Some countries in the region have carried out research on certain culture systems (e.g., mussel farming in the open sea, hatcheries for sturgeon, over-wintering and culture of mullet in ponds) to a level where they are significantly advanced over other countries. These technologies, developed only on a research level to date, will first have to be tested locally on a pilot scale to determine their economic viability, and then the fully developed and verified technology can be transferred to other countries within the region. Further, considerable research and development work will be required to develop culture systems (e.g., oyster culture, stack culture of mussels in shallow water, sea ranching of sea trout, culture of freshwater trout in sea water) for which technology or know-how is at a low level. As the available resources in each country are insufficient to support greatly expanded research and development efforts for a number of different technologies, a cooperative effort would be advantageous. There is, however, no existing mechanism to facilitate the exchange of experience and expertise among countries within the region. A regional cooperative aquaculture project would be an appropriate vehicle to fill the gap.
Under such a regional cooperative effort, centres for development (e.g., mussel culture in Bulgaria, mullet culture in Romania, sturgeon culture in Turkey) would be set up in the participating countries. Each centre would have the primary responsibility of bringing its particular type of culture successfully through pilot scale to a point where it is ready to be transferred to another country. As part of such an effort, expertise from outside the region would be channelled to the centre where it would be utilized most effectively and yield the most benefit for the region as a whole. After a particular technology is developed, the centre would have the responsibility for training personnel from other countries and to supervise initial development in any new location.
Differences in supportive research capabilities are also apparent within the region, with Romania having much greater competence in basic science of the three countries visited. Thus, as part of a regional effort, they would be in a position to offer technical support services in fields such as nutrition, genetics and breeding, disease, etc. to other countries in the region.
Although the mission did not visit aquaculture centres in the USSR, it is known that they have advanced capabilities in both culture technology and support activities. If the USSR were to join in a cooperative programme on aquaculture, they would undoubtedly be able to make a major contribution to its development in the region.
In addition to the exchange of technology, there is a need for coordination of aquaculture activities in the Black Sea Region. The Government of Bulgaria desires to replenish resources of favourable species such as turbot. Some of the countries are already planning release programmes for sturgeon, seatrout and salmon for ocean ranching experiments. These can not be left as single country projects, because the growing and adult fish enter a common fishing ground, the Black Sea. Agreements have to be concluded concerning rational use of this resource. Coordination of efforts will also play an important role in the rational use of aquaculture facilities. For example, one hatchery could produce fry for other countries during the initial stages of development until fry requirements in each country justified construction of a hatchery. The control of pollution in coastal waters is another area where national efforts require coordination if optimal results are to be obtained from aquaculture development efforts. Bulgaria, Romania and the USSR already have a joint programme for pollution control, but Turkey must also be involved.
The activities mentioned above can best be carried out through a cooperative regional aquaculture project in which already planned or existing facilities would be utilized. The mission recommends such a project. The fisheries authorities concerned in the countries visited were unanimous in their views on the need for such cooperative efforts and the value of a regional project for the purpose of developing coastal aquaculture in the region. Authorities in all the countries visited indicated their willingness to host the headquarters of such a project.
During the course of its visit, the mission was made aware of the Fisheries Institute's interest in culturing many species utilizing a variety of culture systems. These were: fish culture in brackishwater ponds and coastal lagoons, growing of mussels on floating rafts, hatchery production of marine fish and culture of trout in marine water using floating cages and concrete raceways with pumped water. The mission recommends that initial development efforts be concentrated in two areas: mussel culture, and mullet culture in coastal lagoons and earthen ponds. Operation of a hatchery for marine fish is a worthwhile objective, but it should be carried out only on a research scale until the first two development efforts are well underway. Following are the mission's recommendations for implementing development of these projects:
The area at Cape Kaliakra, where the experimental culture of mussels is being conducted, appears suitable for large scale commercial culture and development efforts should be concentrated there. The area is well protected from all but southerly winds. Preliminary experiments show that spatfall is adequate. Average monthly temperatures which range from 4.5° to 24.5°C are favourable, and indeed the initial growing trials showed fairly rapid growth. The low tidal range of 10–20 cm is favourable for raft culture. A very important fact is that the mussels grown in suspended culture do not have pearls.
Hanging raft culture is recommended, but systems used in other countries should be evaluated for comparison with the system currently in use.
The mussel growing ropes observed by the mission were heavily fouled. The staff working on the project reported that this was one of the biggest problems, as cleaning is very expensive. Machines for mechanized handling, sorting and cleaning of mussels during the growing period have been developed in other countries, such as the Netherlands, France and Spain. Adaptation of this technique in Bulgaria would appear to have many benefits. It may be possible to completely eliminate spat collectors as one operator in the Lagoon de Tau, France, has done. Small mussels collected during the sorting and cleaning of older mussels provide all the seed required for operation. The site at Cape Kaliakra has electricity and water, so installation of the required machinery should pose no major problem.
