There are abundant suitable fresh and brackish water sites available in Greece to support a large expansion in trout production. Existing farms also have spare capacity. Output could quickly be increased in response to an upturn in market demand.
Existing trout farming technology and equipment in Greece is a little old-fashioned, but works satisfactorily. The latest technology should, however, be incorporated in any plans for new units. Automatic feeding would help improve fry and fingerling growth.
The problem of early sexual maturation of trout should be tackled by: (a) more production planning and organization in marketing; (b) introduction of all-female fish; and (c) trials of alternative, possibly later-maturing strains and selective breeding.
Government hatcheries should not give away fry on a large scale, as this will undermine private hatchery business.
Better quality trout feeds should be made in Greece. Their sales could be supported with better technical backup and equipment supply.
A vital prerequisite for a sales promotion campaign for trout is the introduction of quality control standards. These can be voluntary or compulsory, and are best enforced through a new producers' association or statutory marketing organization.
Subsequently, the price of trout should be increased to improve the fish's image and provide producers with a reasonable margin above production cost. Promotion of added value products, e.g. smoked trout, should also be encouraged.
Coastal sites suitable for cage culture of rainbow trout and especially coho salmon should be identified, and commercial trials begun. The resulting salmon can be promoted as a new, high value sea fish.
There are plenty of suitable waters for expansion of carp farming, but government-owned marginal land should be made available for pond construction more easily and cheaply.
Chinese carp should be introduced to enhance the fishery in eutrophic lakes. Existing hatcheries have the capacity to supply enough fry.
The quality of the extension service offered to fish farmers needs improving.
