3. STATE OF FISHERIES IN THE BLACK SEA

The Black Sea has 247 species and subspecies of fish: 115 marine, 98 freshwater, and 34 brackish. Only a few species are of economic value - Bulgaria has only 14 for instance. Although there are only a few species of economic importance, there is an abundance of these. In the surface layer there are six times more fish per ha than elsewhere, even though the fish do not go below 200 feet due to the H₂S.

Practically all the economically valuable fish are migratory and seasonal pelagics. Most are small fish, such as anchovy, sprat and horse mackerel, which are not appreciated very much by consumers and, consequently, large quantities are processed into fish meal. Larger more highly prized fish are in high demand, but the supply is limited as intensive fishing, industrialization and urbanization have caused fisheries for the most favoured species to decline. Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda), Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), and bluefish (Pomatus saltator) were abundant in the past, but no longer form a significant part of the fishery. For example, only 21 t of bonito were caught from the Black Sea in 1978, while a few years ago the catch was 60 t.

The yield of demersal fish has always been low, because deep water contains H₂S, but even these have been reduced in recent years, particularly turbot (Psetta maeotica).

The Black Sea offers only limited prospects for increased catches for human consumption. While it has been estimated that catches could perhaps be increased as much as 50 percent above 1970 levels, the increase would be of small fish, not the more desirable species.

Fishery Production from the Black Sea of Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and USSR
during the period 1973–1977 (in 000 m.t.)

3.1 State of fisheries in Bulgaria

Until the establishment of its overseas oceanic fleet in 1965, the fishery production of Bulgaria was entirely derived from fishing activities in the Black Sea and did not exceed the 5 000 t mark (4 500 t in 1964). Since then, with the rapid expansion of its oceanic fleet, production increased markedly, and by 1976 catches obtained in distant waters amounted to about 150 000 t. During this eleven-year period landings made by the Black Sea fleet almost doubled (9 940 t in 1976), while production from freshwater species reached the figure of 7 000 t. As a result of the extended fisheries jurisdiction in many areas, however, the oceanic production decreased substantially, and by 1978 it had dropped to 100 000 t. The gap created was partially filled by increased landings by the Black Sea fleet (2 000 t), and by increases in freshwater production (3 000 t).

The State plans were geared to increase fish consumption to 10 kg per caput by the early eighties. The difficulties encountered by the oceanic fleet now make this goal difficult to achieve by increased fishing. The emphasis, therefore, is being directed to providing the home market with better products, e.g., more acceptable species or better processed products.

3.1.1 Production from the capture fishery

The total fishery production of Bulgaria in 1978 was about 122 000 t (i.e. 100 000 t from distant waters, 12 000 t from the Black Sea fishery, and 10 000 t from freshwater resources), as against 167 000 t in 1976 and 138 000 t in 1977 respectively.

An analysis of the catches made in the Black Sea during 1977, indicates that about 87 percent (8 750 t) consisted of sprat (Sprattus sprattus), less than 10 percent (790 t) of horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), with smaller quantities consisting of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus), turbot, sturgeon (Acipenser spp. and Huso huso), Atlantic bonito, etc. Of the 12 000 t production obtained from the Black Sea in 1978, about 8 000 t were for human consumption (3 000 t as canned products - mainly of sprats), and 4 000 t for fish meal (animal feeds).

With regard to freshwater production, the major species are common carp (80 percent), followed by various cyprinid species, mainly obtained from the Danube River, trout and sturgeons. Small quantities of crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) are also taken from various localities; in 1978 about 200 000 individuals were taken from the Madra lake near Burgas.

In the past, between the period 1959 to 1973, considerable quantities of mussels were extracted from natural banks, but production gradually decreased, mainly due to the presence of pearl-like substances on the flesh. The mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) fishery has become rather insignificant in the last few years.

3.1.2 Production from aquaculture

Precise statistical data on production through aquaculture practices is lacking, but according to information obtained, more than 80 percent of the freshwater production is derived from the culture of common carp (Cyprinus carpio), and to a smaller extent, from rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) (300 to 400 t in 1978).

3.1.3 Imports

Bulgaria has been importing some fishery products (e.g., fish, fresh or frozen, dried, salted or smoked; canned fish, oils and fats, and fish meals) over a period of years, but the major imported commodity consists of fish meal and similar animal feeding stuffs of aquatic animal origin. During a five-year period (1974–78) the following fishery commodities have been imported (in tons):

It might be of interest to note that prior to 1973 large quantities of fishmeal were also imported (28 800 t in 1971 and 21 000 t in 1972).