Marketing of the mussels for canning through existing channels should prove feasible. The greatest benefit would be attained, however, by marketing the mussels fresh for consumption in the tourist industry. Health and water quality aspects have to be evaluated so quality standards can be set. Appropriate legislation has also to be enacted, so as to make the sale of mussels for consumption in the fresh condition possible.
The Cape Kaliakra region or some of the lagoons might also be suitable for oyster culture. It is, therefore, recommended that raft culture experiments be carried out to determine this.
The main problem in culturing fish in the lagoons is that great numbers die during the cold winter months. Development of methods of over-wintering, particularly mullet, should receive high priority attention. Over-wintering can be done in several ways. The first is by providing sheltered areas in the lagoons. This will entail digging deep channels, constructing internal dikes, and planting shrub vegetation on the dikes. The dikes and vegetation would break the wind across the ponds which modifies water circulation. The water in the deeper portions then remains above the limits that cause mortalities. A second method is to catch the young mullet as they migrate into the estuaries and hold them in protected, deep water ponds over the winter months. They could then be released into the lagoons in the spring, when water temperature increases. Also, small mullets can be caught as they try to leave the lagoons in the autumn after one growing season in the lagoon. These can be kept in ponds over winter and then grown in the same ponds with feeding during their second and third years of growth.
The site at the south end of Lake Pomorie is suitable for constructing nursery or growing ponds. The north end of the lake could also be utilized. There are some large existing impoundments, previously used for salt production, and which could be utilized for pond culture of mullet with only slight modification. There is access by road and electricity is available in both areas. Water supply might be better at the north end of the lake as the chance of obtaining underground saltwater appears better.
Eventually, a hatchery will be required to supply fry for an expanded mullet pond culture industry. Also, once the lagoons have been modified to provide protection against winter mortality, other species such as flounder and seabass can be stocked. In addition, the Bulgarian authorities have an interest in stocking the sea with fry of valuable species, the stocks of which have declined in recent years, like turbot. For these reasons, it will be useful to start development of hatchery technology on a research scale. The hatchery technology developed for local species and conditions would be directly applicable to the other countries in the region.
The site at the south end of Lake Pomorie is of questionable suitability for a hatchery, mainly because of the poor water supply situation. The mission recommends that it be located elsewhere. There are many suitable areas along the coast.
Short term experts to advise national staff should be made available in the following disciplines: aquaculture engineering for design of mussel culture systems, mechanization of handling mussels during growing, pond construction, and hatchery design; lagoon culture, intensive culture of fish in ponds, hatchery technology, fry collection, cultivation of live foods and mollusc culture; nutrition and feed technology; shellfish sanitation and water quality.
Two national staff should be sent for one month's training to visit commercial mussel culture operations, and three should receive one month's training at lagoon and mullet culture facilities.
The following specialized equipment is recommended: a machine to clean and sort mussels, water sterilization equipment, water analysis equipment, a work barge with hydraulic winch and motor, and fish screens.
The mission felt that Romania has accomplished considerable research and planning, which will be a foundation for developing a mariculture industry. The mission is in general agreement with the overall plans for development. Especially encouraging is the foundation being laid in basic science which will support the mariculture industry as it evolves and new problems are confronted.
Following are the mission's specific recommendations.
This is a suitable site in which to experiment and demonstrate fish culture technology. It is easily accessible by road and has a good supply of brackish water. The soil is slightly sandy, but holds water well, and if ponds are properly constructed, there may not be too much erosion.
Preliminary experiments have shown good results, as about 1 000 kg/ha of grey mullet have been obtained. Growth is a little slow, however, due to the low average annual temperature of 11°C. Grey mullet take three years to grow to a marketable size of 0.6 to 0.8 kg. Sturgeon take even longer; 5 years for Huso huso and 6 years for the other species.
It is not a good practice to culture fish in intensive culture ponds for such long periods of time. It is recommended that the two 250 ha ponds be used as nurseries. They should be stocked with fry of grey mullet, sturgeon, flounder or other species at low densities which would be allowed to grow for two or more years under natural conditions. In the case of mullet, for instance, at the end of the second year the large fish can be trapped selectively by using the Italian ‘valli’ type screening system. With this system the small fish are free to swim back to the pond, while the larger fish are trapped. Fish of market size can be sold. Slightly smaller fish can be transferred to ponds and grown in intensive culture with feeding for another season. With the minimum winter water temperature of only -1°C, it should not prove difficult to over-winter the mullet.
