and concrete The building materials and installation options are as numerous as the shapes and sizes available. As a rule, tanks for aquaculture are made of plastics such as PE, PVC, and fiberglass-reinforced resins, steel, or concrete. Plastics do not corrode easily, do not rust, and do not release toxic substances into the water. However, tank size is limited by the material’s relatively low stability.

Steel presents no problems in this regard, of course, but it is susceptible to rust, particularly www.eurofishmagazine.com

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[ AQUACULTURE ] when in contact with salt water.

That is why plastic coated, zinc coated, or enamelled steel is often used, although this is relatively expensive. For this reason, in some constructions a tight-fitting PE film is simply suspended in the tank to prevent direct contact between the water and the steel shell. For particularly large steel tanks, corrugated plates are often used as cladding, which is then stabilised by the water pressure.

Although concrete is a sturdy building material that allows various tank shapes and sizes, its rough surface is often a drawback because the fish injure their skin on it. But there are some solutions to this problem as well, for example, a protective coating or sealant that sticks well, is watertight, and ensures smooth surfaces. Some of these products can be brushed on like paint and then, once they are dry, seal the underlying surface like a flexible film. Particularly popular are coating materials made from polyurethane, liquid neoprene, and rubber- and enamel-based products.

An original construction and insulation tank variant consists of components formed from PVC, which can be assembled in the desired shape, like double-wall click laminate, and then filled with concrete. This makes the tanks stable and long lasting. The wall surfaces are smooth inside and out, and do not require maintenance, so incur no additional costs. A fish-farming tank can be constructed in many different ways. Some tanks are assembled on their actual site, and then the individual pieces are assembled according to a strict building plan. They can also be purchased ready-made or as individual prefabricated components to be assembled by the buyer. www.eurofishmagazine.com

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Concrete is often preferred when building aquaculture facilities, because it allows numerous shapes and is stable. However, its rough surface can injure sensitive fish skin.

To add to existing facilities, it is recommended that the owner assemble the extension, using prefabricated segments that fit exactly and can be easily transported through narrow doors or large rooms. Once at their destination, the segments are assembled to produce the desired result, and then screwed, welded, or fixed together. Such system solutions are available in concrete. DrĂśssler Ultralith, a highperformance, extremely resilient

heavy-duty concrete is often used.

It has smooth, leak-proof surfaces, a high resistance to pressure, and a high bending tensile strength.

Thanks to its 3D modular construction, it is suitable for the construction of both round tanks and raceways. The prefabricated segments are fixed together on site, using a special technology that shortens construction time.

For some applications, mobilefarming tank solutions are available

that can be built quickly. Here too, the spectrum of possibilities is broad, ranging from foldable tanks made of PE film that only have to be unfolded, to “instant tanks� in roll containers that are transported by truck. Before use, a film bag is inserted that is cut to the exact interior measurements of the container.

With all of these options, it should always be possible to find a suitable tank type for any aquaculture application. mk

Although plastic-film tanks are relatively inexpensive and quick to install, they are generally short lived.

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[ AQUATIC PLANTS ] Algae production in aquaculture

Valuable foods and versatile industrial raw materials Algae and aquatic plants accounted for just under 21 million tonnes or about one quarter of global aquaculture production in 2011.

Algae are mainly produced in the sea. Farming techniques are inexpensive and relatively simple, they require only little effort, and can be learned quickly.

I

n Asia, marine algae have been considered a high-quality and healthy part of the human diet for centuries. On average, every Japanese citizen consumes about 4 kg of algae per year and Japanese cuisine makes use of more than 20 algae species from the traditional kombu to nori and wakame.

Japan’s algae requirements are so high that on top of their own production from fisheries and aquaculture, large additional quantities have to be imported every year.

Demand in China, Korea and other Asian countries is rising too, making the Asian continent the most important market for algae and algae products. In the past, algae were occasionally used in some regions of Europe, too, mostly as feed for farm animals, as fertilizer in agriculture, dried for use as fuel or as stuffing for mattresses.

Marine algae contain large quantities of minerals and trace elements, particularly iodine (one kilogram of algae contains as much iodine as ten cubic metres of sea water), important vitamins (e.g. B12) and a small, but high-quality, amount of fat that is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.

This alone makes a lot of algae species just as valuable as, or even more valuable than, other foods. In the 17th century it was also discovered that a lot of red algae have a strong capacity to jellify. This comes from the two gelatinous phycocolloids agar and carrageenan that have 56

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similar jellifying properties to gelatine which comes from animal raw materials. The red algae species that contain agar are named agarophytes (agar-agar can be produced from about 40 red algae, particularly the species Gracilaria and Gelidium); species that contain carrageenan are called carrageenophytes. Both substances are used as thickening and jellifying agents in the food industry, for example during the production of canned meats, jams, dessert creams, soups and milk products (e.g. yoghurt).

Originally the red algae Chondrus crispus (Irish moss) was the most important source for the extraction of carrageenan. Today, however, Irish moss plays only a subordinate role. The species of the Kappaphycus and Eucheuma families are far more important today.

