GLOBEFISH -The Seafood Markets in Southern EU: Cyprus, Malta and Slovenia - Jul 2008

GLOBEFISH RESEARCH PROGRAMME

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fish Products and Industry Division Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 00153 Rome, Italy Tel.: +39 06 5705 5074 Fax: +39 06 5705 5188 www.globefish.org

The Seafood Markets in Southern EU: Cyprus, Malta and Slovenia Volume 95

The Seafood Markets in Southern EU: (Cyprus, Malta and Slovenia)

by

Camillo Catarci (July 2008)

The GLOBEFISH Research Programme is an activity initiated by FAO's Fish Utilisation and Marketing Service, Rome, Italy and financed jointly by: -

NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service), Washington, DC, USA FROM, Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Madrid, Spain Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Copenhagen, Denmark European Commission, Directorate General for Fisheries, Brussels, EU Norwegian Seafood Export Council, Tromsoe, Norway OFIMER (Office National Interprofessionnel des Produits de la Mer et de l’Aquaculture), Paris, France ASMI (Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute), USA DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans), Canada SSA (Seafood Services Australia), Australia Ministry of Fisheries, New Zealand

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, GLOBEFISH, Fish Products and Industry Division Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153Rome, Italy – Tel.: (39) 06570 56313 E-mail: GLOBEFISH@fao.org - Fax: (39) 0657055188 – http//:www.globefish.org

The designation employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

Camillo Catarci; THE SEAFOOD MARKETS IN SOUTHERN EU: CYPRUS, MALTA AND SLOVENIA. GLOBEFISH Research Programme, Vol.95 Rome, FAO. 2008. p. 46.

The Research Programme gives a summary on seafood markets in three Mediterranean countries: Cyprus, Malta and Slovenia.

The market structure in these countries is very simple, relying mainly on domestic production. The main product form is fresh fish and crustaceans.

Acknowledgement : Karine Boisset, FAO; Maria Teresa Farrugia; Eddie Gerald; Richard Grainger, FAO; Leen Hemlink; Gary Hudson, Antique Atlas; Helga Josupeit, FAO; Gabriella Laurenti, FAO; Paolo Manzoni, National Health Service, Italy Gerry O’Sullivan, FAO; Sachiko Tsuji, FAO; Stefania Vannuccini, FAO; Christina Vella Tomlin, FAO; Rainer Voigt, Garwood & Voigt; The report layout was prepared by Tony Piccolo FAO - GLOBEFISH. Cover Photo: by Eddie Gerald

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Applications for such permission, with a statement of the purpose and extent of the reproduction, should be addressed to the Director, Information Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy.

Š FAO 2008

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TABLE OF CONTENT

1.

INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................1 1.1.

Seafood imports into southern europe............................................................................2 1.2.

How to export seafood to Southern EU countiries: a guide for developing countries...5 1.2.1.

Trade and development ............................................................................................5 1.2.2.

The Bilateral level ....................................................................................................5 1.2.3.

Autonomous measures..............................................................................................7 1.2.4.

Health and safety requirements................................................................................8

2.

CYPRUS ..................................................................................................................................9 2.1.

Executive Summary .......................................................................................................9 2.2.

Seafood consumption in Cyprus ..................................................................................10 2.3.

The industry..................................................................................................................11 2.3.1.

Total production.....................................................................................................11 2.3.2.

International trade .................................................................................................16 2.3.3.

Processing ..............................................................................................................21 2.3.4.

Marketing and distribution systems .......................................................................21

3.

MALTA..................................................................................................................................22 3.1.

Executive summary ......................................................................................................22 3.2.

Seafood consumption in Malta.....................................................................................22 3.3.

The industry..................................................................................................................24 3.3.1.

Total production.....................................................................................................24 3.3.2.

International trade .................................................................................................28 3.3.3.

Processing ..............................................................................................................32 3.3.4.

Marketing and distribution systems .......................................................................32

4.

SLOVENIA............................................................................................................................33 4.1.

Executive summary ......................................................................................................33 4.2.

Seafood consumption in Slovenia ................................................................................33 4.3.

The industry..................................................................................................................34 4.3.1.

Total production.....................................................................................................34 43.2.

International trade .................................................................................................35 43.3.

Processing ..............................................................................................................38 43.4.

Marketing and distribution systems .......................................................................39

5.

SEAFOOD RECIPES ............................................................................................................40 5.1.

5.2.

5.3.

6.

Cyprus ..........................................................................................................................40 Malta.............................................................................................................................41 Slovenia........................................................................................................................42

REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................45

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TABLES TABLE 1: MAIN DEVLOPING COUNTRIES EXPORTING TO THE SOUTHERN EU REGION (1 000 TONNES) .............................................................................................................3 TABLE 2: MAIN COMMODITIES IMPORTED INTO THE SOUTHERN EU REGION FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (1 000 TONNES) ...............................................................4 TABLE 3: SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION IN CYPRUS BY GROUP OF COMMODITIES, 1993-2003 (KG/PC ........................................................................................................................10 TABLE 4: COMPOSITION OF THE CYPRIOT CATCH, 1950-2005 (TONNES) ..................13 TABLE 5: COMPOSITION OF THE CYPRIOT AQUACULTURE OUTPUT, 1950-2005 (TONNES) .....................................................................................................................................15 TABLE 6: CYPRIOT SEAFOOD IMPORTS BY GROUP OF COMMODITIES (TONNES) ..16 TABLE 7: CYPRIOT SEAFOOD IMPORT QUANTITIES, VALUES AND UNIT VALUES BY MAIN COMMODITY............................................................................................18 TABLE 8: CYPRIOT SEAFOOD IMPORTS BY MAIN COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, 19952006 (TONNES) ............................................................................................................................19 TABLE 9: CYPRIOT SEAFOOD EXPORTS BY MAIN COUNTRY OF DESTINATION, 1999-2006 (TONNES) ...................................................................................................................20 TABLE 10: CYPRIOT SEAFOOD EXPORT QUANTITIES, VALUES AND UNIT VALUES BY MAIN COMMODITY............................................................................................21 TABLE 11: SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION IN MALTA BY GROUP OF COMMODITIES, 1993-2003 (KG/PC) .......................................................................................................................24 TABLE 12: MALTESE SEAFOOD IMPORTS BY GROUP OF COMMODITIES (TONNES) .....................................................................................................................................29 TABLE 13: MALTESE SEAFOOD IMPORT QUANTITIES, VALUES AND UNIT VALUES BY MAIN COMMODITY............................................................................................30 TABLE 14: MALTESE SEAFOOD IMPORTS BY MAIN COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, 19952006 (TONNES) ............................................................................................................................30 TABLE15: MALTESE SEAFOOD EXPORTS BY MAIN COUNTRY OF DESTINATION, 1999-2006 (TONNES) ...................................................................................................................31 TABLE 16: MALTESE SEAFOOD EXPORT QUANTITIES, VALUES AND UNIT VALUES BY MAIN COMMODITY............................................................................................31 TABLE 17: SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION IN SLOVENIA BY GROUP OF COMMODITIES, 1993-2003 (KG/PC).........................................................................................34 TABLE 18: SLOVENIAN SEAFOOD IMPORTS BY GROUP OF COMMODITIES (TONNES) .....................................................................................................................................36 TABLE 19: SLOVENIAN SEAFOOD IMPORT QUANTITIES, VALUES AND UNIT VALUES BY MAIN COMMODITY............................................................................................36 TABLE 20: SLOVENIAN SEAFOOD IMPORTS BY MAIN COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, 1999-2006 (TONNES) ...................................................................................................................37

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TABLE 21: SLOVENIAN SEAFOOD EXPORTS BY MAIN COUNTRY OF DESTINATION, 1999-2006 (TONNES) ......................................................................................38 TABLE 22: SLOVENIAN SEAFOOD EXPORT QUANTITIES, VALUES AND UNIT VALUES BY MAIN COMMODITY............................................................................................38

FIGURES: FIGURE 1: SOUTHERN EU IMPORTS OF SEAFOOD: A BREAKDOWN BY ECONOMIC GROUP OF COUNTRIES, 2006 .........................................................................................................2 FIGURE 2: SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION IN CYPRUS, 1961-2003 ..........................................10 FIGURE 3: TOTAL FISHERY AND AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION IN CYPRUS, 1950 - 2005.....................................................................................................................................11 FIGURE 4: TOTAL PRODUCTION IN CYPRUS (EXCLIDING DISTANT WATER FLEETS), 1950 - 2005 ...................................................................................................................12 FIGURE 5: FISHERY CAPTURES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN BY CYPRUS, 1950 - 2005.....................................................................................................................................13 FIGURE 6: AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION IN CYPRUS, 1984 - 2005 ................................15 FIGURE 7: SEAFOOD IMPORTS INTO CYPRUS, 1976 - 2006 ...............................................16 FIGURE 8: SEAFOOD EXPORTS BY CYPRUS, 1988 - 2006...................................................20 FIGURE 9: SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION IN MALTA, 1961 - 2003 ..........................................23 FIGURE 10: TOTAL FISHERY AND AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION IN MALTA, 1950 - 2005.....................................................................................................................................24 FIGURE 11: TOTAL FISHERY AND AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION IN MALTA (EXCLUDING DISTANT WATER FLEETS), 1950 - 2005 ........................................................25 FIGURE 12: TOTAL FISHERY PRODUCTION IN MALTA BY MAIN SPECIES (EXCLUDING DISTANT WATER FLEETS), 1950 - 2005 ........................................................26 FIGURE 13: TOTAL AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION IN MALTA BY MAIN SPECIES (EXCLUDING ATLANTIC BLUEFIN TUNA), 1950 - 2005......................................................28 FIGURE 14: SEAFOOD IMPORTS INTO MALTA, 1976 - 2006 ..............................................29 FIGURE 15: SEAFOOD EXPORTS BY MALTA, 1980 - 2006 ..................................................31 FIGURE 16: SEAFOOD CONSUMPTION IN SLOVENIA, 1992 - 2003 ..................................33 FIGURE 17: TOTAL FISHERY AND AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION IN SLOVENIA

BY MAIN SPECIES, 1992 - 2003.................................................................................................34 FIGURE 18: SEAFOOD IMPORTS INTO SLOVENIA, 1992 - 2006.........................................35 FIGURE 19: SEAFOOD EXPORTS FROM SLOVENIA, 1992 - 2006 ......................................37 FIGURE 20: SEAFOOD PROCESSING IN SLOVENIA, 1992 - 2005.......................................38

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1. INTRODUCTION The European Union (EU) is composed of 27 Member States: • • • • • • •

Founding members (1951) Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom, which joined in 1973; Greece, which joined in 1981; Portugal and Spain, which joined in 1986; Austria, Finland and Sweden, which joined in 1995; Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia which joined in 2004; Bulgaria and Romania which joined in 2007.

The EU is the top world importer of seafood. In 2006, the Union imported 5.71 million tonnes of seafood, whereas Japan imported 3.02 million tonnes of seafood and the United States imported 2.45 million tonnes of seafood.

Within the Union, there are three macro-areas of seafood consumption. The Northern EU sub-region (Austria, Benelux, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, the United Kingdom) is more price-conscious and dominated by relatively cheap fish preparations.

Consumption of fish in the Central and Eastern EU sub-region (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia) has been, traditionally, very low. However, social and economic development of the area is resulting in changing food habits and increasing seafood consumption. Instead, Southern EU sub-region (Cyprus, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain) is the EU sub-region with the highest fish consumption patterns, due to its geographical position and cultural habits of its inhabitants1.

The sources utilized for this report have been seafood marketing reports (including online reports), the GLOBEFISH databank, personal contacts and statistical databases, mainly EUROSTAT and FAO Fishstat Plus. The global fishery statistics of production in capture and aquaculture and trade are mostly collected by the Fisheries and Aquaculture Information and Statistics Service, FIES, of FAO, and made available through yearbook publications, web sites and the Fishstat Plus database. National reports are the main, but not the only source of data used by FAO to maintain its fishery statistics database. In cases where data are missing or are considered unreliable, FAO includes estimates based on the best available information from any qualified sources including EUROSTAT and various Regional Fishery Management Organizations. A comprehensive network of regional intergovernmental institutions created

by FAO, the FISH INFOnetwork, also provides supplemental information on international trade.

FAO’s fishery statistics are global in coverage, have complete time series since 1950 for production and since 1976 for trade and are regularly updated. During the last decade, financial support for the development and maintenance of individual national fishery 1

It has to be highlighted that the partition between the three regions is extremely loose. In fact, there are several differences in seafood consumption habits within sub-regions and some countries may share the seafood consumption habits of two sub-regions. For instance, France can be placed in the middle between Northern and Southern Europe and Slovenia can be placed in the middle between Southern and Eastern Europe in terms of seafood consumption habits.

