August 30, 2010

Spanish farmed fish output seen 30% lower

The Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs (MARM) predicts that by 2015, Spanish production of farmed fish could be set at around 70,000 tonnes, 30% less than the previous estimate of 100,000 tonnes.

According to Maritime Affairs secretary general Juan Carlos Martin Fragueiro, in 2009, fish production stood at around 42,000-43,000 tonnes compared to the 25,000-26,000 tonnes obtained in 2004.

However, Fragueiro noted that the substantial reduction in accessible credit could mean that it would be very difficult to reach the estimated projections for 2015, which is 100,000 tonnes.

Fragueiro said it is essential that Spanish aquaculture continues to grow through the promotion of different species from those traditionally harvested, which include sea bass, sea bream and turbot.

He highlighted the role of the National Marine Aquaculture Plans - funded by the central government with EUR3.6 million in recent years, such as equity loans, and the European strategy for aquaculture, which will be relaunched in 2011.

He also added that further research is and more funds from the EU to develop the aquaculture industry are needed, as the industry has great growth potential.