Algae have many uses Brown algae contain important substances called alginates (salts and esters of alginic acid) which, because of their colloidal and jellifying properties, are used in numerous areas of the food, textile, and chemical industries, in cosmetics and medicine ( for example as adhesives in dentistry and surgery), during paper production and in photography. The gelling capacity of alginates exceeds that of starch by tenfold. The alginate content of brown algae accounts for 15 to 40% of their dry weight.

In Asia, marine algae have been considered a high-quality and healthy part of the human diet for centuries.

A lot of industrially produced foods contain substances that have been extracted from algae and then processed. And Far Eastern consumption trends such as sushi, miso, dim-sum or Asia salads also contribute towards more and more algae being consumed directly. Algae are considered to be healthy and so they are to be found in a lot of food supplements. Alginic acids are said to bind toxins in the body and encourage their excretion.

Fucoidan, or algal slime, is said to strengthen the immune system. And nori algae, (the casing of sushi maki), are said to have antibacterial effects; wakame is said to thin the blood. Products for

slimming can also contain algae or components of algae. Their high roughage content is thought to help during slimming diets because they stimulate metabolism. Substances from Laminaria seaweed (kombu) bind cholesterol in the bowel and thereby prevent its being reabsorbed by the body. Carrageenan, agaragar and alginates are thickening agents, but they can also be helpful during slimming. Because they can absorb a lot of water the energy density (calorie content per unit weight) of the product falls.

Only 40 or 50 of the nearly 40,000 macro algae species known www.eurofishmagazine.com

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[ AQUATIC PLANTS ] throughout the world are used in aquaculture. It is difficult to determine the exact number because a lot of species are not sufficiently differentiated and are listed in the statistics in unspecific groups. In the FAO statistics of 2011 the eight most important species and species groups accounted for 86% of global algae production.

Whilst the production of some species such as wakame or laver has stagnated or risen only slightly, in recent years other species have registered amazing growth. The production of Kappaphycus alvarezii, for example, tripled within just one decade, and production of Eucheuma species rose thirteen-fold during the same period, from 364,934 tonnes in 2001 to nearly 5 million tonnes in 2011. Such growth rates are only possible because demand for carrageenan has risen strongly worldwide and because algae farming is possible nearly everywhere and with only little material expense as long as the climatic and topographical factors are suitable.

Algae production is often possible with very simple equipment Several factors have to be taken into account when selecting a location for an algae farm. Because

it is mainly marine algae that are produced in aquaculture, salinity should not be below 30‰. Temperature and water motion also have to be “suitable” for the algae species in question. The structure of the sea bed and the growth upon it are important factors, too. A muddy bed is an indication of little water motion, a dark bed absorbs the sunlight and worsens the light conditions for the algae. Algae need a lot of light for their growth, and even in clear water light supply is often only optimal at depths of 30 to 50 cm. That is why algae are cultivated below the water surface, but as close to it as possible.

Natural algae growth should not be too abundant in a farm location because this would rob the algae cultures of nutrients. Apart from that it makes unnecessary work if the algae cultures have to be freed from competing growth. Prior to a decision in favour of a particular location, test production is often carried out over a time span of several months. If the average daily growth rate of the algae is between 3 and 5% then their culture will be worthwhile in the site concerned.

It should also not be forgotten that sea urchins and algae-eating fishes (e.g. species of the Siganidae family, rabbitfishes, or Tetraodontidae, puffers) can cause considerable damages within the cultures. This

The top eight algae and aquatic plants (based on production volume) in 2011 Species/Group

Scientific name

Volume (tonnes)

Japanese kelp

Laminaria japonica

5,257,201

Eucheuma

Eucheuma spp.

4,889,715

Gracilaria

Gracilaria spp.

2,215,695

Kappaphycus alvarezii

2,100,146

Wakame

Undaria pinnatifida

1,754,504

Laver (Nori)

Porphyra spp.

1,636,240

Hijiki, hiziki

Sargassum fusiforme

Spirulina

Spirulina spp.

111,310 73,140 (Source: Figis, Globefish)

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also applies to a phenomenon that is called ice-ice, a name which comes from the appearance of a white colouring in different places on the algae where they will at some point in time break apart.

The causes of ice-ice are disputed.

Some people think that it is a bacterial or viral disease. Others think that the disorder is triggered by physical stress or changing local environmental conditions.

Two methods are mainly used for growing algae in aquaculture: the off-bottom line method and the floating raft method. The offbottom line method is generally used in shallow water below the low water line, i.e. the region that can be reached on foot at low tide.

This method involves driving two wooden stakes into the sea bed at a distance of about 5 to 10 metres from each other and then fixing a monofilament nylon line or a polypropylene rope between them, rather like a washing line. The line should be at least 20 cm from the sea bed and be submerged deep enough in the water that it does not run dry at low tide. At a distance of about one metre apart and using the same principle further lines are strung parallel to this and every 20 to 25 cm seedlings are tied to them using a special knot. Depending on the species of algae concerned they should already be of a certain size, for example in the case of Laminaria (kombu) they should weigh 50 to 150 g. Within 6 to 8 weeks the algae’s weight increases tenfold and the algae are ready for harvesting.