Research to be conducted at the new research station can provide valuable guidance for Bulgaria and Turkey in areas such as over-wintering, feed development, pond management, etc.
The present attempts to culture mussels in open water of the Black Sea do not appear to be practical, as wind waves generated by storms will cause extensive loss of mussels and damage the culture units. It is recommended that attempts be made instead to grow mussels on stakes in Lake Sinoe. Young mussels should be collected in the Black Sea waters and transferred to growing units in the Lake.
By and large, environmental conditions in the Lake appear favourable. Summer maximum temperatures reach 29.5°C and ice does not form in the winter. Low salinity might be a problem in certain areas, but would most likely be high enough near the connection to the sea.
The mission recommends such trial culture of mussels be initiated in Lake Sinoe, with technical cooperation of the mussel culture lead centre in Bulgaria.
Intensive shrimp culture technology is still being evolved. Energy requirements are high because penaeid shrimp require warm temperatures and clean water to grow. In temperate zones water must be heated and recycled through filters to prevent build-up of harmful metabolites. To the mission's knowledge, there have been no successful commercial ventures of the type proposed for Romania in temperate zones. Most development is in the tropics or semi-tropics where energy costs would be much less.
A highly efficient feed is also a requirement for this type of aquaculture. Knowledge of shrimp nutrition is still scanty, and all the better feed formulations are proprietary. If shrimp culture is started, it is essential that an agreement be made for the manufacture of feed locally.
In view of the above stated and other difficulties, the mission does not recommend the culture of penaeid shrimp except on a research scale, unless costs, and risk, are borne by the company advocating shrimp culture in Romania. Government manpower and finances are likely to yield greater returns from other endeavours.
The research conducted to date is of a high calibre and should be continued. It will form a basis for problem solving in the future as problems develop, as they undoubtedly will, in such areas as parasites, disease and nutrition. This will be useful not only in Romania, but also for other countries within the region, which have only limited facilities and personnel for research at present.
Short-term experts to advise and assist national staff should be made available in the following aspects: aquaculture engineering for pond design and construction, design of mussel culture systems, and design of ‘valli’ type weirs and screens; lagoon culture, intensive culture of fish in brackishwater ponds, fry collection and shellfish culture, nutrition and feed technology, as well as reproductive physiology.
Two national staff members should be sent for one month's study tour of mullet farms and fry collection centres, as well as valli culture operations in Italy. One staff member should be sent for a month's training in mussel culture.
The following specialized equipment is recommended to be provided: water analysis equipment, a work barge with hydraulic winch and motor, a small skiff with outboard engine, fish screens, water pumps, automatic feeders, etc.
Government requested that the mission evaluate the potential of grey mullet, mussel, seatrout, sturgeon and turbot. Following are the mission's recommendations concerning these:
There are suitable areas for supporting a sizeable mullet farming industry. The climate is mild, with water temperatures never reaching the freezing point. Rainfall is moderate, 73.5 cm per year in the Samsun area. The grey mullets are highly prized by the populace and fetch a high price. Indications are that sufficient wild fry are available to support aquaculture activities. With these factors in mind, the mission recommends that efforts be made to develop culture of grey mullets, especially M. cephalus. As culture technology is relatively well known, it should not be too difficult to adapt technology developed elsewhere to local conditions, and the mission recommends it be given the number one priority for development.
Along the Black Sea coast, the delta area of the Red River near Bafra is very suitable. Development could be initiated by installing water control gates and fish screens in the connections between the lakes and the sea. A number of ponds should be constructed. Small mullets caught within the fish screens should be stocked in the ponds for over-wintering and growing to a large size during the succeeding growing season. As pond culture experience develops, stocking of fry instead of larger fish could be initiated. In preparation for this, a study of fry abundance and seasonality should be carried out.
Information on pond culture management, stocking rates, feeding and feed technology developed at the Lead Centre for mullet culture in Romania would be of great benefit in developing pond culture of mullets in Turkey.
Extensive protected bays suitable for raft cultivation were not found, although much of the coastline from Samsun to Rize were inspected. Water temperatures which range from 20 to 23°C should enable good growth. Productivity has not been studied well, but is reported to be lower than in European waters. Although the tidal range (10 cm) would be beneficial for raft cultivation, adequate protection for rafts is a requirement and it is doubtful if this could be provided in the open sea. North/north-west winds occur in winter, resulting occasionally in 2 m waves. It was reported that in some areas, 7 m waves can occur on occasions, but the condition of the shoreline did not appear to be such that the winter winds would cause much damage.
The bottom cultivation method relies on an adequate and regular supply of seed, protected areas with a stable sea bed and water quality conducive to good growth and fattening. There was no evidence of seed mussel in any area, and while areas suitably protected and with stable bottoms are probably available, the water quality could not be determined without a research programme.