3.1.4 Exports

As a result of the expansion of its oceanic fleet, it has been possible for Bulgaria to export considerable quantities of fishery commodities, particularly of chilled or frozen fish and, in the process, earn foreign currencies required for various imports. It is interesting to note that the value of exported chilled or frozen fish in 1977 amounted to US$ 7.7 million, while the value of imported fishmeal for the same year amounted to US$ 7.0 million.

During a five-year period (1974–78), the following fishery commodities were exported (in tons):

3.1.5 Prices

Prices of fishery products, like other locally produced or imported items, are controlled by the State authorities. Trout are sold at 3 Leva/kg¹ while mullet are sold at 1.40 to 1.60 Leva/kg; the higher price quoted is for Mugil cephalus. There is a two-tier price for mullet: one for markets controlled by the State, and another, uncontrolled, for the tourist trade. Prices for mussels vary according to their origin; 0.28 Leva/kg for mussels (in shell) from natural banks, and 0.45 Leva/kg for those from culture. The price for canned mussels, sold in various sized cans, is quite high, 12 Leva/kg. At the lower end of the price scale are the sprats which are sold at 0.18 Leva/kg.

3.1.6 Processing and Marketing

Although there are no major difficulties in marketing locally catches from distant waters or the Black Sea, the consumer acceptance of some species or size of fish is rather low. For instance, there is consumer resistance to krill landed by the oceanic fleet, and for small-sized sprat from the Black Sea. Squid, also, does not have good acceptance, and the major part of catches are therefore exported to Italy or other foreign markets. There is no market for eels in Bulgaria. Not infrequently low consumer acceptance has been observed for normally high-priced fish, as, for example, trout sells for the same price as pork.

The existing market channels could easily handle 5 to 6 000 t of marine fish in addition to the quantities allocated at present, as there are no problems with the transportation of iced or live fish. However, as the marine fish resources of the Black Sea are limited, any substantial increases from the capture fishery would have to be of oceanic origin and, thus, landed as frozen products.

With regard to shellfish, mussels are very well accepted by the general consumer, particularly in processed form. Because of the sanitary requirements imposed by the State health authorities, consumption of mussels in fresh condition has been discontinued, and mussels can only be sold in processed form (e.g. in sterilized cans or jars).

The market size for mussels has been set at 5 cm, but the marketing authorities have suggested a reduction to 4 cm, as the condition index of cultured mussels is higher than those obtained from the natural banks. A 4 cm cultured mussel has as much meat as one of 5 cm from the wild.

3.1.7 Fish consumption

The growth rate of population is not high (the annual growth coefficient has been 0.5 percent for the period 1970–76). A gradual increase in fish consumption has been noted. The per caput consumption of fish and fishery products was 2.52 kg in 1960, and 6.8 kg in 1976, with the share from the Black Sea remaining constant at 1.1 kg.

¹ 1 US$ = 0.875 Leva

3.2 State of fisheries in Romania

The Romanian fishing industry has grown steadily over the past decade. The number of ocean-going vessels increased and the area of operations has expanded. At the end of 1978 the Romanian fishing fleet comprised 37 freezer trawlers and 5 storage ships which operated solely in the Atlantic. It was intended to increase the fleet further, but the recent changes in international regulations concerning access of foreign fishing vessels to domestic continental shelf areas is having an adverse effect on the Romanian fleet. Production has not declined greatly to date. However, problems have been created which affect cost of operations: for example, the cost of licensing rose from US$ 30 to 40/t to US$ 300 to 400/t. This, along with the recent steep increases in the cost of fuel, has raised the cost of operating the oceanic fleet so high that plans for its expansion have been cancelled. Current development plans are directed towards increasing fish produced from internal sources. Research operations are being carried out in the Black Sea to extend the fishing area along the entire length of the Romanian shelf. It is also proposed to increase exploitation of inland waters and aquaculture.

3.2.1 Production from the capture fishery

Total production of fish in 1978 was about 137 000 t. Of this, 91 000 t were for direct human consumption and 47 000 t for animal feed and other purposes. Production from the oceanic fleet in 1978 was 84 641 t.