This can be done directly at the farm in the sea or the whole line can be hauled in and the algae removed on land at a later point in time. Some algae sprout again if plant remains are left attached to the line and they can then be harvested several times over.

The floating raft method is suitable for protected water areas that are

too deep for the off-bottom line technique. This farming method uses a floating raft that can be constructed in various different ways.

In most cases a 3 x 3 metre frame is first made – usually of bamboo but other similar materials can also be used. Lines are then strung parallel across the frame, about 15 to 20 cm apart. After the seedlings have been attached to the lines the frame is moved to about 50 cm below the water surface. Floats at the edge of the frame ensure that it stays afloat and anchor stones hold it in the desired position on the sea bed. Both the off-bottom line method and the floating raft method are available in numerous variations and designs, depending on the location in which they are to be used, the available building materials and other necessities.

Because people are prepared to pay more money for quality products the algae have to be dried with the utmost care. It is particularly important during this process that they do not have any sand or other dirt on them. The algae are thus placed to dry in layers on drying racks or mats, or they are hung up on the culture lines so that they can dry like washing on a washing line. After two to three days in the sun the algae have usually lost so much moisture that their weight will have fallen to a third of its original. During the drying phase salt crystals appear on the algae.

These have to be shaken off. (Salt is cheaper than dried algae and is thus considered a quality defect.)

Well-trained farmers recognize the right degree of dryness by the firmness, resilience and flexibility of the product. If the algae are still too moist when put into storage they could go mouldy; if, on the other hand, they are too dry, it is difficult to compress them into the conventional bales using the modest means the farmers have at their disposal.

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[ AQUATIC PLANTS ] Usage potential of algae not fully utilised It is mostly kelp (Laminaria japonica) that is produced in worldwide aquaculture. Kelp is a brown alga with a leathery body (thallus) that can grow to 20 cm wide and over 1 m long. This kelp species is said to have already been cultivated in Japan at the beginning of the 18th century, but farming on a larger scale only began about 60 years ago. After the harvest the algae are dried, in either unprocessed or salted condition. Salted kelp can be eaten directly as a marine vegetable. Dried kelp is used by industry: substances such as iodine, mannitol or alginate are isolated and then put to further use. The development of modern methods of alginate production was an important stimulant for kelp aquaculture during the 1960s and 70s. The Japanese market for “genuine kombu” (makombu) gets 90% of its supply from aquaculture. Kombu enhances the flavour of salads and soy soups, shortens cooking times and improves the digestibility of some foods. It is used to aromatise rice, is eaten with meat dishes, eaten fresh, as sweet ‘n’ sour kombu with tea, and freezer dried algae are nibbled as a snack or, with sugar, like sweets.

Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) is no less popular. This is a brown alga that, along with nori and kombu, is among the most popular edible algae species in Asia.

Wakame is farmed in aquaculture in the same way as Laminaria. In specia-lized companies the seedlings are attached to lines and during the winter months they can grow to 2 m in size at the ongrowing farms. Harvesting takes place from February to June.

After the harvest the algae are briefly rinsed with freshwater and then dried in the sun. Wakame is considered a light, low-calorie, 58

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healthy marine vegetable that is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and is said to have an antibacterial effect. It contains not only calcium, iodine, thiamine and niacin but also iron. Due to its high content of fucoxanthin wakame supports fat metabolism. In Japan wakame is an important ingredient in miso soup (there is a comparable soup recipe in Korea that is called ‘miyeok guk,). Apart from that, the algae are eaten in salads (tofu) or as a vegetable side-dish. Wakame is becoming increasingly popular in European cuisine, too.

Demand for marine algae is rising in Korea helped by increasing consumption of sushi, miso, and dim-sum.

Popularity of sushi drives demand for nori

the “natural” variety but also with spices, with garlic or other additives. Dry nori leaves contain 25 to 35% protein and more vitamin C than the same quantity of oranges, their vitamin A content is comparable with that of spinach. Apart from that, Porphyra algae have an amino acid spectrum that is more typical of animal proteins.

Demand for nori, also called laver, has increased strongly due to the worldwide sushi trend and this is driving aquaculture production.

Laver is a relatively small species of red algae with an unevenly shaped, lobed thallus. Young plants are initially green but with increasing age become brownish or purple red.

