Prepared by
Alessandro Lovatelli
(FAO Fisheries Department, Rome)
Has there been any Mediterranean bluefin farming activity in your country since 1996? According to the information made available only seven Mediterranean countries are currently farming/fattening BFT. These countries are: Croatia, Cyprus, Italy, Libya, Malta, Spain and Turkey. Spain started BFT farming/fattening in 1985 (only in Andalusia) followed by Croatia in 1996. Morocco has reported that the relevant authority has granted permission to establish a farming operation along its southern Atlantic coast (Location: Sidi Ifni), but so far nothing has been launched. Greece reported that one bluefin tuna farm was established in 2004. Little or no information on existing or planned farming activities in other Mediterranean countries has not been submitted.
| Croatia | Yes (started in 1996) |
| Cyprus | Yes (started in 2003) (1) |
| France | No |
| Greece | Yes (startedin 2004) |
| Italy | Yes (started in 2001) |
| Israel | No |
| Lebanon | No (2) |
| Libya | Yes (started in 2003) |
| Malta | Yes (started in 2000) |
| Morocco | No (3) |
| Spain | Yes (started in 1985/1997) (4) |
| Syria | No |
| Turkey | Yes (started in 2002) |
(1) Two BFT started operation in 2003 one in the east and one in the south of Cyprus.
(2) One BFT farm planned for 2004. Information provided by Istanbul University. No official data provided by the country.
(3) The authorization for establishing a farming operation along the Atlantic coast has been authorized but not initiated.
(4) In Spain BFT started in 1985 in the Andalusia Region and in 1997 in Murcia Region.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FARMS
Here "farms" generally refers to operations of similar characteristics, usually by a given company in a given area. The description should be as detailed as possible while respecting confidentiality requirements, if any.
Number, size and location. Currently Spain is leading the industry with regards to the number of registered companies engaged in BFT farming/fattening. The survey report from Spain lists the names of all 9 companies authorized by the Regional Government and operating in the Murcia Region. Two additional farms are located in Ceuta and Barbate (Cadiz) in the Andalucia Region. Furthermore, the permission of establishing other BFT farms (numbers not indicated) in the Cataluña Region (L'Ametlla del Mar), Balearic and Canary Islands have recently been submitted to the local authorities. The Spanish companies are given sea concessions that range from approximately 170 000-640 000 m2 (or 16-64 hectares). The names of all the companies are reported in the Spanish survey.
Croatia follows next among the Mediterranean countries with 10 farms spread throughout the coastline of the country. Turkey, although a relatively new player in the industry (farming started in 2002) is the third Mediterranean country with six farms, followed by Italy (4 farms), Malta (3 farms) and Cyprus and Libya (2 farms). The survey report from Turkey lists the names of all 6 companies, 4 of which are located in the Bay of Antalya (3 in the Gazipasa area and 1 in the Konyaalti area), Mediterranean Sea, and 2 in the Bay of Ildir (east of Hiyos Island) on the Aegean Sea. The Turkish companies are given each a sea concession that ranges from approximately 60 000-120 000 m2 (or 6-10.6 hectares).
| Country | No. of farms | Size (tonnes) | Location |
| Croatia (1) | 12 | 400-1 000 | Zadar, Šibenik and Split counties. |
| Cyprus (2) | 02 | 500-1 000 | One in the east (Famagusta Bay) and one in the south (Limasol Bay) of Cyprus. No information is available on the farm located to the east. The farm located in the south was granted an experimental license in 2003 and utilizes an area of 5 hectares. |
| Greece | 01 | n.a. | The farm is located off the island of Ithaki, Echinades Islands, Kefallonia Prefecture. |
| Italy | 04 | n.a. | Calabria and Sicilia regions. |
| Libya | 02 | 200 | Located off the coast of Tripoli. |
| Malta | 03 | n.a. | AJD Tuna Ltd operates off St. Paul's Bay (in 2003 it had a second site in Comino Channel); Malta Tuna Trading operates 1 km north of Delimara Point; Melita Tuna Ltd also operates off Delimara Point 2 km away from Malta Tuna Trading. |
| Spain | 11 (3) | n.a. | Murcia and Andalucia regions. |
| Turkey | 06 | 800-2 000 | Aegean (Ildir Bay) and Mediterranean (Antalya Bay) Seas. |
(1) In 2003, one additional farm site has been licensed, but currently is not operational.
(2) All the information on tuna farming in Cyprus reported in this document refers to the farming operation located along its southern coast (i.e. Kimagro Fishfarming Ltd).