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statistical systems has decreased sharply, while supporting efforts have shifted toward improvement of data collection and monitoring capacity at regional and sub-regional level. At the same time, information needs have been increasing dramatically. In general, the global trends are probably reliably reflected by the FAO statistics but the individual figures and the assessments involve a certain degree of uncertainty.

1.1. Seafood imports into Southern Europe In 2006, combined imports of the seven Southern EU countries (Cyprus, France, Greece Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain) totalled 3.38 million tonnes, of which 59 percent came from developing countries, 31 percent from other EU countries and only 10 percent came from non-EU developing countries2 (Figure 1).

Fig. 1. Southern EU imports of seafood: a breakdown by economic group of countries, 2006

Other developed countries 10%

Other EU countries 31%

Developing countries 59%

Imports of seafood from developing countries into the Southern EU region increased from 726 200 tonnes in 1995 to 1.99 million tonnes in 2006, equivalent to a growth rate of 10 percent/year. The main suppliers of seafood to the Southern EU region among developing countries are Argentina, Morocco, Peru, China, Chile, Ecuador, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Namibia.

The ten major exporting countries represent nearly 50 percent of total Southern EU imports of seafood from developing countries. Every country experienced positive annual growth rate, with the exception of Namibia, whose exports to Southern Europe increased from 1995 to 2003, to decline in the years that followed, reaching in 2006 the same levels of 1995 (Table 1) due to a decline in exports of fresh hake3.

2

However, due to the frequent misreporting of imports from non-EU countries as imports from the Netherlands (in fact, Rotterdam is often the first point of entry of seafood imported into the EU) the share of developing countries in total Southern EU exports might be even higher.

3 Hakes (whether M. capensis or M. paradoxus) are the main fish species the EU imports from Namibia.

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Table 1. Main developing countries exporting to the Southern EU region (1 000 tonnes).

Country Argentina Morocco Peru China Chile Ecuador India Thailand Vietnam Namibia TOTAL (inc. others)

1995 126.51 89.25 102.82 23.87 103.81 52.30 53.99 51.41 1.29 63.56

1996 145.50 96.90 102.65 20.34 76.55 50.21 43.13 49.80 1.83 58.79

1997 172.91 118.00 146.08 36.16 84.63 57.94 32.15 45.57 6.70 61.45

1998 196.39 107.35 49.34 55.73 82.01 67.30 28.47 69.46 7.75 83.54

1999 188.93 123.70 116.98 61.27 66.24 87.28 44.13 59.87 8.77 88.96

2000 152.75 158.43 131.68 78.33 78.86 59.31 47.71 52.71 10.16 85.62

2001 184.62 176.42 180.57 94.83 108.75 56.67 60.16 52.78 15.02 93.88

2002 168.05 159.22 137.13 44.02 103.61 53.68 60.83 59.42 17.38 79.95

2003 175.78 144.61 164.00 64.12 126.15 78.57 65.27 71.19 23.26 90.14

2004 143.89 142.62 154.63 81.54 136.29 71.30 74.25 68.73 32.06 85.09

2005 133.32 152.91 175.86 121.15 138.70 98.19 86.36 75.74 50.34 70.15

2006 216.18 169.57 156.54 149.40 138.18 123.51 97.36 92.01 82.41 66.34

726.24

780.52

1226.28

1293.59

1342.81

1379.59

1596.23

1555.84

1703.58

1661.48

1821.94

1993.70

(source: EUROSTAT).

Argentina is the top developing country exporter of seafood to Southern Europe, with 216 200 tonnes of seafood supplied to the area in 2006 (Table 1). More than 70 percent of Argentine exports of seafood to the Southern EU region go to Spain. In fact, several frozen seafood producing companies in Argentina have been set up through Spanish funding.

Argentina supplies Spain with frozen Illex squid, frozen shrimp (Pleoticus muelleri) and frozen Argentine hake (Merluccius hubbsi) fillets.

Also in the case of Morocco, 65 percent of its seafood exports to the Southern EU region go to Spain. Spain imports from Morocco mostly octopus, snails and unidentified fresh saltwater fish. Most of the remainder of Moroccan exports is shared between France and Italy. Italy imports mostly frozen octopus, whereas France imports canned sardines (mostly European pilchard or sardine, Sardina pilchardus), fish oil, canned anchovies (Engraulis spp.) and frozen sardines.

The main exports of Peru to Southern Europe are fish meal, frozen molluscs and fish oil. The trend of exports of fish meal and fish oil is discontinuous as these products are linked to the cyclical abundance of small pelagics in the Pacific Ocean. Fish meal is also the main exported commodity from Chile, together with fresh southern hake Merluccius australis.

Imports of seafood from China to the Southern EU region increased from 23 900 tonnes in 1995 to 149 400 tonnes in 2006, equivalent to an annual growth rate of 18 percent (Table 1).

The lower quantities imported between 2002 and (to a lesser extent) 2004 are due to the EU ban on seafood from China on the grounds of evidences of potentially risky chloramphenicol residues found in samples of shrimps and prawns imported from China in January 2002. The ban was lifted more than two years later. The main commodities imported by Southern EU countries from China are frozen pre-cooked shrimps and prawns, frozen Alaska Pollack Theragra chalcogramma, frozen monk Lophius spp. and surimi preparations.

Exports from Ecuador increased from 52 300 tonnes in 1995 to 123 500 tonnes in 2006 (Table 1). The main commodities are frozen pre-cooked Penaeus shrimp, frozen pre-cooked tuna loins for canning and canned tuna. Ecuador hosts several shrimp farming facilities, the main species produced being the whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) and the blue shrimp (Penaeus stylirostris). Ecuador is also a large producer of canned tuna and tuna loins, with processing facilities belonging to (or affiliated with) tuna companies from Spain and the United States, as well as to the international tuna loins’ producing company Tri-Marine.

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Imports from India are dominated by molluscs and crustaceans, especially cephalopods (Loligo squid, cuttlefish and octopus) and frozen pre-cooked shrimps. Frozen Loligo squid is also the main product imported from Thailand, followed by frozen yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) for canning, canned tuna and surimi preparations. Canned tuna from Thailand is gradually entering the otherwise conservative and quality conscious Southern EU tuna market4 while frozen shrimp imports appear to be increasing.

Imports of seafood from Vietnam increased from 1 300 tonnes in 1995 to 82 400 tonnes in 2006, equivalent to an annual growth rate of 46 percent (Table 1). Imports from Vietnam are dominated by frozen fillets of freshwater fish, e.g. Pangasius catfish, which is largely consumed as a cheaper alternative to traditional whitefish species such as Northern cods (Gadus spp.) and hakes (Merluccius spp.). Other significant imports from Vietnam include frozen cephalopods, frozen pre-cooked Penaeus shrimps and frozen Venus clams.

Overall, the main commodities imported from developing countries are frozen shrimp, fish meal, frozen cephalopods and tunas (Table 2). In terms of value, the most important commodities include shrimp and canned tuna.

Table 2. Main commodities imported into the Southern EU region from developing countries (1 000 tonnes).

Commodity Frozen precooked Penaeus shrimps Fish meal Frozen Loligo squid Frozen Illex squid Frozen Octopus spp.

Canned tuna not in oil Frozen precooked tuna loins Frozen molluscs nei Frozen cuttlefish

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

0 142.51

0 133.94

68.70 174.13

86.33 90.12

80.68 123.48

80.59 162.79

97.18 179.21

103.05 133.91

133.19 165.70

137.81 150.79

150.42 147.86

194.28 128.58

35.55

43.82

39.37

67.26

60.55

84.89

97.09

82.71

100.14

93.41

106.13

106.23

26.74

33.54

65.86

73.49

86.89

80.78

93.00

69.19

75.32

44.91

66.66

101.61

39.20

37.89

50.43

54.90

87.66

64.78

78.29

86.57

84.46

75.10

82.42

88.79

58.39

61.85

61.19

66.04

50.82

61.21

58.72

72.52

76.79

82.65

76.66

88.12

27.19

31.17

38.32

47.48

52.50

51.30

44.24

55.91

77.74

66.01

77.65

82.16

8.07

10.46

14.04

7.08

10.07

13.90

18.85

26.85

27.98

50.09

52.75

76.37

40.95

40.82

53.53

63.92

54.91

64.57

79.96

78.74

78.73

74.90

75.46

68.91

34.85 1226.28

51.73 1293.59

44.42 1342.81

58.67 1379.59

63.60 1596.23

46.82 1555.84

49.22 1703.58

50.86 1661.48

64.30 1821.94

66.64 1993.70

Frozen precooked shrimps and prawns nei 0 0 TOTAL 726.24 780.52 (source: EUROSTAT).

Large-sized shrimps and prawns, mainly warmwater species, are extremely appreciated in Southern Europe. They are mainly consumed grilled but also as an ingredient in pasta and rice dishes. Depending on the year, the main wild species is the Argentine red shrimp Pleoticus muelleri, which is a large-sizes coldwater shrimp. The trends in captures of Pleoticus muelleri 4

Also through the help of a progressive tariff reduction, as the general 24 percent tariff applied by the EU to third countries exporting canned tuna has been gradually lowered to a 20.5 percent Generalised System of Preference with a 12 percent special tariff applied to an yearly quota.

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and other wild species are often discontinuous, whilst warmwater shrimp farming ensures a steady supply of these appreciated crustaceans to the European market.

The EU imports farmed warmwater shrimps and prawns in frozen form from Ecuador, India, China, Brazil and Bangladesh. The species favoured by the EU are the whiteleg shrimp, produced in China, Brazil and Ecuador, and the giant tiger prawn Penaeus monodon, produced in India, China and Bangladesh.

Tuna is a staple food in the Mediterranean diet. It is normally eaten in a sandwich, with salad or mixed with pasta sauces. Canned tuna is mostly imported from developing countries such as Seychelles and Côte d’Ivoire where substantial EU investments facilitated the setting up of state of the art processing units. Those countries belong to the group of ex-European colonies from the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions. On the other hand, frozen pre-cooked tuna loins are really semi-processed commodities aimed at the canning industries of Italy, France, Spain and to a lesser extent Portugal. The processing of raw materials into loins in developing countries benefits from the cheaper labour costs in those countries. At the same time, undertaking the final canning stage in investor countries enables the partial protection of employment in their canneries.

1.2. How to export seafood to Southern EU countries: a guide for developing countries 1.2.1. Trade and Development International trade can become a factor for development and growth if accompanied by the proper support policies and if used correctly. Thus, development is a fundamental principle of the EU trade strategy. The EU trade policy aims to contribute to a more equitable integration of developing countries into the international trading system through action on the multilateral5 level, the bilateral level and through autonomous measures. The focus of this chapter will be on the bilateral level and autonomous measures.

1.2.2. The Bilateral level Traditionally, countries from the Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) region have been benefiting from zero tariffs applied to their EU exports through a non reciprocal system of trade preferences under the framework of the Lomé Convention. As the non reciprocal system was declared incompatible under the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s rules, in 2002 the ACP States and the EU decided to overhaul their previous trade relations.

The Parties agreed to enter into economic integration agreements (the Economic Partnership Agreements, EPAs) concluding new WTO-compatible trading arrangements, setting up a free trade area between the EU and the ACP and enhancing cooperation in all areas related to trade. These agreements are aimed at fostering development by strengthening regional 5

The World Trade Organisation's fourth Ministerial Conference in Doha (Qatar) in November 2001 resulted in, inter alia, the launch of a new round of trade negotiations, the Doha Development Agenda (DDA). The DDA aims at improving market access and establishing rules that help foster development and increase developing countries’ opportunities to benefit from further trade liberalisation. The EU proposes advancing meaningful liberalisation across all non-agricultural products (including fishery products), which represent over 70 percent of developing country exports, by eliminating tariff peaks and high tariffs, and significantly reducing tariff escalation. The EU intends to fulfil the promise of the Doha Mandate in these non-agricultural products by establishing real new market access for all, with the largest opportunities for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) through tariff and quota-free access offered by both developed and if possible most advanced developing countries. Despite its importance, the multilateral level of negotiations is outside the scope of this report. For more information, please check http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/newround/doha_da/index_en.htm and http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/global/development/index_en.htm.

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integration and improving the business environment in a sustainable way. The agreements have been negotiated since 2002; they entered into force in January 2008, therefore replacing the old Lomé system.

There are four pillars to the EPAs: Partnership: EPAs entail rights and obligations for both sides. While the Union will be prepared to further open up its market to ACP products and tackle all other trade barriers, the ACP States must be prepared to implement appropriate policies to strengthen their supply capacity and to reduce transaction costs.