One reason for the popularity of laver is the lack of cellulose in the cell walls of the algae which makes them easily chewable and easily digested. Harvesting usually takes place at night or early in the morning because laver loses its aroma quickly. After cleaning, the algae are cut up with a small amount of water and mixed to a thick puree which is then spread out to dry on net frames. This is how the characteristic dry algae leaves in which sushi rolls are wrapped are produced. Nori leaves are not only available in

The only micro alga that is of any noteworthy significance for aquaculture is currently Spirulina, which is really a cyanobacterium, formerly known as blue alga. Spirulina consists of cylindrical cells that are arranged in a long spiral like a long corkscrew, with either a left or right turn (the diameter of the spiral is between 0.005 and 0.012 mm). Every single cell in this spiral reproduces through cell division so that the spiral gradually becomes longer. When the Spirulina spiral reaches a length of about 0.5 mm it falls apart into several pieces that then grow further according to the same pattern. In this way and in a relatively short period of time a thick algal pulp develops that can be easily concentrated and processed. Production is very simple. It can be carried out in shallow concrete or plastic

Several of the 5,000 to 6,000 known red algae species are also of great significance to the human diet. Some of them, like nori (Porphyra tenera) or dulse (Palmaria palmata) are eaten whole, others supply just certain ingredients (e.g. agar-agar, carrageenan).

tanks. The resulting dried algae is a green powder. Dried Spirulina algae have a high protein content which, depending on their origin and quality, can be between 55 and 67%. It is worth mentioning that they also have a high content of vitamins, particularly B12. Demand for Spirulina is high and is likely to grow further. It is used as an additive in the production of animal feeds, for example, as a food supplement and as a biocatalyst during fermentation processes. Spirulina is also said to help during slimming diets, to reduce blood fat values, to protect against infection and to have an antiinflammatory effect.

Because so far only a few studies have been carried out on Spirulina, sound proof is often lacking to support such statements.

However, it is certain that aquaculture production of algae will continue to increase in the coming years. Attempts are being made to use algae as feed in aquaculture, for example, or to produce bio fuels from algae, or to use certain ingredients for pharmaceutical purposes. In a lot of areas developments are still in their infancy but it is becoming increasingly clear that algae are a very versatile, very highquality raw material. mk www.eurofishmagazine.com

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] The EU depends on imports to satisfy its demand for fish

Imports support EU fish and seafood processing Aleksandra Petersen

The European fish and seafood processing industry relies on a consistent supply of raw materials to satisfy growing consumer demand from both domestic and export markets. Recently, Matthias Keller, vice president of the European Federation of National Organisations of Importers and Exporters of Fish (AIPCE-CEP), made a presentation to representatives of the Dutch fish-processing industry.

Tuna is the most imported species into Europe at 1.19 million tonnes per year. Imports of salmon claim second place at 1.07 million tonnes. This particular tuna however has been ranched in Europe.

T

he audience listened closedly as Dr Keller delivered four key messages. First, imports remain the backbone of the markets. Second, EU quota opportunity is becoming more positive, but it remains to be seen if the catch utilisation rate will follow. Third, competition from other populous regions is intensifying, for example from markets www.eurofishmagazine.com

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Processing depends on imports

tonnes. Of this, 8.8 million tonnes were imported from third countries, and only 4.8 million tonnes came from European fisheries. Keller says, “We can plainly see that, without imports from third countries, we would not have enough fish to supply the demand in Europe”.

In 2012, the total amount of fish available was slightly less than 14 million

The dependence on imports has grown over the past decade.

such as Brazil, Russia, and China.

Fourth, are compliance requirements and costs making the EUmarkets less attractive to raw material providers.

In 1999, the EU imported 51 of the fish consumed, and in 2012 it was 65.

The Association of Fish Processors and Importers in the EU (AIPCE-CEP) argues that imports are the mainstay of the EU fish market and should not be regarded as a threat to the EU fishing fleet.

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[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] Will EU catches sell?

At the same time, Keller asks, if we have more quota available, are there markets for it in Europe, or do we have to export it to other areas because the demand is not as strong?

“For example”, explains Keller, “looking at the large amount of cod coming from the Barents and the Norwegian seas, we wonder if there is enough market for it in Europe”.

He predicts an increase in the amount of fish supplied by aquaculture. “I have absolutely no doubt that this is possible for the future in a very substantial way”, he continues. “I am convinced that this will happen. The demand for fish in the EU will increase again, and that demand will be fulfilled.

But you will pay higher prices in the future. It’s not a question of whether fish will be available, believe it or not. The question is what will the price be?”

salmon. There is a lot of salmon going out to Russia. We know that there are markets for cod in Brazil, but we don’t know what will happen in India”.

In August, the EU Commission banned the Faroe Islands from importing herring and mackerel caught by Faroese vessels. Keller admits that this might have a negative impact on the EU’s supply because the Faroe Islands is the largest supplier of herring to the EU market.

“They can easily sell this fish to Africa. They can easily find other markets in the world. Look at Brazil, at Russia, at China. On the other hand, although we have strong competition from these countries, we also can see some opportunities. Maybe these are markets for our convenience fish products”.

Requirements that cost

For Keller, it is important that all statistics be calculated using live weight equivalent, which is a way to convert the volume or mass (more commonly referred to as the weight) of a product at one stage in the production chain to its volume or mass at another stage in the chain.

Says Keller, “Based on the information we have at the moment, even after introducing new regulations, we are not seeing any interruption of the trade flow.