(3) There are 9 farms officially authorized (licence or sea concession) by the regional government to operate in the Murcia Region. In the Andalucia Region there are two additional farms located in Ceuta and Barbate (Cadiz). Furthermore official requests have been submitted for establishing farms in the Cataluña Region, Balearic and Canary Islands.
Farm site characteristics (be as explicit as possible: e.g. water depth, shore distance, proximity to other fish farms, proximity to urban areas, proximity to marine reserves, typical characteristics of the water during fattening season). Throughout the Mediterranean countries all BFT farms are located in areas which have bottom depths ranging from 25-75 m. On average it appears that most cages are located on sites that have an average sea depth exceeding 50 m. The net depth of the cages used range from 15-30 m, however most countries report the use of cages with net depths of 30 m.
The information extracted from the survey reports show that the BFT farming/fattening cages are located at different distances from the shoreline. The distances seem to range from 1 000 m to a maximum of 6 000 m. However, some countries (e.g. Croatia, Greece) report a minimum distance of 200 m (measured from the nearest island shoreline) and a similar distance are also reported for some of the Spanish operations. Most farms are however established and operating at much larger distances of around 2 000-5 000 m from the coast. The shore distance of most if not all BFT farms seems to be determined by the cage net height and sea bottom depth. Cages are usually placed in areas where a minimum height of 10 m or more is left between the bottom of the cage and the sea floor. The Spanish report clearly mentions that, although some farms are located in the vicinity of the shore, the water column always exceeds 40 m in depth. Furthermore, it reports that BFT farms authorized since 2002 are currently being placed further offshore (over 6 km). In the coastal management plan of the Murcia Government the authorities are planning to move and concentrate BFT farms in three well defined areas located far from the shoreline and characterized by deep waters. None of the other survey reports provide information on similar management plans for the industry.
All countries report that none of the existing farms are located in the vicinity of urban areas or marine reserves. Prior to approving a BFT farm it appears that local authorities take the necessary precautions in this respect.
With regards to the typical characteristics of the water during the farming/fattening season little information is provided in the survey reports. Italy reports that no variation of the sea water quality was observed during the fattening season, while Spain and Cyprus reported water temperatures ranging from 10-26 ºC and 19-28 ºC, respectively.
| Country | Water depth (m) | Shore distance (m) | Proximity to: Other farms, urban area, marine reserves |
| Croatia | 50-75 | 200-5 500 | Farms are not located in the vicinity of one another, generally far from urban areas and at a safety distance from marine reserves. The report does not provide additional details. |
| Cyprus | 40-55 | >3 000 | Farming cages are not visible from the shoreline. The tuna farm is 25 km from all other fish farming sites. No marine reserves or Posidonia beds exist in the proximity of the farm. |
| Greece | >45 | 200 | The farm is located 500 m away from other fish farms and approximately 12 km from nearest urban centre. |
| Italy | 35-50 | 1 000-5 000 | All farms are not located in the proximity of any marine reserve and are usually far from harbours (the report indicates a minimum distance of 1.8 km). No water quality variation was observed in the farm sites during the farming months. |
| Libya | 50-60 | 3 700-4 600 | No additional information is provided in the report. |
| Malta | 50-70 | 1 000 | No additional information is provided in the report. |
| Spain | ³40 | 6 000 (1) | Local authorities ensure that BFT farms are not established in proximity of urban centres and marine reserves. The report does not provide additional details. |
| Turkey | 40-60 | 1 000-2 000 | There are no known marine reserves in the vicinity of existing BFT farms. The report does not provide additional details. Surveys reports show that no water quality variations have been recorded in the farm sites during the cultured period. |
(1) Farms are located at a reasonable distance from the shore although some are quite close to it. All sites have bottom depth over 40 metres. Furthermore, farms authorized since 2002 must be located offshore at a minimum distance of 6 km from the shoreline.
Typical input season. Most Mediterranean countries start stocking their BFT cages in late spring (May) with the exception of Spain and Libya which report that June is the main month. Greece indicated that its first farming season started in August 2004. In most cases the input season lasts for a couple of months (May/June or June/July), however, in the case of Croatia and Malta the season may extend up to late summer (September).
| Country | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | ||||
| Croatia | | | | ® | | | | | | | | | ||||
| Cyprus | | | | ® | | | | | | | | | ||||
| Greece |
| | | | | | ® | | | | | | ||||
| Italy | | | | ® | | | | | | | | | ||||
| Libya | | | | | ® | | | | | | | | ||||
| Malta | | | | ® | | | | | | | | | ||||
| Spain | | | | | ® | | | | | | | | ||||
| Turkey | | | | ® | | | | | | | | | ||||
Symbols ®: start of input season.