Regional integration: the implementation of EPAs will sustain the integration process within the ACP. Development: EPAs have been designed with all the flexibility required to take account of the economic, social and environmental constraints of the ACP countries and of their capacity to adapt to the new trading environment. On the other hand, they must be integrated into the development policy of the ACP countries and into the support strategies of the EU. Link to WTO: Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are intended to act as a stepping stone to the gradual integration of the ACP countries into the world economy and WTO led trade liberalization. However, EPAs are also defining more specific and more operational, bilateral trade related provisions, for example in the area of sanitary and phytosanitary standards. These are intended to tackle non-tariff barriers to trade between the ACP countries themselves and between the ACP and the EU. This process will be supported through EU trade related assistance.

True to the principle of regionalism, ACP countries were encouraged to enter the EPAs in regional groupings. Agreements with the following regional groups were concluded: • • • • •

EU and West Africa (Economic Community of West Africa, ECOWAS6, and Mauritania); EU and Central Africa (Communauté Economique et Monétaire de l'Afrique Centrale, CEMAC7 and São Tomé and Príncipe); EU and Eastern and Southern Africa (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, COMESA8); EU and Southern African Development Community (SADC)9; EU and the Caribbean Forum of ACP States (CARIFORUM10);

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Its members being Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. Of these countries, only Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria are not among the group of the Least Developed Countries (LDC), which, from a tariff point of view, benefit from tariff exemption from all products excluding weapons (the “Everything But Arms”, EBA clause).

7 Its members being Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. The Central African Republic, Chad and Equatorial Guinea are LDCs (see previous footnote).

8 Its members who decided to negotiate the EPA with the EU are Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda and Zambia are LDCs (see previous footnote).

9 Its members who decided to negotiated the EPA with the EU are Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Tanzania. Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique and Tanzania are LDCs (see previous footnote).

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•

EU and the Pacific Region11.

A six year-long period of negotiations (2002-2008) resulted in the entry into force of the EPAs for the EU and 35 ACP States12 through the adoption of Council Regulation 1528/2007.

The Regulation has been in force since 1 January 2008.

The regulation confirms the elimination of all import duties for fish and fishery products, which is particularly important for prepared and preserved products under the code 1604 and 1605, usually subject to higher tariffs13. In turn, most tariffs on fresh and frozen fish may have been eliminated already for all third countries, or may be very low.

Regulation 1528/2007 includes strict provisions on rules of origin. A product imported by the EU is to be considered as originating in the ACP States if it has been: • •

wholly obtained in the ACP States; or obtained in the ACP States incorporating materials which have not been wholly obtained there, provided that such materials have undergone sufficient working or processing in the ACP States.

Regulation 1528/2007 is available online from the EUROPA server at: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2007:348:0001:0154:en:PDF. 1.2.3. Autonomous measures For many years the EU has been operating unilateral preferential market access schemes under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). There are currently three types of GSP in force in the EU: • •

•

The general arrangement for all beneficiary countries; The special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance (the “GSP Plus”) provides additional benefits for countries implementing certain international standards in human and labour rights, environmental protection, the fight against drugs, and good governance. In particular, the special arrangements to fight drug production and trafficking provide duty free market access for all industrial products, which enables large canned tuna and tuna loins producers like Colombia Ecuador to export their products duty-free to the Union; The special incentive arrangement for Least Developing Countries, that are allowed to export duty-free “Everything But Arms” (EBA) to the EU.

Rules of origin also apply to country benefiting from the GSP system according to Council Regulation 2454/93. The product should be either “wholly obtained” in the beneficiary

10

Its ACP members being Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago. Haiti is an LDC (see previous footnote).

11 Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu are LDCs (see previous footnote).

12 Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Fiji, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Suriname, Swaziland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

13 The so-called “tariff escalation”: the higher degree of processing, the higher the tariff.

7

country (or countries14), or undergo a series of operations in the beneficiary country/ies conferring to the product the origin from the beneficiary country/ies.

Details on the Generalised System of Preferences are available at: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/global/gsp/legis/index_en.htm, whilst the webpage “The Integrated Tariff of the Community” (TARIC) is extremely useful to find out quickly the EU’s tariff regime by product and country (http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds/tarhome_en.htm). The texts to the basic European Union legislation relating to GSP, tariffs, trade and development are to be found through http://eur-lex.europa.eu/.

1.2.4. Health and safety requirements As import duties of fish in general have been much reduced, remaining barriers to developing countries’ exports often relate to health and safety. The EU requirements on the health and safety of seafood (http://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/s84000.htm) are particularly stringent.

The official certification of imports from non-EU countries is based on the recognition of the competent authority of the non-EU country by the Commission. This is a necessary prerequisite for the country to export to the Union. National competent authorities must ensure credible inspection and controls throughout the whole production chain. All relevant issues concerning imports of fishery products must be undertaken by the national competent authority. As a first step, companies wishing to export seafood or other fishery products to the EU should contact the relevant national authorities in their country to become authorised.

For all fishery products, countries of origin must be on a positive list of eligible countries for the relevant product. The eligibility criteria are: •

•

• •

•

the presence, in the third country, of a competent authority which is empowered, structured and resourced to implement effective inspection and guarantee credible public health and animal health attestations in the certificate to accompany fishery products that are destined for the EU. Live fish, their eggs and gametes intended for breeding and live bivalve molluscs must fulfil the relevant animal health standards. Therefore, the veterinary services must ensure effective enforcement of all necessary health controls and monitoring programmes.

The national authorities must also guarantee that the relevant hygiene15 and public health requirements are met.

List I (fish and fishery products): Imports are only authorised from approved vessels and establishments which have been inspected by the competent authority of the exporting country and found to meet EU requirements. The authority provides the necessary guarantees and is obliged to carry out regular inspections and take corrective action, if necessary. A list of such approved establishments is available at: http://circa.europa.eu/irc/sanco/vets/info/data/listes/ffp.html.

List I (live bivalve molluscs): Specific conditions apply for imports of live or processed bivalve molluscs, echinoderms or marine gastropods. These imports are

14

If there is cumulation of origin, e.g inputs from other countries are considered as originating in the exporting country. Provisions on cumulation thus extend the possibilities for producers in beneficiary countries to use such inputs.

More details on rules of origin can be found at: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/publications/info_docs/customs/index_en.htm 15 The hygiene legislation contains specific requirements on the structure of vessels, landing sites, processing establishments and on operational processes, freezing and storage.

8

•

• •

allowed only if they come from approved and listed production areas (http://circa.europa.eu/irc/sanco/vets/info/data/listes/lbm.html)16.

In the case of aquaculture products, a control plan on heavy metals, contaminants, residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs must be in place to verify compliance with EU rules.

A control plan must be designed by the competent authority and submitted to the European Commission for initial approval and yearly renewal.

Inspections by the Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office are necessary to confirm compliance with the above requirements.

Imports of fishery products from non-EU countries must enter the EU via an approved Border Inspection Post under the authority of an official veterinarian. Each consignment is subject to a systematic documentary check, identity check and, as appropriate, a physical check. which are found not to be compliant with Community (EU) legislation shall either be destroyed or, under certain conditions, re-dispatched within 60 days.

The European Commission provides training, technical assistance and facilities for institutional capacity building to help developing countries comply with EU rules (http://ec.europa.eu/food/training/index_en.htm). Furthermore, national and regional development programmes of the European Union are available in individual countries, as well as bilateral aid projects of the Member States. The delegations of the European Union (http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/delegations/intro/web.htm) can provide detailed information on these programmes.

2. CYPRUS 2.1. Executive summary Consumption of fish, crustaceans and molluscs in Cyprus increased from 5.7 kg/pc in 1961 to 23.2 kg/pc in 2003. Total fishery and aquaculture production in Cyprus excluding distant water fleets increased from 500 tonnes in 1950 to more than 4 200 tonnes in 2005. At present, aquaculture contributes to nearly 60 percent of total production of fish, crustaceans and molluscs in Cyprus. The main farmed commercial species are gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus).

Seafood imports increased from 1 700 tonnes in 1976 to 18 600 tonnes in 2006, the main products being frozen fish, molluscs (fresh, chilled, frozen and cured) and canned tuna in oil.

Exports of seafood reached an average of 2 800 tonnes/year between 2004 and 2006 mainly through the increase of farmed Atlantic bluefin tuna exports.

16

However, there is an opportunity to enter EU markets on the basis of bilateral agreements (the so-called “List II”). List II countries are non-EU countries that are either those that have not yet been visited by EU Commission inspectors or those still subject to some outstanding hygiene requirements. To facilitate the continuation of trade until an inspection visit has taken place or compliance guarantees received, provision has been made for an EU Member State to establish bilateral agreements with those List II countries wanting to export to their country.

Any non-EU country entering into such an agreement must provide the Member State with a list of their approved establishments or production areas and guarantees that these meet equivalent EU hygiene controls.

Non-EU countries which do not appear on one of the authorised lists, or that are on List II but do not have a bilateral agreement with an EU country, cannot export fishery products or bivalve molluscs to the EU.

9

The marketing of fish products in Cyprus follows traditional channels, with the majority of fishers and fish farmers selling their catch to small fish retail shops. However, the role of supermarket and hypermarket chains is growing.

2.2. Seafood consumption in Cyprus Seafood is hardly a staple foodstuff in Cyprus, the traditional cuisine of this island being predominantly meat-based. Nevertheless, consumption of fish, molluscs and crustaceans in Cyprus increased from 5.7 kg/pc in 1961 to 23.2 kg/pc in 2003, equivalent to a growth rate of 3 percent/year (Figure 2).

Fig. 2. Seafood consumption in Cyprus, 19612003 30.0 25.0

kg/pc

20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0

2003

2000

1997

1994

1991

1988

1985

1982

1979

1976

1973

1970

1967

1964

1961

0.0

year

(source: FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Information and Statistics Service, FIES).

Reflecting the two dominant populations, Cypriot cuisine has evolved as a fusion of Greek and Turkish cuisine. The main seafood dishes include deep-fried, battered squid, octopus in red wine, red mullet (Mullus barbatus), seabream and seabass. Pelagic fishes are the main seafood commodity consumed, followed by demersal species. Consumption of all commodity groups is increasing, with the significant exception of pelagics and freshwater species (Table 3).

Table 3. Seafood consumption in Cyprus by group of commodities, 1993-2003 (kg/pc) Species All Pelagic Demersal Cephalopods Marine Crustaceans Molluscs Freshwater Other aquatic animals (source: FAO FIES).

1993 18.74 4.43 6.37 2.88 2.85 0.97 0.52 0.72 0

1994 20.75 5.84 6.55 3.86 2.33 1.03 0.63 0.49 0

1995 23.22 7.08 7.48 3.29 2.74 1.14 0.78 0.7 0

1996 21.2 5.36 7.63 3.51 2.69 0.97 0.52 0.52 0

1997 21.24 5.63 6.81 3.4 3.04 0.95 0.94 0.46 0

10

1998 23.26 6.94 7.24 3.91 2.96 1.08 0.7 0.43 0

1999 23.34 6.47 7.11 4.25 3.03 1.11 0.84 0.53 0

2000 23.09 5.86 7.4 4.17 3.26 1.11 0.87 0.42 0

2001 24.19 6.29 7.54 3.96 3.44 1.58 0.82 0.56 0

2002 22.41 6.8 5.94 3.8 3.13 1.07 1.03 0.64 0

2003 23.24 7.55 5.5 3.83 3.48 1.5 0.95 0.39 0.04

2.3. The industry The fishery sector in Cyprus encompasses mainly marine capture fishery and both marine and freshwater aquaculture.

2.3.1 Total production Seafood production in Cyprus has always been relatively low with the exception of the 19922001 period, when fish captures increased from 9 300 to 81 100 tonnes due to a sudden increase in the captures of yellowfin tuna and skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in the Pacific and of unidentified marine fish in the Eastern Central Atlantic which took place between 1992 and 1997, followed by an increase in the captures of small pelagics in the Eastern Central Atlantic which took place between 1998 and 2001. These oceanic species were captured by distant-water fishing vessels flying the Cypriot flag. Captures went back to normal levels in 2002; when the distant water fleet catch stopped. According to the last available data from 2005, fishery production amounts to 1 900 tonnes only. Instead, aquaculture production is slightly higher at 2 300 tonnes (Figure 3).

85 000 80 000 75 000 70 000 65 000 60 000 55 000 50 000 45 000 40 000 35 000 30 000 25 000 20 000 15 000 10 000 5 000

Capture (Distant Water Fleets) Capture (Mediterranean and inland w aters)

2005

2000

1995

1990

1985

1980

1975

1970

1965

1960

1955

Aquaculture

1950

tonnes

Fig. 3. Total fishery and aquaculture production in Cyprus, 1950-2005

year

(source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus).

Figure 4 shows the total fishery and aquaculture production in Cyprus excluding distant water fleets. It increased from 500 tonnes in 1950 to more than 4 200 tonnes in 2005.