There is still enough fish coming into the EU, even if it’s a bit less at the moment, but this is related to the economic crisis”.

“One tonne of fillet blocks and one tonne of headed and gutted fish are different kinds of presentations”, he says, “because to produce a fillet block you might need double the amount of whole fish.

To make the units equal, we convert everything into live weight”.

Still, there are many areas for improvement. “We need fewer administrative costs, one of which is the duty that must be paid on imports. We are fighting against duties on the raw materials”. He points out that countries that were part of the Generalised System of Preferences, which regulates duties, and paid duties on their products of only 3, saw the duties jump to 7 or even to 20.

Competition is heating up Keller explains that competition from other populous regions for raw materials is intensifying.

“Look at the situation with the 60

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The second area for improvement is the amount of administrative

Matthias Keller, vice president of the European Federation of National Organisations of Importers and Exporters of Fish.

work. “I call it a paper tsunami, where you have lots of paperwork to prove that the fish come from sustainable sources or the cost of the illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU) regulations.

Many administrative things have to be streamlined. We’re looking for a general reduction in administrative costs. Yes, illegal fisheries should be investigated, but not every fishery in the world should be “accused” in general term”.

fishery and aquaculture sector, the Common Market Organisation for fishery and aquaculture products should ensure a level-playing field for all fishing and aquaculture products marketed in the Union, should allow consumers to make better informed choices and support responsible consumption, and should improve the economic knowledge and understanding of the Union markets along the supply chain”.

Level playing field

He continues, “This is an indirect criticism that, very often, fish products coming from outside the EU do not follow the rules, so even the fishermen complain that imports can have lower health standards and lower standards for IUU”. He thinks it is important to emphasise that, in general, the European seafood processing industry and traders are not importing unsafe seafood.

Often, the industry or the importers are accused of importing fish from areas that do not have the same health standards or the same competition. The question of a level playing field often arises.

Keller says, “We have often had the question about a level playing field.

It’s notable that we find the following in the Common Fisheries Policy. “There is a need to strengthen the competitiveness of the Union

He says that the other important thing to remember is that the www.eurofishmagazine.com

04/12/13 5:48 PM

[ TRADE AND MARKETS ] Commission and NGOs still feel that there is substantial activity in IUU. “But if we look at the trends in growth statistics”, he says, “we have not seen any interruption of trade for any species. And if a large amount of IUU activity were taking place, it would register in our statistics because less tuna, mackerel, or cod would be imported, and that’s just not the case”.

Understanding the European market Keller explains that these markets are all different, and to understand the European market, it is necessary to look at individual species.

“Of course we can give the overall statistics, but to really describe the market, we must go into detail about the main species, where they come from, and how they are presented. It is necessary to go into detail to understand trade issues, such as partner agreements and why certain agreements were made with certain countries. This is a good first entrance to the market if you have not already analysed the market in that way”.

He points out, for example, that, although most of the species are imported, the domestic herring market is much larger than for imports, forming a picture totally different from the other species.

Total market volume of herring is nearly 1 million t, and 663,000 t come from European catches.

Imports are only half that amount.

Most of the production is frozen flaps (123,000 t), followed by frozen fillets (91,000 t), and frozen whole fish (43,000 t).

Tuna, the most popular fish According to Keller, there are 1.19 million t of tuna in the www.eurofishmagazine.com

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European market; it is the species with the greatest volume in Europe. Approximately, 42,000 t come from European catches, the main part of it, 1.1 million t, is imported. Most of it, 647,000 t, is prepared; 269,000 t are loins; and 200,000 t come as frozen whole fish.

“People imagine that cod is the most important species, but actually it’s tuna, followed by salmon, cod, and herring, and these are among the ten most important species”.

The four largest importers of tuna are Ecuador, which supplies ca.

225,000 t; Mauritius, 119,000 t; Thailand, 108,000 t and the Seychelles, 82,000 t. The supply base is very international, with 1,065,000 t supplied by other countries.

Salmon Salmon is the next most imported species, with most of it coming from Norway, which supplies 845,000 t of a total import volume of 1,072 million t. The rest of the country portfolio is diverse: China (71,000 t), the Faroe Islands (62,000 t), and the USA (46,000 t).

Altogether, 48,000 t come from other countries.

From a market volume of 1.073 million t, 697,000 t are imported as fresh whole; 168,000 t as frozen fillets; and 145,000 t as fresh fillets.

Cod Keller points to cod as an interesting species because the largest portion of the production is dried and salted, not for fresh consumption. Norway plays an important role, supplying 302,000 t of the 866,000 t import volume.

Other main suppliers include Iceland (198,000 t), China, (139,000 t),

Food balance for fish and fishery products 1.000 tonnes live weight

2011

2012 4.313

Catches

4.629

+ Aquaculture

1.260

1.260

- Non-food uses

1.000

700

= Supply for consumption

4.889

4.873

+ Imports (Third countries)

9.221

8.815

= Total availability

14.110

13.688

- Exports (Third countries)

1.951

1.996

= Total consumption

12.159

11.692

Consumption (kg/capita)

24,2

23,2

and Russia, (125,000 t). Almost 102,000 t are supplied by other countries.