Capacities (specify if capacity is mandated by the Government or set by farm operators). The farm capacity in most countries appears to be mandated by the authorizing government body. Spain and Greece report that the regional authorities currently limit the capacity of BFT farms, authorizing on average 1 000 tonnes per farm (range from 700-1 000 tonnes/farm). Turkey reports the same situation with current limits ranging from 800-2 000 tonnes/farm. In Cyprus the current range is 500-1 000 tonnes/farm. Croatia also reports that the capacity is regulated, but no additional information is provided. Malta also indicates that the capacity is mandated by the government with current authorized farming capacities ranging from 350-1 500 tonnes. Italy reports that the capacity is proposed by the farm operators and cleared by the authorities.
Farming equipment (marine cages, size, net depth, boats, etc.). BFT farms largely use circular ring-type open-sea floating net cages either built locally or purchased from several large equipment manufacturers (e.g. Bridgestone, Corelsa, Fusion Marine). The sizes of the cages vary from 30-90 m in diameter with net depths commonly ranging from 15-20/30 m. In general the industry uses mainly cages with a diameter of 50 m and net depths varying according to sea location. The largest cages (90 m in diameter) are currently used in Spain, whilst Croatia reports the smallest size in terms of net length, i.e. 13 m.
Tuna farms usually operate their own fleet of boats mainly for positioning nets, transportation and feeding of bait and for other routine activities that include inspection of cages by divers. Some farms, as in the case of Spanish operators, also own powerful vessels used for towing transportation cages.
| Country | Culture facility | Net depth (m) | Diameter (m) | Boats |
| Croatia | Floating cages | 13-20 | 40-50 | - Information not provided - |
| Cyprus | Floating cages | 25-30 | 50 | One large modified vessel of 30 m is used for the transportation/delivery of bait and harvesting. Three auxiliary boats (8m) are also in use. |
| Greece | Floating cages | 25 | 50 | - Information not provided - |
| Italy | Floating cages | 20-30 | 30-50 | One large boat for cage/fish transport & two smaller boats for daily operations. |
| Libya | Floating cages | 40 | 50 | Four boats for fish transport and all daily operations. |
| Malta | Floating cages | 30-40 | 50-90 | Five boats (size not specified) are in use for transportation/delivery of bait fish. |
| Spain | Floating cages | 25-30 | 50-90 | Farms have their own fleet of boats for towing transportation cages, slaughtering and other routine operations (e.g. feeding, inspection of cages). |
| Turkey | Floating cages | 15-30 | 50-66 | Currently a total of 42 boats of different type and size are being used for baiting, harvesting and other purposes. |
Source of seed fish (local fishing fleet; or other flags). Most Mediterranean countries engaged in BFT farming report that seed fish are obtained from both local fishing fleets as well as boats beating other flags. Up to 2000 all Spanish farms were supplied with seed fish from French and Spanish purse seiners operating in the West Mediterranean. The decrease in local catches and the forbidden use of spotter plans (in June-July) have forced Spanish operators to seek suppliers from other neighbouring countries and extend fishing operation throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Italian, Tunisian and Maltese registered vessels have all been supplying the Spanish industry in the past few years through pre-arranged contracts.
Malta reports that 100 percent of all its seed fish is supplied from foreign vessels operating mainly in the central Mediterranean Sea waters. To date only Italian and Libyan vessels have been contracted. Cyprus also reports that currently all the seed is provided by French and Spanish vessels operating in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Levantine Basin). Turkey, on the other hand, indicated that its entire fish seed demand up to 2004 was supplied through local fishing boats. In fact some of the largest BFT farms in Turkey are owned and operated by companies engaged in the capture industry. Most of these companies operate their own purse seiners. However, in 2004, as a result of the ICCAT quota, most of the seed fish (approx. 55 percent) were imported from other countries (includinmg Libya, Tunisia and Korea Rep.)
