2. FISH CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION IN MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES

2.1 Sea bass and sea bream
2.2 Eel
2.3 Mullets

In 1984 total domestic landings in the Mediterranean area was 4 048 281 tons (Table 1). Imports accounted for about 46% of the total, while exports were about 19%. Apparent consumption was 5 128 596 tons. Total fish trade in the area showed a deficit of 1 080 315 tons, i.e. about 27% of total landings.

In terms of fish trade balance, among the countries examined during the workshop, only Morocco, Turkey and Tunisia showed positive figures. France, Italy and Yugoslavia had the largest deficits; in combination their share of the total fish trade balance was about 80%.

France, Spain and Morocco were by far the largest exporters; their combined share of total exports was about 70%. Exports from Turkey and Tunisia were limited, but mainly concentrated on high value species.

The principal importing countries were France, Italy and Spain, whose combined share of total imports in the area was about 68%. Algeria, Greece and Portugal showed a more limited dependence on imports, but the quantities of fish imported, in the range of 46 000 to 108 000 tons, were relatively high.

Self sufficiency in sea fish proteins was dramatically limited in many areas. Syria, Egypt, Cyprus, and Yugoslavia showed the lowest levels of self-sufficiency, from 6% for Syria to 21% for Yugoslavia (Table 1).

Lack of fish obviously has a negative impact on per caput consumption level. The per caput levels in Yugoslavia, Cyprus and Egypt are reported to be only 3.1 kg, 3.8 kg and 4.9 kg respectively (Table 2). Participants in the workshop were not able to provide a complete profile of the major species consumed in each country. However, it is well known that consumption in Algeria, Egypt and Yugoslavia is mainly based on low-value species resulting from the strong requirement for fish protein.

Table 1: Main Market Parameters in Mediterranean Countries in 1984¹ in tons

	Domestic Landings	Imports	Exports	Fish Trade Balance		Apparent Consumption	Self Sufficiency (%)
Albania	4000	-	-	-		4000	100
Algeria2	75000	45917	78	-	45839	120839	62
Cyprus2, 3	2205	6549	-	-	6549	8754	25
Egypt2, 3	26146	143014	250	-	142764	168910	15
France3	738813	532699	163552	-	369147	1107960	67
Greece2, 3	91380	66614	9817	-	56797	148177	62
Israel	9710	-	-	-		9710	100
Italy3	451223	421167	113143	-	308024	759247	59
Lebanon	1200	-	-	-		1200	100
Libya	7800	8149	856	-	7293	15093	52
Malta2	1216	2438	595	-	1843	3059	40
Morocco2	466130	324	162488	+	162164	303966	153
Portugal2, 3	285153	108242	57879	-	50363	335516	85
Spain3	1243581	293650	205048	-	88602	1332183	93
Syria2	923	13737	:	-	13737	14660	6
Tunisia2, 3	74944	817	9012	+	8195	66749	112
Turkey2, 3	520437	269	22993	+	22724	497713	105
Yugoslavia2	48420	198408	15968	-	182440	230860	21
Total	4048281	1841994	761679	-	1080315	5128596	79

¹ Source: FAO Yearbook of Fishery Statistics, Vol. 58 - Vol. 59
² Countries participating in MEDRAP at the time of the workshop (December 1986)
³ Countries represented by participants at the workshop. Participants from the Netherlands and Norway with commercial Interests in Mediterranean aquaculture were also present.

Table 2: Per caput Fish Consumption in Selected Countries (kg)

Spain	37.0
France	24.1
Greece	13.5
Italy	12.5
Turkey	10.6
Tunisia	8.0
Egypt	4.9
Cyprus	3.8
Yugoslavia	3.1

Source: Workshop participants

2.1 Sea bass and sea bream

In many countries sea bass and sea bream consumption is generally related to their local production availability. Consumers do not always attach the same value to these species; consequently fishermen do not always catch them. In any case, a share of total production is internally consumed. Whenever quantities of sea bass and sea bream are large enough, each country tends to develop an export trade directed mainly towards Italy. Spain, France and Greece are also interesting markets for these species.

In this regard, a representative example is given by Tunisia, whose total sea bass and sea bream production was 740 tons in 1986 (Table 5). This is mainly consumed internally even though prices are relatively high. Local wholesale prices in 1986 were reported to be T.Din. 5.4-8.6 (US$ 6.3-10.0)/kg for sea bass and from T.Din. 3.9-6.9 (US$ 4.5-8.0)/kg for sea bream. It is anticipated that the proportion of aquaculture production exported will increase from about 16% in 1987 to 67% by 1992 (Table 6) because of the recent relaxation of government controls.

The position in Greece and Turkey is similar. In both countries, consumption of sea bass and sea bream is steadily increasing. Greek consumers are reported to choose these two species more and more, even though prices are continuously increasing. Prices at December 1986 for these two species, according to the marketing channel utilized, varied from Gr.Dr. 700 to 1 600 (US$ 5.0-11.4)/kg. A major part of the Greek fish trade deficit is reported to be caused by the increasing consumption of prime quality products. In many countries, prices of imported sea bass and sea bream are lower than those of locally produced fish.

Production of sea bass and sea bream in Turkey is increasing because of internal and external demand pressures. At the moment prices are still well under the European average and, at retail level, they are reported to be US$ 6.25 for sea bass and US$ 6.00 for sea bream. Until a few years ago internal demand was low; consequently the interest of fishermen was also limited. Given the consequential under-exploitation of stocks in open seas or lagoons, it can be predicted that production could readily expand in the near future.

Even though prices are higher, production in Cyprus is reported to be following the same pattern as in Turkey. Current retail market prices for sea bass and sea bream were about US$ 12.48/kg in 1986. Demand for sea bass began only when wholesale prices were listed on the market.

Participants agreed that expansion of sea bass and sea bream production in the Mediterranean, either for internal consumption or for export markets, was feasible. Given that sea bass and sea bream final consumption patterns show different absorption capacities, and that they are a small share of each country's total fish consumption, participants agreed that production expansion should be smooth to avoid heavy falls or fluctuations in prices which could result in negative effects on both aquaculture production and fishermen's incomes.

2.2 Eel

In the southern Mediterranean rim countries there is little eel consumption. With the exception of Egypt, where about 500 tons of eel are consumed, these countries export the major part of their eel production to Germany, the Netherlands and Italy, where markets are stabilized and well structured.

In many countries the main concern is for elver production and trade. In addition to the trade of elvers for restocking and grow-out in fish farms, there is evidence of elvers being utilized as fresh food in some regions, e.g., Italy and Morocco. Because of the shortage of juvenile eels many countries are now showing concern and some, e.g. Turkey, have forbidden the catch and sale of elvers. As a result of the shortage prices have increased steadily. French production is reported to be about 500 t per year. Despite the normal price of F.F. 200/kg (US$ 30.4) during 1986, the market price in December reached F.F. 350/kg (US$ 53.2).

2.3 Mullets

Mullet production is widespread in the Mediterranean area. Consumers accept the product almost everywhere. Because of the relatively low value of these species there is little evidence of trade. Greece is among the few countries which is currently reported to import mullet from France and Turkey. Turkish consumers do not show any specific interest in these species. Tunisia produces about 1 800 t of mullets; all are consumed domestically. Demand for large size mullets has increased during recent years because of the production of 'bottarga' which is made from mullet eggs.