11

Fig. 4. Total production in Cyprus (excl. distant water fleets), 1950-2005 5 000 4 500

Capture (Mediterranean and inland w aters)

4 000 3 500

Aquaculture

tonnes

3 000 2 500 2 000 1 500 1 000

2005

2000

1995

1990

1985

1980

1975

1970

1965

1960

1955

1950

500

year

(source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus).

Capture fisheries Segments of the marine capture fishery are the inshore fishery, the trawl fishery and the multipurpose fishery. There is also one purse seiner operating in Cypriot waters. The inshore fishery uses small wooden boats of 6 to 12 m, which mainly utilize bottom set nets, longlines and fish traps. In 2003, 677 people were employed as full time fishers in 500 licensed boats.

The trawl fishery consists of 22 bottom fishing trawlers of 21 to 27 m with 220–750 hp diesel engines. Eight trawlers are licensed to operate in the waters of Cyprus, and the others operate exclusively in international waters in the Mediterranean. In 2003, 144 fishermen were fully employed on these 22 trawlers. The multipurpose fishery operates with boats of approximately 16 m in the waters of Cyprus and in international waters in the Mediterranean.

They use nets and longlines. In 2003, 105 fishermen were employed full time on 38 boats licensed for multipurpose fishing.

Cypriot fishery captures in the Mediterranean17 increased from 500 tonnes in 1950 to 2 800 tonnes in 1994. However, they started declining between the mid-nineties and the midtwo thousands. Between 2002 and 2005, Cypriot fishery captures fell below the threshold of 2 000 tonnes/year (Figure 5). The overexploitation of the main stocks, the narrow continental shelf and the oligotrophic18 ecosystem are some major constraints faced by the fishery sector of Cyprus.

17 18

Including inland waters.

Nutrient-poor.

12

Fig. 5. Fishery captures in the Mediterranean by Cyprus, 1950-2005 3 000

2 500

tonnes

2 000

1 500

1 000

2005

2000

1995

1990

1985

1980

1975

1970

1965

1960

1955

1950

500

year

(source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus).

The main resources exploited are demersals and large pelagics (Table 4). The demersal species are caught by the inshore and the trawl fishery and include picarel (Spicara smaris), bogue (Boops boops), surmullet (Mullus surmuletus), red mullet, octopus, and molluscs.

Large pelagic species are targeted by the multipurpose fishery in national and international waters of the eastern Mediterranean, and include Atlantic bluefin tuna, swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and albacore (Thunnus alalunga).

Table 4. Composition of the Cypriot catch, 1950-2005 (tonnes).

Species Albacore Picarels nei Bogue Marine fishes nei Atlantic bluefin tuna Octopuses, etc. nei Surmullet

1950 0 0 0 500 0 0 0

1955 0 100 0 400 0 0 100

1960 0 100 0 300 0 0 100

1965 0 0 0 0 0 0 500

1970 0 270 18 91 0 60 105

1975 0 266 52 60 0 44 83

500

600

500

1 006

1 363

919

Species Albacore Picarels nei Bogue Marine fishes nei Atlantic bluefin tuna Octopuses, etc. nei Surmullet

1980 0 372 139 113 10 58 63

1985 0 750 413 211 10 101 140

1990 0 793 283 342 10 208 233

1995 0 711 290 322 10 300 215

2000 6 533 354 266 61 166 159

2005 425 250 214 161 149 121 106

TOTAL (inc. others)

1 308

2 381

2 584

2 570

2 313

1 916

TOTAL (inc. others)

(source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus).

13

Fisheries management is regulated through the EU Common Fisheries Policy and the National Fisheries Law. The aim is to achieve the socio-economic enhancement of the sector as well as the rational and sustainable management of marine resources.

In the trawl fishery, limitations are in place on vessel numbers and size. Mesh size is 40 mm, the minimum depth of fishing is 50 m, and the fishing season lasts from 7th November to 31st May. It is forbidden to tow beyond 1000 m depth. In the inshore fishery, the number of licensed boats is capped by law at 500. Trammel nets must have a minimum stretched mesh size of 32 mm. The time of day for setting nets is also regulated. Fishing licence limitations also control the multipurpose fishery. The fishing season for large pelagics lasts between spring and autumn. Furthermore, the minimum size of fish caught is defined for all fisheries.

Aquaculture Aquaculture in Cyprus started in 1969 by setting up the first trout farms in the Troodos mountain range. The first attempts at marine aquaculture were made in 1972 with the setting up by the government of a marine research station on the east coast of Cyprus, near Famagusta. The first private commercial marine fish hatchery became operational in 1986, producing fingerlings of gilthead seabream and European seabass. The first seabass and seabream farming unit, which relied on land-based coastal installations, was established in 1988, whilst the first commercial open sea cage farm was established in 1989. By 1997 a total of eight open sea cage farms were operational on the south coast of the island.

In 2004 four private marine fish hatcheries, one land-based shrimp hatchery and farm as well as six private offshore cage farms were operational. In order to diversify aquaculture, a license for the fattening Atlantic bluefin tuna was provided in 2003. At present, three bluefin tuna fattening units operate in the country.

Furthermore, six small trout farms and two small farms for the culture of ornamental freshwater fish are also operational.

Picture credits: Paolo Manzoni.

The small size of marine fish farms in Cyprus entails relatively high production costs. The lack of economies of scale makes them less competitive internationally, even though some vertical integration of marine fish farming units has recently taken place.

Total employment in the aquaculture sector in 2004 was 206 farmers. The majority are employed in the marine aquaculture sector (179) and a smaller number in the freshwater sector (27). Employment includes both full-time and part-time and covers production, administration and marketing.

Aquaculture production has been increasing in recent years through the development of gilthead seabream and European seabass farming. In 1998, Cypriot aquaculture managed to 14

produce more than 1 000 tonnes and in 2004 it peaked at 2 400 tonnes. In 2005, it declined slightly to 2 300 tonnes (Figure 6).

Fig. 6. Aquaculture production in Cyprus, 1984-2005

2 500

2 000

tonnes

1 500

1 000

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

1990

1989

1988

1987

1986

1985

1984

500

year

(source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus).

The main farmed commercial species are gilthead seabream, European seabass and bluefin tuna (Table 5). Other species such as sharpsnout seabream (Diplodus puntazzo), Shi drum (Umbrina cirrosa), red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) and Indian white prawn (Penaues indicus) are also produced in small quantities. The only freshwater fish cultured in Cyprus on a commercial basis is the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Table 5. Composition of the Cypriot aquaculture output, 1950-2005 (tonnes).

Species Gilthead seabream European seabass Atlantic bluefin tuna TOTAL (inc. others)

1996 527 100 0

787 (source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus).

1997 769 57 0

1998 827 205 0

1999 986 298 0

2000 1 384 299 0

2001 1 278 383 0

2002 1 266 422 0

2003 1 182 448 0

2004 1 356 698 250

2005 1 465 583 193

969

1 178

1 422

1 878

1 883

1 862

1 821

2 425

2 333

The Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, through the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (DFMR) is in charge of the management of aquaculture operations in Cyprus. Technical and financial support is granted to aquaculture farmers through EU channels. The EU strategy for aquaculture in Cyprus is focused on the modernization of the facilities, the setting up of new farms and the improvement of processing and marketing.

15

2.3.2. International Trade Imports Cypriot seafood imports increased from 1 700 tonnes in 1976 to 18 600 tonnes in 2006 (Figure 7). After fish meal and fish oil, the main group of commodities imported by Cyprus are frozen fish, molluscs (fresh, chilled, frozen and cured) and prepared/preserved fish.

Fig. 7. Seafood imports into Cyprus, 1976-2006 25 000

20 000

tonnes

15 000

10 000

2006

2001

1996

1991

1986

1981

1976

5 000

year

(sources: FAO FISHSTAT Plus -1976 to 2005- and EUROSTAT – 2006-).

Frozen fish imports increased from 1 100 tonnes in 1999 to 3 900 tonnes in 2006. The main frozen seafood category imported by Cyprus is that of small pelagics. Imports of molluscs increased from 2 350 tonnes in 1999 to 3 300 tonnes in 2006, the main commodities being frozen octopus and frozen squid of the genera Nototodarus spp. and Ommastrephes spp.

Imports of canned fish are dominated by canned tuna (Table 6).

Table 6. Cypriot seafood imports by group of commodities (tonnes).

Product type Meals and Oils Frozen fish Molluscs, fresh chilled frozen and cured Prepared and preserved fish Fish fillets, fish meat, surimi Crustaceans, live, fresh, frozen, cured Fresh fish Prepared and preserved molluscs and crustaceans Cured fish Live fish TOTAL (source: EUROSTAT).

1999 6 962 1 142

2000 7 886 1 125

2001 9 205 1 308

2002 8 132 1 112

2003 7 236 2 791

2004 7 968 4 503

2005 6 484 12 744

2006 4 624 3 908

2 347 2 909 1 057

2 269 2 757 1 179

2 363 3 106 1 271

2 580 3 282 1 070

2 741 2 604 1 010

3 001 3 022 1 345

2 655 3 467 1 455

3 265 3 229 1 535

457 72

436 113

506 124

411 158

421 283

538 1 953

728 2 078

844 736

49 106 19 15 119

66 150 12 15 992

140 90 15 18 129

106 89 16 16 956

152 74 19 17 331

281 171 22 22 804

244 134 30 30 018

298 131 48 18 617

16

Excluding fish meal and fish oil, imports of very few commodities amount to more than 1 000 tonnes/year. Canned tuna is a remunerative product with a relatively good market in Cyprus, its imports averaging approximately 1 200 tonnes/year between 1999 and 2006 (Table 7). Cypriot imports of canned tuna in oil are dominated (more than 80 percent in 2006)

by Thailand. Small quantities are also imported from Vietnam.

The most remunerative commodities are fresh and chilled edible saltwater fish, its unit value being EUR8.43/kg in 2006, and frozen Penaeus shrimp, its unit value being EUR6.20/kg in 2006. However, imports of fresh saltwater fish totalled only 400 tonnes and frozen Penaeus shrimp totalled merely 600 tonnes in 2006 (Table 7). The main suppliers of frozen Penaeus shrimp are Thailand, India and Malaysia, whilst fresh saltwater fish comes from Greece, Egypt and Tunisia.

The imports of frozen cephalopods are also relatively important. The main supplying countries of frozen octopus to Cyprus are India, Egypt and Greece. Instead, China is almost the unique supplier of frozen Nototodarus spp. and Sepioteuthis spp. squid to Cyprus (Table 7).

17

Table 7. Cypriot seafood import quantities, values and unit values by main commodity.

Commodity 23012000 – Fish meal (flours, meals and pellets)

03035000 – Frozen herring Clupea harengus C. pallasii

23099010 – Fish meal (solubles)

16041411 – Canned tuna in oil

03075910 – Frozen Octopus spp.

03037130 – Frozen sardines (Sardinops spp. and Sardinella spp.)

03061350 – Frozen Penaeus shrimp

03026999 – Fresh or chilled edible saltwater fish

03074959 – Frozen Nototodarus spp. and Sepioteuthis spp. squid

03042019 – Frozen fillets of freshwater fish

TOTAL (inc. others)

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

MT

6 845

7 663

8 823

7 890

6 929

6 929

5 195

3 052

€1 000

2 192

3 719

4 279

5 588

6 160

4 944

5 094

3 541

€/kg

0.54

0.56

0.63

0.78

0.71

0.74

0.68

0.72

MT

0

4

21

2

164

53

11

1 525

€1 000

0

5

30

2

125

42

22

894

€/kg

0.00

1.29

1.42

1.12

0.76

0.80

2.04

0.59

MT

0

1

22

47

23

658

937

1 366

€1 000

16

33

27

519

771

966

€/kg

0.00

0 0.83

0.74

0.70

1.19

0.79

0.82

0.71

MT

1 244

1 133

1 104

1 499

1 066

1 088

1 460

1 325

€1 000

3 543

3 220

3 269

4 312

2 590

2 489

3 743

3 276

€/kg

2.85

2.84

2.96

2.88

2.43

2.29

2.56

2.47

MT

671

622

494

623

849

838

643

807

€1 000

1 719

1 525

1 218

1 794

2 403

2 589

1 932

2 482

€/kg

2.56

2.45

2.47

2.88

2.83

3.09

3.00

3.08

MT

1

2

4

4

4

106

0

782

€1 000

2

1

3

5

5

80

0

506

€/kg

1.77

0.82

0.74

1.16

1.22

0.76

0.00

0.65

MT

64

29

41

55

151

275

430

565

€1 000

405

158

262

318

892

1 614

2 404

3 500

€/kg

6.33

5.38

6.34

5.79

5.89

5.87

5.59

6.20

MT

68

106

0

144

259

1 888

344

434

€1 000

845

1 285

0

1 021

1 498

5 428

2 564

3 659

€/kg

12.48

12.17

0.00

7.08

5.79

2.88

7.46

8.43

MT

327

252

285

597

641

756

316

420

€1 000

824

764

757

1 356

1 450

1 447

797

856

€/kg

2.52

3.03

2.65

2.27

2.26

1.91

2.52

2.04

MT

19

9

28

86

135

129

193

387

€1 000

52

43

100

323

436

334

663

1 212

€/kg

2.78

4.81

3.54

3.76

3.22

2.60

3.43

3.13

MT

15 119

15 992

18 129

16 956

17 331

22 804

30 018

18 617

€1 000

29 554

31 754

36 652

34 858

32 107

42 064

54 232

45 824

1.95

1.99

2.02

2.06

1.85

1.84

1.81

2.46

€/kg

(source: EUROSTAT).