No additional information is available in the survey reports with regards to other Mediterranean countries engaged in supplying seed material. See section below ("Farm Inputs") for information on flag of origin of seed fish for the five BFT farming/fattening countries.
| Country | Local fishing fleet | Other flags | Notes |
| Croatia | Yes | Yes | - |
| Cyprus | No | Yes | "Other flags". French vessels (EU quota allocated to France). The source of seed stock from Eastern Mediterranean (Levantine Basin). |
| Greece | Yes | Yes | Greek and French vessels supplied seed in 2004. |
| Italy | Yes | Yes | "Other flags" mainly from France and Spain. |
| Libya | Yes | No | - |
| Malta | No | Yes | 100 percent imported from Italy and Libya. Seed material is transported to the culture sites by Maltese and/or foreign vessels. Overall catch is estimated during transfer to the farming cages. |
| Spain | Yes | Yes | Decrease catches in the traditional fishing areas and the forbidden use of planes to locate BFT stocks in Spanish waters have forced operators to seek seed suppliers from other countries. Fishing by Spanish purse seiners extended all over the Mediterranean and contracts arranged with other flag fleets. |
| Turkey | Yes | Yes | In 2004 approximately 55 percent of seed fish was imported from other countries. |
INPUTS TO THE FARMS
Provide the following statistics on capacity and inputs to the farm. Little information is provided with regards to the volume of BFT introduced into the cages. With regards to the BFT size range, Croatia reports the largest range size from 5-200 kg/specimen, however the mean BFT size is rather low from specimens as small as 8 kg (in 2002) to just over 24 kg (in 1999). Malta and Cyprus, on the other hand, stocked the largest specimens, ranging from 80-620 kg (mean size 350 kg) and 30-400 kg (mean size 150 kg). Spain and Italy position themselves somewhere in between with individuals from 35/50 kg to 200/250 kg, averaging a mean size of 120/135 kg.
| Year | Flag of origin of seed fish | No. of cages | Total farm volume (m3) | Input season (month) | BFT introduced (tonnes) | BFT size range (kg) | BFT mean size (kg) | Comments | ||||||
| CROATIA | ||||||||||||||
| 1996 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | Size range and mean size re national catch | ||||||
| 1997 | Croatia | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | | ||||||
| 1998 | Croatia | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | | ||||||
| 1999 | Croatia | 12 | - | - | - | 5-200 | 24,23 | | ||||||
| 2000 | Croatia | 28 | - | - | - | 5-200 | 10,06 | | ||||||
| 2001 | Croatia, Italy, Tunisia, France | 43 | - | 04-09 | 1,933 | 5-200 | 11,69 | | ||||||
| 2002 | Croatia, Italy, Tunisia, Spain | 65 | 312 500 m2 | 03-10 | 2,628 | 5-100 | 8,26 | | ||||||
| 2003 | Croatia, France, Spain | 70 | 400 000 m2 | 03-10 | 1,137 | 5-200 | 8,49 | | ||||||
| CYPRUS | ||||||||||||||
| 2003 | France | 3 | 120 000 | 05-06 | 375 (1) | 40-500 (1) | 250 (1) | High survival during transport and stocking | ||||||
| 2004 | France, Spain | 6 | 240 000 | 06 | 750 (1) | 30-400 (1) | 150 (1) | | ||||||
| GREECE | ||||||||||||||
| 2004 | Greece, France | 8 | ~49 000 | 08 | 419.65 | 95-330 | 187 | No comments | ||||||
| ITALY | ||||||||||||||
| 2001 | Italy | 4 | 236 000 | 06 | 600 (1) | 35-250 | 150 | Fishing area: Lampedusa/Malta Only in 2001 | ||||||
| 2002 | France, Spain, Italy | 13 | 765 000 | 06-07 | 1 350 (1) | 35-250 | 135 | | ||||||
| 2003 | France, Italy | 12 | 660 000 | 05-06 | 1 275 (1) | 30-300 | 132 | | ||||||
| LIBYA | ||||||||||||||
| 2003 | Libya | 07 | 68 000 | 06-07 | 120 | 50-250 | 150 | No comments | ||||||
| MALTA | ||||||||||||||
| 2000 | Italy, Libya | 4 (2) | 120 000 | 06 | 330 | 80-620 | 350 | Different inputs are introduced into the cages | ||||||
| 2001 | Italy, Libya | 8 (2) | 360 000 | 06 | 1 108 | 80-620 | 350 | | ||||||
| 2002 | Italy | 12 (2, 3) | 480 000 | 06 | 1 930 | 80-620 | 350 | | ||||||
| 2003 | Italy, Libya | 24 | 950 000 | 06 | 4 100 | 80-620 | 350 | | ||||||
| SPAIN | ||||||||||||||
| 1996 | Spain | 1-2 (4) | - | 06-07 | n.a. | 100-200 | 150 | In 1996 farming was only in south of Spain From 1997 BFT farming started in Murcia, SE Spain | ||||||
| 1997 | France, Spain | 3 (4) | - | 06-07 | n.a. | 50-200 | 120 | | ||||||
| 1998 | France, Spain | 4 (4) | - | 06-07 | n.a. | 50-200 | 120 | | ||||||
| 1999 | France, Spain | 6 (4) | - | 06-07 | n.a. | 50-200 | 120 | | ||||||
| 2000 | Several (Not Indicated) | 7 (4) | - | 06-07 | n.a. | 50-200 | 120 | | ||||||
| 2001 | Several (Not Indicated) | 7 (4) | - | 06-07 | n.a. | 50-200 | 120 | | ||||||
| 2002 | Several (Not Indicated) | 10 (4) | - | 06-07 | n.a. | 50-200 | 120 | | ||||||
| TURKEY | ||||||||||||||
| 2002 | Turkey | 18 | 835 000 | 06 | 1 600 | 25-450 | 70 | No comments | ||||||
| 2003 | Turkey | 38 | 1 625 000 | 06-07 | 3 300 | 45-450 | 90 | | ||||||
| 2004 | Turkey, Tunisia, Libya, Korea Rep. | 47 | 1 865 000 | 05-06 | 2 700 | 35-400 | 80 | | ||||||
Note: Approximate volume for a pen = (3.14)x(Radius2)x(Depth).