The yield from the Black Sea is relatively small, about 7 000 t in 1978. Fishing is done with small boats and traps in the near-shore waters. Most of the catch, which consists of small fish such as sprat and anchovy, is for direct human consumption as food, either in frozen or canned form. Details of the Black Sea catch are given in the following table:

Romanian catches of fish in the Black Sea
during 1973–1978 (in tons)

Fresh and brackishwaters yield about 50 000 t annually. The major source of production is the Danube and its delta. The Danube delta has traditionally supplied about 50 percent of the fish from inland waters. The principal species taken are Black Sea shad (Caspialosa pontica), sturgeon, common carp, European catfish (Siluris glanis), pike-perch (Stitzostedion lucioperca), perch (Perca fluviatilis) and freshwater bream (Abramis brama). Sturgeon production, however, has declined dramatically. In 1930 about 1 000 t were produced: in 1970 this had been reduced to 250 t and in 1978 only 67 t were taken.

The annual catches of fish for the period 1976–78 are summarized below:

Romanian Catches of Fish (in 000 m.t.)

3.2.2 Production from aquaculture

There is little production from brackishwater and no production from marine waters. The production from brackishwater is mostly from operation of trapping ponds in the Danube delta.

Freshwater aquaculture has a long history in Romania where common carp has been traditionally cultured in the hilly areas, and the Transylvanian and Moldavian plains. No estimate of carp production is available. The annual production of rainbow trout is 250–300 tons, and a good part of it is stocked in natural waters for sport fishing. Sport fishing is important in Romania and over 100 000 licenses are sold annually.

3.2.3 Imports

In 1978, 32 800 t of fish were imported for direct human consumption and another 205 000 t were imported for animal feed and other purposes.

3.2.4 Exports

Romania exports small quantities of fish having a high market value. In 1978 exports amounted to 10 300 t.

3.2.5 Prices

Prices are set by the State. Retailers mark up the price 10 percent over that paid to the producer and restaurants are able to mark up the price 40 percent over that paid to the producer.

The following are the producers' prices of some of the species of interest for aquaculture:

¹ US$ 1.00 = 12 Lei

3.2.6 Consumption and demand

The Romanian people like fish, and consumption has been increasing. Ten years ago per caput fish consumption was less than 2 kg. In 1978 it had risen to 5.2 kg.

The demand for fish now exceeds the supply, especially for the favoured species.

3.3 State of fisheries in Turkey

Turkey has no oceanic fleet, but the fishing fleet in the Black Sea has expanded in recent years. Anchovy, the most important pelagic species at present, is taken with the purse seine, while horse mackerel are caught with either purse seine or trawl. For trawlers the principal species at present are Black Sea cod (Merlangius merlangus euxinus), piked dogfish (Squalus acanthias), thornback ray (Raja clavata), turbot, and horse mackerel. Pelagic species are migratory, which results in seasonal availability.

Previous missions have indicated that there is limited development potential for demersal species because of the narrow shelf off the Turkish coast and the absence of fish beyond this.

It has been estimated that the maximum sustainable yield of anchovy and horse mackerel in the Black Sea is 360 000 t, whereas present landings only amount to 15 000 t, which indicates a potential for expansion of these fisheries.

3.3.1 Production from the capture fishery

Published statistics which are available for the period 1964/71 and provisional figures supplied for the year 1978, show an increase in fish production over the period. In 1978 the total amounted to 219 000 t, which is 61.8 percent higher than that for 1968.

Domestic Production of Fish in Turkey for 1978
(by area)

Marine fish contribute most to overall production. In 1978 this sector contributed 192 900 t, or 88 percent of the total. Freshwater fish catches amounted to 21 800 t, or 10 percent of the total in 1978, while marine invertebrates contributed only 1 400 t, or 0.6 percent. In 1978, 1 400 t of dolphin were taken which would be 50 percent of the total ‘invertebrate’ production if grouped with them.

The Black Sea is the most important fishing area, particularly its eastern region. In 1978 it contributed 79.6 percent to overall production, while the eastern region's contribution amounted to 61.3 percent of the national total.

Anchovy, horse mackerel and Black Sea cod are the most important sea fish at present and contributed 87.7 percent to the overall production in 1978. Of the 190 800 t taken of these species throughout Turkey, 170 800 t (89 percent) were caught in the Black Sea and 134 000 t (70 percent) in its eastern region.

Landings of both anchovy and horse mackerel have increased substantially in recent years. In 1968 production of anchovy was 34 000 t, whereas in 1978 it had increased to 115 000 t. During the same period horse mackerel production increased from 16 771 to 55 400 t. Whiting contributed 20 400 t to domestic production in 1978, but was included with ‘other species’ in 1968 which indicates substantial growth in production over the period.