18

Fellow EU members like Denmark, Greece and Portugal remain the principal suppliers of seafood into Cyprus (Table 8). Imports of seafood from developing countries averaged 7 000 tonnes/year between 1999 and 2006, approximately 50 percent of this amount coming from Thailand and China. Canned tuna is the main product imported from Thailand, whilst frozen and dried-salted squid, as well as surimi preparations, are the main products imported from China.

Table 8. Cypriot seafood imports by main country of origin, 1995-2006 (tonnes).

Country Denmark Thailand Greece Netherlands Portugal China Spain Lebanon New Zealand India United Kingdom Germany Vietnam Egypt Malaysia France Tunisia Taiwan PC Norway Israel Italy Belgium Indonesia TOTAL (inc. others)

1999 3 762 1 783 345 858 174 93 381 4 344 636

2000 3 958 1 809 427 425 161 149 248 1 562 660

2001 6 798 1 832 437 263 226 249 285 1 545 550

2002 7 714 2 006 442 279 189 161 468 11 479 501

2003 5 128 1 670 571 303 220 61 1 907 0 618 523

2004 6 157 2 109 1 432 260 190 307 4 936 0 968 544

2005 5 355 1 926 1 835 314 221 601 13 296 11 598 421

2006 3 324 2 249 1 659 1 490 1 249 1 084 937 781 597 593

531 402 11 209 61 38 0 798 520 43 81 27 229

531 235 0 180 202 59 0 781 457 38 21 61 69

806 89 69 253 231 14 0 989 432 2 38 22 251

520 121 172 387 215 39 0 694 375 1 63 38 157

483 67 145 536 173 98 0 780 325 102 83 45 154

695 347 157 194 123 227 130 424 102 490 373 46 63

594 561 350 297 107 127 175 321 221 822 155 83 207

574 493 470 345 262 240 228 202 196 183 164 117 106

15 119

15 992

18 129

16 956

17 331

22 804

30 018

18 617

(source: EUROSTAT).

Exports Up to 2003, seafood exported by Cyprus used to be, on average, far below 1 000 tonnes/year.

Further to the setting up of fattening units aimed at supplying the Japanese market with bluefin tuna, exports of seafood by Cyprus increased to an average of 2 800 tonnes/year between 2004 and 2006 (Figure 8).

19

Fig. 8. Seafood exports by Cyprus, 1988-2006 3 500 3 000

tonnes

2 500 2 000 1 500 1 000

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

1990

1989

1988

500

year

(source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus -1988 to 2005- and EUROSTAT -2006-).

Nearly all exports from Cyprus are aimed at supplying Japan, Russia, Spain and Israel (Table 9). Cyprus supplies Japan with frozen bluefin tuna fillets, whereas the Russian Federation is supplied with fresh European seabass, fresh unidentified saltwater fishes and fresh seabream belonging to the species Dentex dentex and to the genus Pagellus. Fresh and chilled bluefin is the main export to Spain, supposedly at a farm-to-farm level. Israel is supplied with fresh and chilled bluefin and fresh unidentified saltwater fish.

Table 9. Cypriot seafood exports by main country of destination, 1999-2006 (tonnes).

Country Japan Russia Spain Israel

1999 0.9 0 0 4.1

2000 3.7 4.9 10.6 1.7

2001 11 41.8 1.7 1.9

2002 11.3 138.7 2.3 84.9

2003 12 239.7 2 135.7

2004 960.8 302.5 238.1 240

2005 1479.7 495.9 396.2 234.7

2006 1028.9 764.2 417.1 360.9

329.3 (source: EUROSTAT).

735.2

755.2

756.3

563.5

2566.7

3110.1

2752.5

TOTAL (inc. others)

Remunerative fish farming products such as bluefin tuna, seabass and seabream represent the greater part of seafood exports from Cyprus (Table 10).

20

Table 10. Cypriot seafood export quantities, values and unit values by main commodity.

Commodity 03042045 – Frozen Thunnus spp. and Euthynnus spp. fillets

3026994 – Fresh or chilled seabass Dicentrarchus labrax

3026995 – Fresh or chilled saltwater fish not identified

3023690 – Fresh or chilled bluefin tuna

3026961 – Fresh and chilled sea bream Dentex dentex and Pagellus spp.

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

MT

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1 033

€1 000

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

11 797

€/kg

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

11.42

MT

15

65

157

146

112

252

291

465

€1 000

87

354

866

793

552

1573

1767

2801

€/kg

5.79

5.45

5.53

5.43

4.94

6.25

6.07

6.02

MT

0

7

10

1

0

1

31

407

€1 000

1

39

52

4

0

4

195

2167

€/kg

4.52

5.61

5.01

5.16

0.00

5.67

6.32

5.33

MT

0

0

0

0

0

0

294

400

€1 000

0

0

0

0

0

0

783

1 217

€/kg

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

2.67

3.05

MT

122

425

270

198

207

342

553

330

€1 000

669

2 294

1 408

811

660

1 106

2 609

1 308

5.49

5.39

5.22

4.09

3.19

3.24

4.71

3.96

329

735

755

756

564

2567

3110

2753

€1 000

4 052

6 602

7 122

5 517

3 932

22 342

24 894

20 071

€/kg

12.31

8.98

9.43

7.29

6.98

8.70

8.00

7.29

€/kg MT TOTAL (inc. others)

(source: EUROSTAT).

2.3.3. Processing The fish captured by Cypriot fishermen are all aimed at human consumption in fresh form.

Tunas from fattening pens are sold in whole or filleted form to Japanese buyers.

2.3.4. Marketing and distribution systems The marketing of fish products in Cyprus follow traditional channels, with the majority of fishers and fish farmers selling their catch to small fish retail shops. Prices are fixed and there is no auction system. However, the ongoing purchasing and upgrading of retail fish shops by fish farming companies may improve marketing as well as increase the quantity of aquaculture products sold locally. Another factor of modernization is the growth of the market share of supermarkets.

The main supermarket and hypermarket chains are Carrefour, Alpha Mega, Orphanides and ESEL-SPOLP (E&S) superstores. Following the merger with Chris Cash & Carry, Carrefour Cyprus now has nine stores (five hypermarkets and four supermarkets) in Limassol, Paphos and Paralimni, and it is setting up two more big supermarkets in Nicosia. Alpha Mega is a hypermarket chain selling fresh whole or filleted fish. Orphanides is the only major food retailer in Cyprus trading island-wide. Orphanides’s food range (including fish) is currently obtained primarily through domestic sources. ESEL-SPOLP resulted from the merging of supermarket chains ESEL (for food and garments) and SPOLP (for household goods). ESELSPOLP currently owns ten shops in the areas of Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos and Polis. Fresh seafood is marketed in the seven shops belonging to the sub-group “E&S Supermarkets”.

21

3. MALTA 3.1. Executive summary Seafood consumption in Malta increased from 10.8 kg/pc in 1961 to 30.8 kg/pc in 2003.

However, data should be weighed against the large influx of tourists visiting Malta every year.

Maltese captures increased from 1 000 tonnes in 1950 to 1 400 tonnes in 2005, peaking in 1985 at 2 600 tonnes. Catches are dominated by common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) represent 100 percent of Maltese full-cycle aquaculture production, which increased from 200 tonnes in 1991 to 2000 tonnes in 1999. In the years that followed, aquaculture production of seabass and seabream declined until it reached 700 tonnes in 2005. According to ICCAT data, seven tuna fattening facilities are registered in Maltese waters, equivalent to a combined capacity of nearly 10 000 tonnes/year. Overall, Maltese exports of bluefin tuna to Japan increased from 30 tonnes in 1999 to 3 700 tonnes in 2006, the latter figure being composed by 99 percent fattened product.

Imports of seafood increased from less than 2 000 tonnes in 1976 to 14 300 tonnes in 2006.

The main imported products are fish meal, frozen small pelagics and canned tuna in oil. Spain is the main supplier of seafood to Malta.

Exports of seafood consist mostly in Atlantic bluefin tuna shipped to Japan. They increased from less than 2 000 tonnes in 1999 to nearly 5 000 tonnes in 2006.

While aquaculture products (tuna, seabass, seabream) are generally shipped abroad, capture fishery products are sold through the wholesale fish market in Valletta, by public auction carried out by few intermediaries. Government representatives then collect the monies due to the fishers. The fish are marketed by about 150 registered fish vendors, each of them with an exclusive marketing zone. Fresh fish in Malta is almost exclusively sold by fishmongers.

3.2. Seafood consumption in Malta According to calculations based on FAO data, the pattern of seafood consumption is Malta appears to be quite discontinuous. Seafood consumption in Malta has been estimated to have increased from 10.8 kg/pc in 1961 to 30.8 kg/pc in 2003, with a decline in the mid-eighties, probably due to problems in reporting customs data rather than to a real drop in seafood consumption (Figure 9).

22

Fig. 9. Seafood consumption in Malta, 19612003 35.0 30.0

kg/pc

25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0

2003

2000

1997

1994

1991

1988

1985

1982

1979

1976

1973

1970

1967

1964

1961

0.0

year

(source: FAO FIES).

Traditional Maltese food is rustic and based on the seasons. In the past, as in most southern Mediterranean diets, meat was scarce therefore fish played a major role. Even today, many older people follow the Catholic tradition of eating fish on Wednesdays and Fridays.

The Maltese cuisine is largely influenced by Italian and Moorish cuisine, the traditional fish recipes being fish soup and lampuki (common dolphinfish) which is the island’s favourite fish, whether oven-baked, panfried or made into fish pies.

Other island’s favourites are spnotta (bass), cerna (grouper), dentici (dentex), sargu (bream) and trill (mullet). Swordfish and tuna follow later in the season, around early to late autumn.

Octopus and squid make some Picture credits: Eddie Gerald. rich stews and pasta sauces.

Consumption of seafood in Malta is thus dominated by pelagic species (Table 11). However, data should be weighed against the large influx of tourists visiting Malta every year, especially in the summer season, who mostly consume seafood-based dishes.

23

Table 11. Seafood consumption in Malta by group of commodities, 1993-2003 (kg/pc) All Pelagic Demersal Molluscs Crustaceans Marine Cephalopods Freshwater Other aquatic animals (source: FAO FIES).

1993 16.85 7.63 0.28 0 4.75 3.09 0.73 0.37 0

1994 21.79 11.24 1.27 0.02 4.28 3.77 0.79 0.41 0

1995 25.58 12.22 1.3 0.1 5.45 4.35 1.88 0.27 0

1996 26 12.36 1.94 0.77 4.37 4.74 1.06 0.76 0

1997 28.35 14.82 3.23 0.94 5.01 2.43 1.08 0.84 0

1998 29.95 14.83 4.64 3.21 2.02 2.19 1.06 1.55 0.45

1999 32.05 14.59 4.06 3.95 2.41 2.85 1.62 2.2 0.36

2000 29.71 15.75 2.48 3.16 2.12 2.6 1.08 2.14 0.38

2001 30.07 11.51 3.23 4.02 1.97 4.29 2.42 2.09 0.53

2002 29.54 14.24 2.77 4.11 2.08 3.15 1.22 1.68 0.29

2003 30.77 13.00 4.08 3.39 3.37 3.16 2.09 1.52 0.17

3.3. The industry 3.3.1. Total production The Maltese fisheries and aquaculture output has experienced limited growth since the fifties, with the exception of 1996 when fishery production surpassed 9 000 tonnes through the captures of distant water fishing fleets flying Maltese flag (Figure 10).

11 000 10 500 10 000 9 500 9 000 8 500 8 000 7 500 7 000 6 500 6 000 5 500 5 000 4 500 4 000 3 500 3 000 2 500 2 000 1 500 1 000 500

Aquaculture Capture (Distant Water Fleets)

2005

2000

1995

1990

1985

1980

1975

1970

1965

1960

1955

Capture (Mediterranean and Black Sea)

1950

tonnes

Fig. 10. Total fishery and aquaculture production in Malta, 1950-2005

year

(source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus).

