The third session of MEDRAP II, organised in Malta from 1 to 6 July 1991, dealt with Diversification of Aquaculture Production in the Mediterranean.
This session has grouped scientists from various institutions belonging to the member and associated countries and other experts, who are undertaking research on the theme of the workshop.
Following presentation and discussion of all the communications, the participants agreed to split the recommendations under :
1 New species
1.1 Intensive production
1.1.1. Finfish
- sea bass and sea bream
Continued efforts to be made to improve technology and reduce production costs.
- Puntazzo puntazzo
Breeding and rearing technology is available. Consequently efforts must be directed towards commercialisation and market investigation.
- Dentex : Research and development work is necessary.
- Seriola : Establishment of data base.
- Siganids : Research and development work is necessary.
1.2 Semi-intensive
- Solea senagalensis : research and development is necessary.
1.3 Extensive
1.3.1 Monoculture
- Mugil cephalus
- Liza ramada
- Indigenous Tilapia
Efforts to be directed at reducing dependence on recruitment of wild fry/ fingerlings. Stock assessment and artificial fry production needed.
1.3.2 Polyculture
1.3.2.1 Finfish
- Gilthead sea bream or sea bass
- Grey mullets
- Other sparids
- Eel
- Tilapia
- Other species
This activity is somewhat country specific and should be dealt on a subregional basis. Technology for this type of culture is quite well established and effort should be directed at improvising on that.
1.3.2.2 Shellfish
- Oysters : O. Edulis, C. Angulata, C. Gigas
- Mussels
- Clam : T. Semidecussatus
Continued efforts to be made to improve technology and reduce production costs.
- Clam : T. Decussatus
- Scallops
Research and development works is necessary.
1.3.2.3 Crustacea
- Penaeus japonicus
Breeding and rearing technology is available. Consequently efforts must be directed at commercialisation and market investigation on an extensive and semi-intensive basis.
- P. Kerathurus
Research and development work is necessary.
- Establishment of data base.
1.3.2.4 Echinoderms
- Sea urchin
- Establishment of data base.
1.4 Species on which more information is required before needs can be assessed :
- Coryphaena hippurus
- Groupers
- Cuttlefish
- Sepia officinalis
- Octopus
1.5 Newly Introduced Species
The rearing of other local suitable species should be encouraged, but when non indigenous, socio-economically profitable species have to be introduced, one must follow the established producers recommended by the ICES Code of Practice on the introductions and transfer on Marine Organisms.
It is suggested that contacts be established between member countries for consultation and advice, when one of them plans to introduce new species.
Newly introduced species
- Pagrus major
- Tilapia
Breeding and rearing technology is available.
Consequently, efforts must be directed at commercialisation and market investigation.
- Sturgeon
Establishment of data base.
Shellfish
- Tapes philippinarum
Breeding and rearing technology is available.
Consequently, efforts must be directed at commercialisation and market investigation.
2. New Technology
2.1 Offshore Technology
The area of major interest expressed by the participants was offshore technology. It was felt that not enough information on offshore technology, is available. The lack of a presentation on offshore farming was missed.
Further of major investigations and expert advice are needed urgently before a decision can be taken as to which activity MEDRAP should organise.
2.2 Environmental Impact
It was felt that aquaculture development in the Mediterranean could be very severely curtailed because of misuse of environmental issues.
Efforts should be made to :
Get accurate evaluations of the real impact of aquaculture on the environment and to encourage countries to draw up a national aquaculture plan to help develop an integrated strategy for aquaculture development.
Device technology to contain the problems.
Educate decision makers and general public to get their support.
3. New Marketing Strategies
Efforts should start right away with marketing of a new species.
In order to avoid the consequence of highly increased production of seabass and seabream in the near future, which will induce a sharp fall in market prices, and so the disappearance of a number of established farms, the workshop recommends cooperation between producers from all countries.
It is recommended that :
One name per language is given for each formed species to start with Dicentrarchus labrax and Sparus aurata, so to avoid confusion for the consumer.
Establish among all Mediterranean and EEC countries concerned, precise norms for quality, freshness, packing, labelling, etc…
Producers participate in promotional efforts to enlarge the total market for those species susceptible to price collapse.
Efforts should be made to have these promotional endeavaours supported by producers, whatever the country, on the same basis, eg. according to the tonnage produced.