Production figures for fish meal are not available, but they were stated to be below capacity. There are now nine plants with a combined daily capacity of 1 630 t. There is also a fish meal vessel (‘APILA’) with a 150 t daily capacity giving an overall daily capability of 1 780 t.

Domestic Production of Fish from the Black Sea in 1978
(by species)

Species which can be considered for aquaculture are the following: (1) sturgeon, (2) grey mullet, (3) turbot, (4) trout, and (5) mussels.

Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedti colchicus, A. stellatus, Huso huso)

Catches of these species are not recorded separately, but a decline in availability has reportedly taken place in recent years. It was stated that production in 1969 was 291 t, whereas in 1978 it was less than 10 t. The reduction has been attributed to overfishing, pollution and Government prohibition of fishing. Despite the prohibition, fishing is still reported to take place, but the level of catch is not known.

Grey Mullets (Mugil cephalus, M. auratus)

Historically these species contributed 3 000 to 7 000 t annually. However, in 1978 they were grouped with ‘other fish’ at 800 t, which indicates a considerable drop in catches.

Sea trout (Salmo trutta labrax)

A sea-going trout is found in the Black Sea east of Trabzon. No catch records are available, and indeed the identity of the species is not certain. Catches have been restricted in recent years by regulation to conserve stocks.

Turbot (Psetta maeotica)

In 1978 this species was grouped under ‘other species’ at 800 t, indicating a substantial decline in availability in recent years. During the period 1964/71 annual landings of 1 566 to 4 646 t were recorded. It has been suggested that stocks have declined in the western Black Sea because of undesirable plankton blooms inshore when turbot fry are present.

Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

Landings between 1964 and 1971 ranged from 14 to 706 t/year. Although 1978 production figures are not available, it was probably less than 1 000 t as the overall production of marine invertebrates that year was only 1 400 t.

Total production of freshwater fish of 20 400 t in 1978 was 68 percent higher than the 1968 total of 13 985 t. Species-wise, data for 1978 were not available, but common carp has traditionally been the most important freshwater fish, with catches ranging from 2 561 t in 1965 to 4 786 t in 1969. The proportion of fish grouped under ‘other fish’ is high and accounts for up to 50 percent of the total production in some years. Freshwater crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) are probably included here as it was reported that up to 4 000 t are caught annually for export.

3.3.2 Production from aquaculture

There is no production of fish or shellfish by aquaculture in marine or brackish waters in Turkey.

There is a freshwater trout farm at Lake Marmara in the Aegean region. It has a capacity of 200 t and in 1974 produced 150 t of which 120 t was rainbow trout.

3.3.3 Exports

Less than 2 percent of total fish production was exported in 1978. Products, quantities and value are shown on page 11. Up to 4 000 t of freshwater crayfish are exported annually. These are grouped under ‘marine and freshwater shellfish’ and this group accounted for 87 percent of all exports in 1978.

Ten companies export live crayfish to France, and four companies export them cooked and frozen, principally to France and Sweden.

Total fish exports have decreased in recent years. In 1973 the exports amounted to 11 000 t, whereas in 1978 only 3 541 t were exported. It would appear that this is due mainly to a decline in bonito catch, as this was an important export product in the past, but in 1978 no bonito were exported.

Fish Exports from Turkey in 1978

¹ US$ 1.00 = L.T. 47

3.3.4 Prices

Prices both to fishermen and on the market were collected where possible during the mission and are given below.

3.3.5 Markets

Ninety-eight percent of the fish production is sold on the home market, either for human consumption or to produce fish meal for animal feed. Fish is mostly consumed in coastal areas and in large cities, and it is reported that consumption in inland areas is very low. Fish are delivered to large cities daily fresh on ice, although in recent years freezing has been introduced in some areas. Unspecified amounts of fish are smoked or salted.

The government policy has so far been to direct fish meal to feed production rather than for export. Poultry feed manufactured locally contained only 1.5 percent fish meal because of shortage of the raw material in the past. At present there is an adequate supply, but feed manufacturers do not show much interest in increasing the fish meal content due to increased cost involved. Unless the poultry industry is expanded, or export is encouraged, there is a likelihood of a surplus of fish meal in the country.

3.3.6 Per caput consumption

The per caput consumption of fish has been stated to be at 6 kg in 1978, while it was 3.5 kg in 1970. Figures for the intervening period were not available. There is reported to be a considerably higher per caput (45 kg/y) consumption in coastal regions than inland, where only negligible quantities are consumed. Fish consumption is expected to increase as the population expands, and improved distribution systems bring more fish to the interior.