Excluding captures by distant water fleets, Maltese fisheries and aquaculture production increased from 1 000 tonnes in 1950 to a record of 3 200 tonnes in 1999, but declined in the years that followed to an average slightly above 2 000 tonnes/year (Figure 11).

24

Fig. 11. Total fishery and aquaculture production in Malta (excluding distant water fleets), 1950-2005 3 500 3 000 Aquaculture

2 500

tonnes

Capture (Mediterranean and Black Sea) 2 000 1 500 1 000

2005

2000

1995

1990

1985

1980

1975

1970

1965

1960

1955

1950

500

year

(source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus).

Capture fisheries Maltese fisheries are of a typically Mediterranean artisanal type, e.g. multi-species and multigear. The average Maltese fishing vessel (there were 2 252 registered vessels in 2004) is well below 10 m, with the exception of the trawlers, which use bottom otter trawls and average 22.5 m. Multi-purpose vessels are a relatively recent addition to the fleet, but represent more than 35 percent of the fleet. The main gears are various forms of hook-and-line which represent over 60 percent of the registered fishing gear in Malta. Different types of gillnets and entangling nets are also popular (20 percent), whilst traps form over ten percent of the registered gear. The most prevalent method of fishing is set bottom longlining, which is seasonally operated by over half of the operational vessels. Trammel netting is practised by 27 percent of the fishers, principally those operating smaller craft. A quarter of the fishers use the hand trolling line locally known as rixa, which consists of a line and artificial lure, mainly made of hackle and neck feathers, covering different sizes of hooks. The main species targeted by the rixa is the common dolphinfish.

Even if the output of the Maltese fishing industry is equivalent to about 0.1 percent of the national GDP, the livelihood of most local fishers depends on the sale of highly-priced species in upmarket restaurants, whose main clientele is represented by tourists in the summer months. In 2004, 455 full-time and 848 part-time workers were estimated to be employed in Maltese fisheries, with women accounting for less than one percent of the total.

25

Maltese captures remained relatively stable over time, increasing from 1 000 tonnes in 1950 to 1 400 tonnes only in 2005, peaking in 1985 at 2 600 tonnes (Figure 12). Catches are dominated by common dolphinfish, swordfish and Atlantic bluefin tuna.

Fig. 12. Total fishery production in Malta by main species (excluding distant water fleets), 1950-2005

Others

2 500

Atlantic bluefin tuna Sw ordfish

2 000

tonnes

Common dolphinfish 1 500

1 000

2005

2000

1995

1990

1985

1980

1975

1970

1965

1960

1955

1950

500

year

(source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus).

The traditional dolphinfish or lampuki fishery takes place every year between August and December, but it can be extended to January. Apart from their registered normal fishing activity, up to 130 vessels of more than 6 m participate in the lampuki fishery. Before the start of the fishery, a fishing site or rimja is assigned to each vessel after lots are drawn for each national district. Each licensee must lay at least 35 Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), which are anchored small floating rafts onto which a few palm fronds are attached, in a straight line along a given direction. Fishing sites are distributed all around the Maltese archipelago, apart from the “swordfish corridor�, which is kept free from lampuki FADs so that swordfish fishing can proceed unhindered. The sites start from 7 miles offshore and FADs are laid at intervals of one-half to three-quarters of a mile, depending on the district.

Between April and August, the market is dominated by landings of Atlantic bluefin tuna and swordfish. Both species are caught by pelagic drifting longlines, with tuna longlines being double in strength than swordfish longlines because Atlantic bluefin tunas are heavier and stronger than swordfish. On an annual basis, swordfish is the second most landed species in terms of weight, and it is the only species with landings of more than one tonne in every month of the year. It is targeted throughout the year, even though its peak season ranges between May and August.

The Fisheries Conservation and Control Division (FCCD) manages both capture and aquaculture industries. Since the EU accession in May 2004, Malta has adopted fishery management measures compliant with the CFP.

26

Aquaculture Marine farming in floating cages dominates Maltese aquaculture production. The main aquaculture activities are the fattening in pens of wild-caught Atlantic bluefin tuna, as well as full-cycle farming of European seabass and gilthead seabream. Atlantic bluefin tuna is generally shipped to Japan, whereas European seabass and gilthead seabream are exported to Italy. Approximately 120 full-time workers are employed in the aquaculture sector, along with 64 part-timers. A few women are employed in fish processing activities.

Aquaculture was introduced into Malta following the establishment of the National Aquaculture Centre (NAC) in 1988. In the early nineties, commercial fish farms started producing European seabass and gilthead seabream. The NAC developed its own pilot marine hatchery for the production of gilthead seabream and European seabass fingerlings in 1992.

At the turn of the century, Maltese companies showed interest in farming Atlantic bluefin tunas in large circular floating offshore cages. At present, more than 3 000 tonnes of farmed Atlantic bluefin tuna are shipped every year to Japan.

In 2001 the National Aquaculture Centre was re-named the Malta Centre for Fisheries Sciences (MCFS). The MCFS is now offering expertise to the regulatory bodies and technical support to the local industry. It operates a pilot marine hatchery focusing on research into aquaculture species diversification. Malta also participates in co-operative research and development for the establishment of a long-term and sustainable farming industry for Atlantic bluefin tuna with the support of the European Commission.

FAO FISHSTAT Plus does not provide any figures on tuna fattening. Therefore, seabass and seabream represent 100 percent of the production, which increased from 200 tonnes in 1991 to 2000 tonnes in 1999. In the years that followed, aquaculture production of seabass and seabream declined until it reached 700 tonnes in 2005 (Figure 13). In fact, during the last decade, there has been a shift in farming between the former species and bluefin tuna.

According to ICCAT data, seven tuna fattening facilities are registered in Maltese waters, equivalent to a combined capacity of nearly 10 000 tonnes/year. Overall, Maltese exports of bluefin tuna to Japan increased from 30 tonnes in 1999 to 3 700 tonnes in 2006, the latter figure being composed by 99 percent of fattened product.

27

Fig. 13. Total aquaculture production in Malta by main species (excluding Atlantic bluefin tuna), 19912005 2 500 European seabass Gilthead seabream

tonnes

2 000

1 500

1 000

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

500

year

(source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus).

Aquaculture development is regulated by Part IX of Chapter 425, Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 2001 and by subsidiary legislation. The issue of operating permits is the direct responsibility of the Fisheries Conservation and Control Division. Development in aquaculture both on land and offshore necessitates a development permit as established by the Development Planning Act Chapter 356 and its subsidiary legislation. Aquaculture is also subject to environmental regulations published under the Environment Protection Act 2001.

Due to conflicts between coastal preservation and aquaculture, the Ministry for Rural Affairs and Environment (MRAE) is creating an aquaculture zone, six kilometres off the east coast of Malta, so that tuna farming operations will move further offshore.

3.3.2. International Trade Imports Maltese imports of seafood increased from less than 2 000 tonnes in 1976 to nearly 30 000 tonnes in 2003-2004, dropping to 14 300 tonnes in 2006 (Figure 14) due to a decline in imports of frozen herrings (Clupea harengus C. pallasii).

28

Fig. 14. Seafood imports into Malta, 1976-2006 30 000

25 000

tonnes

20 000

15 000

10 000

2006

2001

1996

1991

1986

1981

1976

5 000

year

(sources: FAO FISHSTAT Plus -1976 to 2005- and EUROSTAT -2006-).

Maltese seafood imports are dominated by frozen fish, mostly small pelagics. Imports of frozen fish grew at a rate of 35 percent/year, however the group of commodities which experienced the most rapid growth (54 percent/year) has been that of live and fresh fish (Table 12). This was due to the increase of the imports of live saltwater fish (possibly Atlantic bluefin tuna at farm-to-farm level), fresh salmon (Salmo salar) and whiting (Merlangius merlangus).

Table 12. Maltese seafood imports by group of commodities (tonnes).

Product type Frozen fish Prepared and preserved fish Meals and Oils Live and fresh fish Molluscs Fish fillets, fish meat, surimi Prepared and preserved molluscs and crustaceans Crustaceans Cured fish (source: EUROSTAT).

1999 732

2000 1 474

2001 8 219

2002 8 274

2003 16 958

2004 19 600

2005 8 407

2006 5 883

2 782 7 655 53 792 587

2 991 6 849 50 594 337

6 223 6 095 62 1 142 704

2 880 4 262 75 787 471

3 255 3 694 3 993 1 030 499

2 474 2 629 723 627 330

2 975 2 467 292 728 469

2 989 2 541 1 076 810 334

329 287 77

284 218 4 280

341 231 107

282 248 97

258 1 091 101

260 246 80

242 456 79

321 260 104

The main imported products, after fish meal, are frozen small pelagics, followed by canned tuna in oil, which is also the most remunerative import into Malta (Table 13). The main supplier of canned tuna in oil to Malta is Thailand, followed by the Philippines and to a lesser extent Italy.

29

Table 13. Maltese seafood import quantities, values and unit values by main commodity.

Commodity 23012000 – Fish meal (flours, meals and pellets) 03035000 – Frozen herring Clupea harengus C. pallasii

3037430 – Frozen mackerel Scomber scombrus and S. japonicus

16041411 – Canned tuna in oil

03037130 – Frozen sardines Sardinops spp. and Sardinella spp.

TOTAL (inc. others) (source: EUROSTAT).

1999 5 778 3 490 0.60 0 0 0

2000 5 019 2 941 0.59 381 205 0.54

2001 4 242 2 647 0.62 1 567 1 563 1.00

2002 2 829 2 221 0.79 143 90 0.63

2003 2 444 2 033 0.83 10 087 4 298 0.43

2004 2 138 1 792 0.84 4 924 2 253 0.46

2005 2 239 1 767 0.79 4 224 2 085 0.49

2006 2 431 2 022 0.83 2 262 1 197 0.53

MT

0

473

2 140

831

3 598

12 274

1 179

1 849

EUR1 000

0

304

1 688

590

2 429

1 657

820

1 246

€/kg MT EUR1 000 €/kg MT EUR1 000 €/kg MT EUR1 000 €/kg

0 1 694 4 055 2.39 0 0 0 13 293 21 715 1.63

0.64 1 708 3 567 2.09 19 12 0.64 17 077 21 472 1.26

0.79 1 347 3 320 2.47 1 100 681 0.62 23 125 27 926 1.21

0.71 1 496 3 229 2.16 159 89 0.56 17 377 36 521 2.10

0.68 2 059 3 939 1.91 1 416 706 0.50 30 878 28 099 0.91

0.14 1 184 2 827 2.39 886 1 361 1.54 26 968 25 602 0.95

0.70 1 452 3 594 2.48 1 465 622 0.42 16 113 23 606 1.46

0.67 1 631 4 624 2.83 1 188 622 0.52 14 318 25 518 1.78

MT EUR1 000 €/kg MT EUR1 000 €/kg

Nearly half of total Maltese seafood imports come from Spain (Table 14). In 2006, imports of seafood from developing countries totalled 2 400 tonnes, which is a limited share of Maltese seafood imports. The most important developing country supplier of seafood to Malta is Thailand for canned tuna (Table 14).

Table 14. Maltese seafood imports by main country of origin, 1995-2006 (tonnes).

Country 1999 Spain 2 709 Netherlands 4 180 Thailand 1 638 Italy 849 TOTAL (inc. others) 13 293 (source: EUROSTAT).

2000 2 721 3 300 1 406 874

2001 5 651 2 099 1 301 1 034

2002 3 184 1 362 1 693 708

2003 5 862 4 394 1 906 3 557

2004 3 219 6 842 1 068 1 068

2005 3 340 5 867 1 352 1 729

2006 6 127 2 808 1 359 1 048

17 077

23 125

17 377

30 878

26 968

16 113

14 318

Exports Maltese seafood exports reached almost 5 000 tonnes in 2006 (Figure 15), due to the increasing exports of farmed Atlantic bluefin tuna to Japan. Currently, 90 percent of seafood exported by Malta goes to Japan. Instead, the role of Italy as a buyer of seabass and seabream from Malta has been declining rapidly since 1999 (Table 15).

30

Fig. 15. Seafood exports by Malta, 1980-2006 5 000 4 500 4 000 3 500

tonnes

3 000 2 500 2 000 1 500 1 000

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

500

year

(sources: FAO FISHSTAT Plus -1976 to 2005- and EUROSTAT -2006-).

Table 15. Maltese seafood exports by main country of destination, 1999-2006 (tonnes).

Country 1999 Japan 68 Italy 1 576 TOTAL (inc. others) 1 941 (source: EUROSTAT).

2000 247 1 573

2001 1 422 998

2002 1 996 830

2003 2 315 655

2004 535 811

2005 741 843

2006 3 905 220

2 084

2 875

3 252

3 395

1 470

1 679

4 486

Highly lucrative Atlantic bluefin tuna represents, at present, the main seafood export from Malta. Due to the increase in supply of farmed bluefin tuna, unit values of frozen and fresh product declined by 12 percent and 15 percent/year, respectively (Table 16).