While water temperature, tidal range and absence of winter storms would be beneficial for raft or frame suspended cultivation, enclosed areas affording good protection were not observed. No experiments have been carried out to establish areas of settlement and settlement rate. Such experiments would also indicate if condition improves off the bottom and give valuable data on growth rates. These could be carried out relatively inexpensively by using ropes suspended from buoys at a number of locations.
There is not enough basic information on growth rates, condition indices, water quality and productivity of mussels in Turkish Black Sea waters to give a meaningful indication of real potential. Available information suggests that off-bottom culture would be limited by the lack of extensive and numerous protected areas. Bottom cultivation might be limited by the absence of extensive and stable seed beds or the availability of re-laying areas which would improve condition and ensure growth.
In view of the limited potential and lack of demand for mussels and the observed potential and need for cultivation of other species such as sturgeon and mullet particularly, it is not possible for the mission to recommend a mussel cultivation project for the Black Sea at this time.
The Directorate of Water Products, however, should be encouraged to initiate a research project which would identify settlement areas and indicate what improvement in growth and condition, if any, would be achieved by off-bottom trials. This could be done inexpensively by suspending ropes from buoys at selected areas and monitoring progress.
The mission was unable to obtain sufficient information to decide on the advisability of starting a hatchery to produce young trout for stocking the sea. Detailed knowledge of the life history and an accurate estimate of the current status of the stock are required. The mission recommends that necessary investigations be carried out to obtain such information before a decision is made.
The Red and Green Rivers are natural spawning grounds for sturgeon and stocks from them supported a sizeable fishery in the past. The fishery has declined greatly and there is danger of a further decline as a result of dam construction.
Experience in the USSR has shown the benefit which can be obtained by releasing hatchery produced fry into the sea. Owing to well organized restocking, the USSR is producing between 25 and 27 000 t of sturgeon per year from the Caspian and Azov Seas. Measures in the USSR for repopulation of the Black Sea with cultivated sturgeons of Caspian Sea origin, held in nurseries and then released to the sea, led to an increase of the total number of Acipenseridae in 1976 by 50 percent compared to 1971. Following the advances made by the USSR, Iran started similar projects in the Caspian Sea and Romania is also planning such a programme.
Romanian calculations of the benefit of restocking, based on experience in the USSR, are less optimistic than those of the Department of Fisheries, which are based on Iranian projections. The expected rate of return from Romanian releases is only 1 percent and the average age at return is projected at 18 to 20 years for H. huso of 50 kg and 15 years for A. stellatus of 15–20 kg. The Fisheries Department projects a 3 percent return at an average age of 7–8 years. The mission is of the opinion that the concept of releasing young sturgeon to the sea is a viable one. As the time taken for the first year class of fish to be harvested, is so long, between 8–15 years, it is given a lower priority for development than mullet culture. It is essential, however, that expert technical advice be obtained before plans for development are finalized. The most urgent consideration is selection of a site for the hatchery. A sturgeon hatchery requires very clean water, but river water at the proposed site visited by the mission is extremely turbid. Alternate sites should be evaluated, especially those where clean discharge water from the dams can be utilized. Optimum size at release, and release points should be determined.
Although the Romanian authorities are not eager to include their sturgeon programme in a regional project, their experience may prove useful in Turkish efforts.
The mission does not recommend turbot culture. This is still a developing technology and benefits are not clearly defined. Several countries including the USSR, are conducting experiments to develop reliable technology for turbot culture. It may be that turbot culture would be a suitable line for development in Turkey in the future, but for the present, efforts should be concentrated on species such as mullets and sturgeon where the pay-off would be more assured. In the meantime, the brackishwater fish hatchery in Bulgaria would have accumulated the necessary experience in the culture of Black Sea turbot.
Aside from the benefits to be derived from cooperation with the other Black Sea countries, additional external assistance would be required. The mission recommends the following:-
Mullet
A short-term consultant to design and supervise construction of water control gates, internal partitions and canals for ‘valli’ type culture.
A short-term consultant to design and supervise construction on a pond system.
A long-term expert for pond management.
Specialized equipment.
Training of national staff in ‘valli’ culture.
Training of national staff in pond culture.
Sturgeon
Short-term consultants to select a site for a hatchery, and supervise its design and construction.
A long-term expert to provide technical advice on hatchery management.
Specialized equipment.
Training of national staff in hatchery and nursery management.
Seatrout
Short-term experts to set up and monitor a programme to investigate the life history and fishery for seatrout to determine the feasibility of increasing production by stocking natural waters with hatchery raised fingerlings.