Shrimp Keller notes that the shrimp market is interesting and totally different from the others. It depends 100 on raw materials coming from third countries. A large portion is prepared and preserved.

It is also interesting to see that four countries supply the greatest share: Greenland (105,000 t), Ecuador (104,000 t), Thailand (102,000 t), and Canada (70,000 t).

Other countries supply 193,000 t of the total import volume of 874,000 t.

“Of course, here we have to go into more detail because shrimp from Greenland and shrimp from Vietnam are totally different species”, says Keller. “The Pandalus borealis coming from Greenland is totally different from the Litopenaeus vannamei from Indonesia, and the Penaeus monodon from Vietnam”.

Alaska pollock “Because no Alaska pollock is caught in the EU”, Keller says, “we are 100 dependent on imports, and frozen fillets are the main presentation (781,000 t), followed

by frozen meat (65,000 t), and frozen whole fish (1,000 t). This is very logical, because we only need the fillets for processing to make products that are more convenient. Why should we import fish from Russia or the US that have the head and bones?”

China, which has only a small quota for Alaska pollock, is the largest importer with 400,000 t.

Other main importers are the USA (366,000 t), Russia (82,000 t), and South Korea (2,000 t). Mainly, the fish are caught in Russia and the USA and processed in China.

Dr. Keller based his presentation on the 2013 AIPCE-CEP Finfish Study. The focus of the Finfish Study is whitefish, but in recent years, it has included alternative resources, such as freshwater cultivated species like pangasius and tilapia. Further, because the fish industry relies on a broader selection of species and types, the study has been expanded to include salmon, tuna, pelagics, and surimi as well as shrimp and cephalopods.

The 2013 study will be available soon on the AIPCE-CEP website: http://aipcecep.drupalgardens. com/content/white-fish-study.

William Anthony Eurofish Magazine 6 / 2013

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DIARY DATES

5 February, 2014 Marel Salmon Showhow Copenhagen, Denmark Tel.: +45 98921511 Fax: +45 98921101 salmonshowhow@marel.com www.marel.com/salmonshowhow

9-11 February, 2014 Fish International Bremen, Germany Tel.: +49 421 3505 260 Fax: +49 421 3505 681 info@fishinternational.de www.fishinternational.de

24-28 February 2014 COFI Sub-Committee on Fish Trade Bergen, Norway audun.lem@fao.org www.fao.org/cofi/ft/en/

4-6 March 2014 North Atlantic Seafood Forum Bergen, Norway Tel.: +47 22 87 87 00 www.nor-seafood.com

31 March – 3 April, 2014 Alimentaria 2014 Barcelona, Spain Tel.: +34 93 452 10 39 alimentaria-bcn@alimentaria.com www.alimentaria-bcn.com

9-11 April, 2014 Offshore Mariculture 2014 Napoli, Italy Tel.: +44 1329 825335 iroberts@mercatormedia.com www.offshoremariculture.com 22-24 September 2014 Seafood Expo Southern Europe Barcelona, Spain Tel.: +1 207 842 5504 customerservice@divcom.com www.seafoodbarcelona.com 6-8 May 2014 Seafood Expo Global & Seafood Processing Global Brussels, Belgium Tel.: +1 207 842 5504 customerservice@divcom.com www.seafoodexpo.com

5-7 June, 2014 Future Fish Eurasia Izmir, Turkey Tel.: +90 212 347 10 info@eurasiafairs.com www.eurasiafairs.com 7-11 June, 2014 World Aquaculture 2014 Adelaide, Australia www.was.org

16-18 March 2014 Seafood Expo North America & Seafood Processing North America Boston, USA Tel.: +1 207 842 5504 customerservice@divcom.com www.seafoodexpo.com

2-4 September 2014 Seafood Expo Asia Wanchai, Hong Kong www.seafoodexpo.com

19-22 August, 2014 Nor-Fishing Trondheim, Norway Tel.: +47 73 568 640 mailbox@nor-fishing.no www.nor-fishing.no

25-27 September 2014 Icelandic Fisheries Exhibition 2014 Smarin, Kopavogur, Iceland Tel.: +44 1329 825335 mrasmussen@mercatormedia.com www.icefish.is

7-9 October, 2014 Conxemar Vigo, Spain Tel.: +34 986 433 351 conxemar@conxemar.com www.conxemar.com

14-17 October, 2014 Aquaculture Europe 2014 San Sebastian, Spain www.was.org

A d d y o u r e v e n t t o w w w. E u r o f i s h M a g a z i n e . c o m

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The explosion of certification and labelling programmes

Moving slowly towards consensus Sustainability is a keyword in political discussions worldwide. As the problem of overfishing looms large in the minds of consumers, NGOs, and governments, dozens of seafood-certification and labelling programmes have been put in place. Jacob Færgemand is a managing director at Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification. In the 1990s, he led the alignment of Danish food-safety standards with the framework of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In 2000, he became chair of the ISO 22000 committee charged with harmonising food safety standards, which was finalised in 2005. Incidentally, Færgemand was born into a family of fishermen. Before becoming a fisherman, his grandfather Anders Nielsen was a ferryman and so was given the nickname Ferryman. Later, he changed his surname to Ferryman, or Færgemand in Danish. Færgemand admits that it is a strange name.