Table 16. Maltese seafood export quantities, values and unit values by main commodity.

Commodity 03034590 – Frozen Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus

03023590 – Fresh or chilled Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus

TOTAL (inc. others)

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

MT

0

0

0

2 005

2 228

304

95

1999

€1 000

0

0

0

39 701

25 369

2 692

950

23 804

€/kg

0

0

0

19.8

11.4

8.9

10.0

11.9

MT

0

0

0

6

158

280

348

1871

€1 000

0

0

0

141

2 185

5 204

3 918

23 536

€/kg

0

0

0

24.3

13.8

18.6

11.2

12.6

MT

1 941

2 084

2 875

3 252

3 395

1 470

1 679

4 486

€1 000

6 141

8 635

15 180

43 389

31 980

13 775

9 451

51 311

3.16

4.14

5.28

13.34

9.42

9.37

5.63

11.44

€/kg

(source: EUROSTAT).

31

3.3.3. Processing The fish captured by Maltese fishermen are all aimed at human consumption in fresh form.

Tuna from fattening pens is sold in headed, gutted or filleted form to Japanese buyers.

3.3.4. Marketing and distribution systems Capture fishery products are sold through the wholesale fish market in Valletta, by public auction carried out by few intermediaries under the supervision of government officers. Sales are usually made on credit and the Fisheries Conservation and Control Division (FCCD) collects the monies due to the fishers.

Statistical data for fish landings is collected through the daily returns of sales submitted by distributors at the wholesale fishmarket in Valletta. The data collected in the wholesale market includes date, fisher identification, voucher number, retailer name, license number of the retailer and for each species: species name, number of boxes, weights and price. The fish are then marketed by about 150 registered fish vendors, each of them with an exclusive marketing zone.

Fresh fish in Malta is generally sold by fishmongers rather than supermarkets. Fish products originating from small-scale artisanal fisheries are also frequently sold to catering outlets.

Highly priced bluefin tuna (both caught and farmed) and finfish mariculture output are almost exclusively aimed at foreign markets.

32

4. SLOVENIA 4.1. Executive summary According to calculations based on FAO data, consumption of seafood in Slovenia doubled in eleven years, e.g. from 4.2 kg/pc in 1992 to 8.3 kg/pc in 2003. Total fishery and aquaculture production in Slovenia declined from 4 800 tonnes in 1992 to 2 800 tonnes in 2005 as a result of declining sardine captures. At present, aquaculture production accounts for 60 percent of total seafood production in Slovenia.

Slovenian seafood imports increased from 12 600 tonnes in 1992 to 18 900 tonnes in 2006.

Slovenia imports frozen mackerel (Scomber scombrus and S. japonicus), mostly from Spain, to feed its small processing industry (2 300 tonnes of output/year).

In Slovenia, fish is marketed through wholesalers, retailers, processing plants and anglers.

Recently there has been a slight trend towards sales from local fishers/fish farmer communities to stores and supermarket chains. Sales through restaurants are also developing as a result of the country’s growing tourist industry.

4.2. Seafood consumption in Slovenia According to calculations based on FAO data, consumption of seafood in Slovenia doubled in eleven years, e.g. from 4.2 kg/pc in 1992 to 8.3 kg/pc in 2003 (Figure 16).

Fig. 16. Seafood consumption in Slovenia, 19922003 9.0 8.0 7.0

kg/pc

6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

0.0

year

(source: FAO FIES).

Cuisine in Slovenia has strong Italian, Viennese and Hungarian influences. It is mostly based on meat, but seafood recipes are becoming increasingly popular. Consumption of all groups of species is, in fact, growing (Table 17).

33

Table 17. Seafood consumption in Slovenia by group of commodities, 1993-2003 (kg/pc).

1993 5.48 All 0.73 Cephalopods 0.5 Freshwater 0.39 Demersal 1.62 Pelagic 1.78 Marine 0.23 Molluscs 0.24 Crustaceans (source: FAO FIES).

1994 5.84 0.71 0.55 0.45 1.46 2.02 0.32 0.34

1995 7.04 0.86 0.61 0.33 2.16 2.59 0.18 0.33

1996 7.26 0.96 0.57 0.32 2.53 2.33 0.24 0.31

1997 6.56 0.83 0.61 0.32 1.98 2.22 0.31 0.29

1998 6.68 0.76 0.6 0.27 1.89 2.47 0.35 0.34

1999 6.77 0.79 0.77 0.32 1.98 2.16 0.36 0.39

2000 6.46 0.82 0.72 0.28 1.84 2.06 0.42 0.32

2001 7.31 1.03 0.73 0.36 1.99 2.33 0.51 0.36

2002 7.64 1.02 0.79 0.35 2.4 2.29 0.47 0.32

2003 8.29 1.04 0.81 0.42 2.37 2.73 0.55 0.37

The growth in seafood consumption is a consequence of the economic development of the country. In fact, in a short period of time, Slovenia experienced a radical transformation from being a region of the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia, to becoming an independent country with democratic institutions and a functioning market economy, and admitted to the European Monetary Union (EMU) and its single currency, the Euro, on 1 January 2007.

4.3. The industry 4.3.1. Total production Total fishery and aquaculture production in Slovenia declined from 4 800 tonnes in 1992 to 2 800 tonnes in 2005 as a result of declining sardine captures (Figure 17). At present, aquaculture production accounts 60 percent of total seafood production in Slovenia. Intensive freshwater culture of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) dominates Slovenian aquaculture. Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) represent the main marine culture output, and possibly the only significant output from shellfish culture (Figure 17).

Fig. 17. Total fishery and aquaculture production in Slovenia by main species, 1992-2003 5 000 4 500 4 000 3 500

Rainbow trout

European anchovy

European pilchard(=Sardine)

Common carp

Mediterranean mussel

Others

tonnes

3 000 2 500 2 000 1 500 1 000

year

(source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus).

34

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

500

The Slovenian fleet is made up of 110 vessels with a gross tonnage of 965 tonnes, 90 percent of them being small-scale vessels. Aquaculture employs approximately 200 people.

4.3.2. International Trade Imports Slovenian seafood imports increased from 12 600 tonnes in 1992 to 18 900 tonnes in 2006, peaking at more than 19 000 tonnes in 2005 (Figure 18).

Fig. 18. Seafood imports into Slovenia, 1992-2006 20 000 18 000 16 000 14 000

tonnes

12 000 10 000 8 000 6 000 4 000

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

2 000

year

(sources: FAO FISHSTAT Plus -1992 to 2005- and EUROSTAT -2006-).

Import of all group of commodities surged in the 1999-2006 period, with the exception of fishmeal and fish oil. In fact, fishmeal and fish oil used to be the main group of commodities to be imported into Slovenia in 1999 but declined by 8 percent/year between 1999 and 2006.

Imports of frozen fish, now the main group of commodities imported into Slovenia, increased by 9 percent/year. Imports of live and fresh fish increased by 10 percent/year. Imports of (fresh, frozen and cured) crustaceans and molluscs, canned fish, fish fillets/meat/surimi and canned crustaceans/molluscs increased by 7 percent/year each (Table 18).

35

Table 18. Slovenian seafood imports by group of commodities (tonnes).

Product type Frozen fish Crustaceans and molluscs Prepared and preserved fish Fishmeal and fish oil Fish fillets, fish meat, surimi Live and fresh fish Prepared and preserved crustaceans/molluscs Cured fish Total (source: EUROSTAT).

1999 2 311 2 282 2 245 5 215 1 765 678 77 34 14 607

2000 2 047 2 430 2 252 4 878 1 654 687 51 35 14 035

2001 2 454 2 759 2 480 5 293 1 785 713 81 82 15 645

2002 2 531 2 659 2 831 3 583 1 689 919 44 35 14 291

2003 2 580 2 757 2 983 1 830 2 045 1 215 65 38 13 513

2004 3 938 3 768 4 211 2 636 2 912 1 592 57 34 19 148

2005 3 903 3 085 3 893 2 372 4 353 1 463 112 68 19 250

2006 4 298 3 779 3 722 2 813 2 761 1 353 125 66 18 917

Slovenia imports frozen mackerel, mostly from Spain and Peru and traditionally from the United Kingdom, to feed its small processing industry. Imports of frozen mackerel increased from nil in 1999 to 2 300 tonnes, equivalent to EUR2.5 million, in 2006. Over time, production of canned small pelagics shifted from sardines to Atlantic mackerel. Imports of canned tuna from neighbouring Italy and Spain are also relatively important (Table 19).

Table 19. Slovenian seafood import quantities, values and unit values by main commodity.

Commodity 03037430 – Frozen mackerel Scomber scombrus and S. japonicus 23012000 – Fish meal (flours, meals and pellets)

16041411 – Canned tuna in oil

03042056 – Frozen fillets of Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi 03074935 – Frozen squid Loligo patagonica

TOTAL (inc. others)

MT EUR1 000 €/kg MT EUR1 000 €/kg

1999 0.00 0.00 0.00 3 061 1 515 0.49

2000 1 402 1 338 0.95 2 809 1 510 0.54

2001 1 646 1 787 1.09 3 179 2 023 0.64

2002 1 804 2 289 1.27 2 115 1 613 0.76

2003 1 592 1 813 1.14 1 496 999 0.67

2004 1 878 2 148 1.14 1 869 1 222 0.65

2005 1 450 1 676 1.16 1 497 975 0.65

2006 2 298 2 448 1.07 1 819 1 696 0.93

MT

1 060

1 071

1 180

1 444

1 399

2 168

2 098

1 797

EUR1 000

4 183

4 114

4 729

6 533

4 934

7 844

8 964

8 011

€/kg MT EUR1 000 €/kg MT EUR1 000 €/kg MT EUR1 000 €/kg

3.95 1 377 2 530 1.84 1 182 2 840 2.40 14 607 29 168 2.00

3.84 803 1 618 2.01 1 170 2 591 2.21 14 035 29 750 2.12

4.01 557 1 232 2.21 725 1 043 1.44 15 645 33 183 2.12

4.52 699 1 262 1.81 1 192 1 895 1.59 14 291 35 029 2.45

3.53 1 159 1 731 1.49 1 150 2 678 2.33 13 513 33 621 2.49

3.62 1 445 2 334 1.62 1 227 3 398 2.77 19 148 49 723 2.60

4.27 1 197 1 965 1.64 1 035 2 690 2.60 19 250 58 321 3.03

4.46 1 301 2 514 1.93 1 096 2 450 2.24 18 917 52 560 2.78

(source: EUROSTAT).

The main exporters of seafood to Slovenia are Spain, Italy and Denmark. The most important developing country exporter is Argentina, which supplies Slovenia with frozen hubbsi fillets.

Overall, developing countries’ exports to Slovenia declined from a share of 37 percent of total Slovenian seafood import quantity in 1999 to 20 percent in 2006 (Table 20).

36

Table 20. Slovenian seafood imports by main country of origin, 1999-2006 (tonnes).

Country 1999 1 563 Spain 2 065 Italy 390 Denmark 1 703 Argentina 1 047 Croatia 881 Austria TOTAL (inc. others) 14 607 (source: EUROSTAT).

2000 1 876 1 999 406 969 958 721

2001 2 363 2 032 559 613 920 1 001

2002 2 425 1 696 574 1 323 1 151 821

2003 2 726 1 423 281 1 544 1 461 84

2004 3 306 3 987 1 586 987 1 774 874

2005 3 099 3 397 1 784 1 151 1 248 1 059

2006 4 508 3 167 2 456 1 306 1 216 1 160

14 035

15 645

14 291

13 513

19 148

19 250

18 917

Exports Seafood exports from Slovenia averaged 2 500 tonnes/year between 1992 and 2004, to increase to more than 7 500 tonnes in 2005 and decline slightly to 5 800 tonnes in 2006 (Figure 19). The sudden growth of 2005 resulted from increasing exports of frozen swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and fresh/chilled fillets of freshwater fish.

Fig. 19. Seafood exports from Slovenia, 1992-2006 8 000 7 000 6 000

tonnes

5 000 4 000 3 000 2 000

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1 000

year

(sources: FAO FISHSTAT Plus -1976 to 2005- and EUROSTAT - 2006-).

The main countries of destination of Slovenian exports are neighbouring Croatia, Italy and Spain (Table 21). Exports of seafood to these countries are dominated by canned mackerel and fishmeal (Table 22).

37

Table 21. Slovenian seafood exports by main country of destination, 1999-2006 (tonnes).

Country 1999 Croatia 337 Italy 181 Austria 763 TOTAL (inc. others) 2 349 (source: EUROSTAT).

