April 28, 2010

Spain's Canary Islands aquaculture eyes Russia

The opening of the Russian market has offered a new possibility for Canary Islands to begin boosting its aquaculture production, said the consultant-advisor of the Canary Islands Vice-council of Fisheries, Pedro Pablo Garcia Barroso.

The production of seabream and sea bass dropped in the Canary Islands after reaching between 9,000 and 10,000 tonnes in 2008, which was the best year for sector companies. This year, a production close to 7,000 tonnes is anticipated, according to reports.

Although sales fell from 2008, when earnings of EUR50 million (US$66 million) were generated, the peninsular market continued absorbing 70% of the Canary Islands fish production. The archipelago comprises 15-20% of production, while 10% is exported.

There are 32 companies on the islands that boast concessions authorised by the regional government, and which employ 400 people.

That number could rise as soon as they have begun to sell new authorised species, like jack mackerel, yellowtail amberjack and red porgy.

So far, however, the majority are small companies located in Tenerife, which were forced to temporarily cease the activity due to the recession, Barroso said.

The latest storms caused some EUR2 million (US$2.6 million) worth of damage in the form of breakages in cages and nets, which also led to the escape of fish, he added.

The Canary Island aquaculture sector is aiming to export sea bass and seabream to European countries, the US and Russia.