Having already been part of the process of developing standards, what historical perspective can you bring?

The huge number of labelling schemes that have been developed by local retailers and fisheries organisations is totally natural. It’s what we saw in food-safety programmes. They started 50 years ago with a lot of local initiatives, which became regional initiatives. Finally, it ended up with the ISO standard that harmonised the methods, which were largely similar.

I think this is what we will see in the fish and seafood sector.

All of the schemes will meet in ISO, where standards that cover the whole world are developed.

It will be a process of consensus in which all of the schemes will be put on the table, and the best pool of activities will be determined.

Where do the fishing and seafood industries stand right now?

With all of the different certification marks that exist now, I think the industries are exactly where we were 15 years ago with foodsafety issues. Starting in 2000, we

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actually managed to harmonise industry methods to produce safe food. But it took five years to get there. Bringing all the scheme owners together was a fight for the first two years.

Nobody discussed real technical issues. They were stuck in their own positions, talking without actually being willing to find solutions. But after two years, we had a breakthrough and started putting everything on the table.

We discovered that 90 of all local schemes were nearly the same.

How close or how far is the fishing industry from reaching a breakthrough?

I think we haven’t even started the process, because the private certifiers are just pushing their own local schemes, trying to gain acceptance. They want to differentiate themselves from the others and convince the retailers that their scheme is better than the other schemes. That’s a waste of money, travelling around selling something that is more or less the same. But when the costs get too high, they will ask for harmonisation. I think it will take three to five years, because everybody is fighting everybody else now.

Jacob Færgemand, Managing Director, Bureau Veritas Certification

As certification and labelling of seafood become universal, what are the factors driving this trend and what roles do consumers, government and retail-sector authorities, and NGOs play?

Sustainability is actually the driver here. There are what I call political consumers, who want to be green and be sure that they’re supporting sustainable food sources, and they are willing to

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pay a little more for it. They are pushing the retailers, who want to sell products that consumers are able to buy from the other retailers. The retailers are actually selling these labels, which are being created on every continent.

they will get confused, and then they will get mad. Nobody likes to overpay for a product that is not what it claims to be. People will start to investigate whether the schemes work as they were intended to, and that will lead to harmonisation.

Authorities are imposing controls through quotas, but when quotas are imposed, a country can say, “Yes, but to avoid unemployment, we need the fishery now”. So, they overfish, and that’s the NGOs role: They want to implement sustainable policies. They want the authorities to be held accountable for taking the right decisions, and if they don’t, they will be punished.

Anyone can mark a product, and the mark’s validity depends on who is actually controlling the marking. There is a lot of dirty work going on out there, where people use a mark, without control that they’re actually doing what they are expected to do.

What you see now is that perhaps 20 out of 60 are not as heavily controlled as the others are.

This is typically how these many schemes are developed. They start locally with local needs.

Then, regional players want to differentiate themselves. Finally, the political consumers want to buy something that is green to prove that they are actually taking care of the environment, and that influences the buying and selling. Consumers want to buy products from retailers who have proven that they are offering something different, leading to different brands and product labelling.

The reputation of some farmed whitefish species imported into Europe is not the best among consumers, despite the fact that it comes from certified sources. Could this undermine trust in certification in general?

If consumers find out that in Norway or Thailand people are cheating the system and using certification marks fraudulently,

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Another form of control is the economic driver. Who is actually getting hurt if the marking scheme falls apart? Is it the retailer or is it the food producer? This is the motivation for requiring independent entities to go in and oversee the industries as well as the authorities. This is what the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is doing.

Labels such as those from the MSC certify that the product is from a sustainable fishery.

In theory however, it is the responsibility of the authority that administers fisheries to ensure that the fishery is sustainable. When sustainability can only be credibly certified by a third party, are the authorities abdicating some of their responsibility?

If the monitoring system is controlled by a third party, certifying by audit that the authorities are actually doing what they have signed up to do, you could say that. On the other hand, what

if you want to approve a fishery where five countries fish? Who makes sure that the five countries are not overfishing? If you control one or two of them but not the rest, how can we assure the consumer that the fishery in the North Sea is not overfished?

Based on Denmark or the UK, we know it’s not overfished, but what about Norway, Russia, and Iceland?

To talk about sustainable fisheries, you need to talk about the sea and where the species are before you can designate the fish as sustainable and ensure that one country does not take more than the others do. Of course, the countries are committed to the international agreement, but you need some kind of overview, which not all authorities in the countries have.

Do third-party certifiers somehow undermine the authority of the national governments?