2000 479 166 561

2001 416 212 672

2002 295 79 931

2003 345 126 730

2004 1 069 560 693

2005 1 128 3 606 937

2006 1 684 1 052 946

2 511

2 405

2 151

2 236

3 846

7 530

5 763

Table 22. Slovenian seafood export quantities, values and unit values by main commodity.

Commodity 16041519 – Prepared and preserved Atlantic mackerel

Scomber scombrus and S. japonicus 23012000 – Fish meal (flours, meals and pellets)

TOTAL (inc. others)

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

MT

1 132

1 079

1 136

1 358

1 178

1 181

1 337

1 231

€1 000

3 664

3 522

3 563

4 289

3 999

4 135

4 639

4 548

€/kg

3.24

3.26

3.14

3.16

3.39

3.50

3.47

3.69

MT

42

70.7

24

0.00

24

643

722

1 172

€1 000

19

38

14

0.00

18

504

555

1250

€/kg

0.46

0.54

0.60

0.00

0.76

0.78

0.77

1.07

MT

2 349

2 511

2 405

2 151

2 236

3 846

7 530

5 763

€1 000

6 313

7 063

6 836

6 712

6 814

10 641

25 865

16 075

2.69

2.81

2.84

3.12

3.05

2.77

3.43

2.79

€/kg

(source: EUROSTAT).

4.4. Processing The processing sector in Slovenia is very small, according to FISHSTAT estimates, it generates an output of 2 300 tonnes of products each year, nowadays mostly canned Atlantic mackerel from one major plant (Figure 20). There has been a switch in production from canned sardines to mackerel due to the recent shortage of sardine raw material.

38

Fig. 20. Seafood processing in Slovenia, 1992-2005 4 000 3 500

tonnes

3 000 2 500 2 000 1 500 1 000

Other Sardines, sardinellas, brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved Clupeoids nei, frozen Oily-fish meal, nei Mackerels nei, prepared or preserved

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

500

year

(source: FAO FISHSTAT Plus)

4.4. Marketing and distribution systems Fresh and frozen fish trading in Slovenia is organized through various networks. Fish is marketed through wholesalers, retailers, processing plants and anglers. Recently there has been a slight trend towards sales from local fishers/fish farmer communities to stores and supermarket chains. The country’s expanding tourist industry has also boosted seafood sales at the catering level.

39

5. SEAFOOD RECIPES 5.1. Cyprus Baked fish Nicosia recipe.

Species: any whitefish species.

Preparation time: 30’.

Ingredients (6 servings): 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, pressed 1 pinch cayenne 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander Salt to taste 3 cups whole wheat bread crumbs 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil 1 kg firm white fish fillets 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 2 garlic cloves, pressed 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley Juice of two lemons Salt and white pepper to taste Lemon wedges.

Preheat oven to 180ÂşC. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet. Add garlic and let it sizzle a minute.

Add cayenne, cumin, coriander and salt, stirring for a few minutes, being careful not to burn.

Add bread crumbs and stir so they are coated with spices and oil. Continue to stir until the crumbs are golden and crisp. Add chopped basil and stir for another minute, then remove from heat. Rinse fish fillets in cold water, pat dry with paper towels and place them, skin side down, in an oiled baking dish. Spread the chopped tomatoes evenly over the fish. Sprinkle on the garlic, parsley, and then the lemon juice, and add a little salt and pepper. Top with bread crumbs, completely covering fish. Bake, uncovered for about 20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Garnish with lemon wedges.

40

5.2. Malta Lampuki pie.

Species: common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus).

Preparation time: 1h 30’.

Ingredients (6 servings): 750g lampuki 250g peeled and chopped tomatoes 250g boiled cauliflower 250g tomato pureè 200g chopped onions 150g peas 100g black olives 200g cooked spinach 2 eggs Olive oil Fresh mint Lemon zest Garlic Sesame seeds Salt and white pepper Short or puff pastry.

Clean the fish and steam or boil. Leave to cool and remove all bones. Heat some oil, fry the onions and garlic and cook to a light golden colour. Add the peas, chopped cauliflower, spinach, olives, tomatoes, tomato paste, lemon zest, salt, pepper and mint. Cook for a few minutes. Add the eggs. Line a greased pie dish with pastry. Fill in with the lampuki mixture.

Moisten the edges and cover with pastry. Egg wash. Sprinkle some sesame and cook in a moderate to hot oven for 50 minutes.

41

5.3. Slovenia Fish stock (Brodet).

Species: depending on the individual taste, bonito (Euthynnus spp.), eel (Anguilla anguilla), flounder (Pleuronectiformes), seabass (Dicentrarchus spp.), dentex (Dentex spp.), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), John Dory (Zeus faber) and similar species.

Preparation time: between 30’ and 40’.

Ingredients (4 servings): For the stock: • 1 carrot, peeled, sliced • 1/4 celery root, peeled and diced: or, • 2-3 celery sticks, diced • 1 teaspoon green peppercorns, or • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 500g broken up fish bones, heads (gills removed) and trimmings • 50 ml white wine • Salt to taste.

For the brodet: • 1 large onion, peeled, finely chopped • 50 ml vegetable oil (olive oil is best) • 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped • 2 heaped tablespoons tomato puree • 3-4 tomatoes, peeled, chopped • 2 tablespoons wine vinegar • 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped parsley • 1 bay leaf • 1 and ½ kg fish, either of one kind or (better) a mixture: gutted, cleaned, skinned, washed, cut into 1-inch or larger chunks • Extra salt or pepper, if needed, to taste • Finely chopped parsley.

To make the fish stock: put vegetables, herbs and peppercorns into a pan with the oil, season lightly, cover, and leave over gentle heat until soft (30 minutes or thereabouts). Add fish bones, heads, and trimmings and 400 ml water. Simmer 20 minutes only. Strain through a fine sieve: press the cooked fish and vegetables down with a wooden spoon to extract the juices.

Discard the residue. Season to taste: add the white wine.

For the brodet: cook the onion in the oil in a heavy pot until pale golden. Add the garlic and cook for a few seconds more. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato puree: add vinegar, parsley, bay leaf, the prepared fish, and enough stock to cover the fish well. Bring to the boil quickly: then turn the heat down and poach the fish, uncovered, for about 30 minutes or until it begins to

42

flake easily with a fork. The cooking liquid should then have reduced a little and become slightly thickened. Shake the pan occasionally while the fish is simmering, but do not stir, to avoid the fish breaking up. Remove from heat: check seasoning.

To serve, put a round of soft bread, garlic-rubbed bread baked or toasted crisp, polenta, or even mashed potato, into a deep plate or bowl. Ladle over some of the broth: then place portions of fish on top, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU PURCHASE YOUR SEAFOOD FROM SUSTAINABLE SOURCES ONLY.

43

44

6. REFERENCES Catarci, C. 2004. World tuna markets. FAO/GLOBEFISH Research Programme, vol. 74.

FAO, Rome. 135pp.

Catarci, C. 2007. Fish Trade Regulations on the Web. Available at: http://www.globefish.org/index.php?id=3206.

Eur-Lex. Access to the European Union law. Available at: http://eurlex.europa.eu/en/index.htm.

European Commission – Fisheries Directorate-General. 2008. Bilateral fisheries partnership agreements between the EC and third countries. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/external_relations/bilateral_agreements_en.htm.

European Commission – Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General. 2008.

EU import conditions for seafood and other fishery products. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/food/international/trade/im_cond_fish_en.pdf.

European Commission – Taxation and Customs Union Directorate-General. 2008. The Integrated Tariff of the Community (TARIC). Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds/tarhome_en.htm.

European Commission – Trade Directorate-General. 2008a. Generalised System of Preferences. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/newround/doha_da/index_en.htm.

European Commission – Trade Directorate-General. 2008b. The Doha Development Agenda. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/newround/doha_da/index_en.htm.

European Commission – Trade Directorate-General. 2008c. Trade and Development.

Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/global/development/index_en.htm.

EUROSTAT data. Available at: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/newxtweb/.

FAO FISHSTAT Plus data. Available at: http://www.fao.org/fishery/topic/16073.

Oceanic Développement, Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Ltd. and Megapesca.

2005. La filière thonière européenne, bilan économique, perspective et analyse des impacts de la libéralisation des échanges. Convention spécifique SC12. Rapport final, Novembre 2005. Available at: http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/publications/studies/tuna_2005_fr.pdf.

Trade Statistics of Japan. Homepage. Available at: http://www.customs.go.jp/toukei/info/tsdl_e.htm.

Carrefour. Homepage. Available at: http://www.carrefour.com.

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CDKitchen. Baked Fish Nicosia (Cyprus) Recipe. Available at: http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/43/Baked_Fish_Nicosia_Cyprus46525.shtml.

Cyprus supermarkes. A CyprusNet portal. Available at: http://www.cyprussupermarkets.com/.

EUROSTAT data. Available at: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/newxtweb/.

FAO FISHSTAT Plus data. Available at: http://www.fao.org/fishery/topic/16073.

FAO. Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles. Available at: http://www.fao.org/fishery/countryprofiles/search.

SeaWeb. Aquaculture Issues: Offshore Aquaculture. Available at: http://www.seaweb.org/resources/aquaculturecenter/documents/Aquaculture.Offshore.p df.

EUROSTAT data. Available at: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/newxtweb/.

FAO FISHSTAT Plus data. Available at: http://www.fao.org/fishery/topic/16073.

FAO. Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles. Available at: http://www.fao.org/fishery/countryprofiles/search.

SeaWeb. Aquaculture Issues: Offshore Aquaculture. Available at: http://www.seaweb.org/resources/aquaculturecenter/documents/Aquaculture.Offshore.p df.

Trade Statistics of Japan. Homepage. Available at: http://www.customs.go.jp/toukei/info/tsdl_e.htm.

European cuisine: Slovenian Brodet. Available at: http://www.europeancuisines.com/Slovenia-Brodet-Brodetta-Fish-Soup-Stew-Recipe.

EUROSTAT data. Available at: http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/newxtweb/.

FAO FISHSTAT Plus data. Available at: http://www.fao.org/fishery/topic/16073.

FAO. Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles. Available at: http://www.fao.org/fishery/countryprofiles/search.

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GLOBEFISH MARKET RESEARCH PROGRAMME Vol.70 Vol.71 Vol.72 Vol.73 Vol.74 Vol.75 Vol.76 Vol.77 Vol.78 Vol.79 Vol.80

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

Vol.81 Vol.82 Vol.83 Vol.84 Vol.85

2

2

2

2

Vol.87 Vol.89

Nov 2001

2

The German Market for Fish and Seafood (116p.)

Jan 2002

2

Fish Roe in Europe: Supply and Demand Conditions (47p.)

Salmon – A Study of Global Supply and Demand (151p.)

World Tuna markets (135p.)

2

Jan 2005

2

2

2

Apr 2005

2

30 30 30 30

2

Apr 2005

u

2

30 20

June 2005

30

Nov 2005

50

Dec 2005

30

Fish Supply and Demand in the Near East Region (67p.)

Jan 2006

30

The Market for Nile Perch (94p.)

Apr 2006

30

Fishery Industry Profile – Russia (70p.)

2

Freshwater Species on the European Market (119p.)

Supermarkets and the Artisanal Fisheries Sector in Latin America (79p.)

Apr 2006

Markets and Marketing of Aquaculture Finfish in Europe (50p.)

Aug 2006

Focus on the Mediterranean Focus on the Mediterranean World Surimi Market (125p)

Lobster Markets (92p.)

2

2

2

Sept 2004

2

30 30

2

July 2004

Overview of Organic Markets: an Opportunity for Aquaculture Products? (98p.)

Seafood Price Indices (44p.)

2

July 2003

2

30 30

2

May 2004

Fishery Industry in China (74p.)

World Market of Tilapia (28p.)

2

Nov 2002

u

u

2

Fishery Industry Profile – Viet Nam (57p.)

Trends in European Groundfish Markets (153p.)

Vol.86 Vol.88

The Fishery Industry in Greece (59p.)

Republic of Korea – Fishery Industry Profile (Post Harvest Sector) (72p.)

2

30 2

Oct 2006

2

Nov 2006 Nov 2006

2

2

30 30 30 30

Vol. 90

Market Penetration of Developing Country Seafood Products in European Retail Chains (57p.) Apr 2008

30

Vol. 91

Ecolabels and Marine Capture Fisheries: Current Practice and Emerging Issues (52p.)

Apr 2008

30

Vol. 92

The Seafood Market in Italy (44p.)

Apr 2008

30

Vol. 93

Global Production and Marketing of Canned Tuna (44p.)

Apr 2008

30

Vol. 94

World Octopus Markets (65p.)

Jul 2008

30

Vol. 95

The Seafood Market in Southern EU, Cyprus, Malta and Slovenia (46p.)

Jul 2008

30

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GLOBEFISH RESEARCH PROGRAMME Trends in European Groundfish Markets Volume 81

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