If I as a citizen of Denmark, for example, believe that my government is skilled and strong enough to have a good fishing policy, then a conflict can arise with a scheme like MSC, which is a private scheme controlled by somebody in another country. It appears that they are forcing themselves into the Danish authority system. This is not acceptable to some authorities, and that’s why there are a lot of authorities that are not especially happy to be a part of the assessments if fisheries should be certified.

Are they obliged to follow the instructions set by the outside schemes?

They are only obliged if they agree to be certified. The pressure to accept this comes from the fisheries sector. If the Danish industry believes that they cannot sell Danish products, they will put pressure on the Danish government, pushing them go to for this certification.

If Danish society or the Danish fisheries sector agree that this is needed to survive in the long run, then the Danish authorities have to agree to show the paperwork proving how they are controlling their sustainable fisheries.

You can imagine that not many authorities would like people from a private company coming in and commenting on how they do their work. Things can get very tense, leading to conflict, which is the case at the moment.

What criteria should an aquaculture operator consider when looking for an independent certifying body; how do they judge which body to choose?

If you want validity in the labelling, you should look for certification, and if you want even more validity, you should look for accredited certification.

Accreditation Services International (ASI) is one of the leading accreditation bodies. Normally, when a Norwegian salmon farmer is selecting a certifier, he turns to the ASI webpage, where he can see which certifiers have been accredited.

Organizations like ASI check that the selected certifying bodies are doing what they are expected to do. They ensure that the certifying body is spending enough time, has qualified

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auditors, and supplies correct reports about everything that they have seen. And they demand the actions necessary to raise the fish farmer to accepted standards. So, I think that accreditation brings an extra level of validity to the certification scheme.

How much self-interest is there in some of these accreditation schemes?

Of course, you can say that you have money to earn if you lead a scheme to certify. This is an industry in itself. There are the big certifiers such as Bureau Veritas, which I represent, that offer different kinds of standards. Our company has to train our people, pay fees to the accreditors, and pay fees to the scheme owners.

So, you can imagine that having ten different small schemes with 100 clients each is more expensive than having one scheme with a thousand clients, because I only have to pay one accreditation body.

There is self-interest for those creating schemes, but big certifying bodies are more interested in having global schemes with one set of rules to follow, because this would be much more cost efficient. Then we can compete on the marketplace by offering the best schemes to the industry,

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based on our competencies and normal price levels.

end up costing EUR 30,000 to 60,000.

Bureau Veritas’ idea, and I think it’s shared by some of our competitors, is that we should be able to deliver the kind of certification that a company asks for. If there are conflicting issues in different standards, we start technical discussions with the scheme owners to find a solution. Normally, in different sectors including the fisheries sector, we see that, even though we have 50 different schemes, 90 of typical context is the same.

We see that farmers looking for certification and following our advice gain a lot in internal efficiency. We can advise you if you are using the correct feed. Are your feeding methods correct, and do you waste feed, which settles to the bottom of the sea, the lake, or the tank? Are you using the correct amount of medicine and is the method of slaughter correct and economical? The costs that they put into this start-up activity are recouped in two to four years because they get leaner.

They become better at producing the fish, and they don’t make as many mistakes. They develop better recording methods, which allow them to see the gains more quickly. The certified companies become more profitable because they get closer to what they’re doing.

What are the cost implications?

As I said before, political consumers are ready to pay perhaps 10 to 20 extra to be sure they are eating organic. It is not a problem to pass on a small increase to these consumers. But let’s ask what are the cost implications of being certified? Of course, you have to pay a certification body to do the audit. Let’s say it costs a fish farm EUR 3,000. But the cost to implement the required changes and systems to receive certification is 10 to 20 times higher. So, if you pay me EUR 3,000 to be certified, you will need to do some cleaning up, pay for training programmes, and change systems, procedures, and structures. That will

In addition, for exports and imports there is the supplychain-certification scheme that ensures the amount of fish captured complies with MSC guidelines as being sustainably fished. This also ensures that the fish meeting the standards are the same fish that enter the harbour, are put into production, and end up on the trucks and the ships that lead to the

marketplace. We can follow the certificates of origin for the whole supply chain.

This allows us to audit a company that claims they can sell this amount of labelled fish and prove that the fish are actually caught from a MSC-certified source, and that they are not mixed up with fish from other countries.

Unfortunately, it is still quite easy to cheat. Consumers need to be assured, for example, that two of the ten containers from Thailand are not substituted with two from China in the harbour at Hanoi. Then, they have the right to demand extra control measures, and we feel obliged to put ten controllers in the harbour of Hanoi to make sure that this shipment is not compromised.

But we can’t afford 100, 24-hour control. If you see failures you need to increase your control.

That increases costs, but this is necessary to maintain the certificates’ validity. We need to avoid the consumer asking “Why don’t you control every fish?” Then, the fish will cost EUR 200 each. It’s a matter of finding the right level of control and then the right level of validity. This is a basic question that all certification schemes have to answer.

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