(1) Estimates.
(2) Farms operating in 2000 = 01; 2001 = 02; and 2002 = 03.
(3) One cage, located 3.8 km from the shore in 50 m water depth, is used for applied research activities.
(4) The figures refer to number of farms rather than number of cages.
DESCRIPTION OF METHOD TO ESTIMATE MAGNITUDE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INPUTS
Describe how the inputs (magnitude and size distribution) are estimated. BFT inputs to any given farm is an exercise often repeated twice if towing cages are employed, or only once if the tuna are transferred directly to the fattening cages. The first estimate is carried out when transferring fish from a purse seiner to a towing cage. Estimation of the number of fish transferred is usually carried out visually and/or with the aid of accurately positioned underwater video cameras (divers are used) which film the fish moving into the cage. Two separate estimates are provided following slow motion replay of the video one by the fishermen (skipper) and one by the farmers (buyer). An agreed estimate is generally reached following animated negotiations that may last a few days. Size composition is also determined empirically based on experience. The weight of specimens which perished during the fishing operation or transfer exercise coupled with the video recordings also assists in determining the size composition of the catch.
Malta also reports that before any seed fish is purchased from foreign vessels, the ICCAT certificates are inspected by the Fisheries Department for appropriate clearance.
Describe whether the same pen receives different inputs during a given fattening season. In most cases the BFT farming countries report that cages often receive different inputs during a given fattening season. This is mainly as a result of the duration of the input season (i.e. catch of seed fish) that may extend for several months (see section above on "Typical input season"). In Spain several transfers are made up to the end of July (generally the end of the input season) in order to reach the desired stocking level in each of the cages. Spanish farmers, however, usually try whenever possible to separate into different cages specimens from different catches and/or size range. This allows for better management of the farmed fish. Italy is the only countries that reports no mixing of different catches.
OUTPUTS
Describe the duration of the fattening/growing season (months, range and mean). In most Mediterranean countries the BFT farming season starts in June (or as early as May for Croatia and Italy) and it extends for approximately 6-7 months in most cases. Greece commenced its first growing season in August 2004. For Croatia the season may last for a minimum of 4 months to a maximum of 20 months. It should be noted that Croatia stocks most of its fattening cages with small tuna specimens ranging on average between 8-25 kg/fish and hence the long fattening period. The fattening period is generally closely related to the market demand/opportunities and harvesting time is generally agreed between the producer and the purchaser. For this reason although the fattening season in Spain usually lasts until December-January it sometimes may extend until February. In the case of Italy it is reported that different producers tend to agree among themselves on the lengths of the farming season.
| Country | Farming season | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| Croatia | 04-20 months | | | | | ® | | | | | | | |
| Cyprus | 05-08 months | | | | | ® | | | | | | | |
| Greece | 07 months | | | | | | | | ® | | | | |
| Italy | 03-06 months | | | | | ® | ® | | | | | | |
| Libya | 05-06 months | | | | | | ® | | | | | | |
| Malta | 04-07 months | | | | | | ® | | | | | | |
| Spain | 06-09 months | | | | | | ® | ® | | | | | |
| Turkey | 04-09 months | | | | | | ® | | | | | | |
Symbols ®: start of farming/fattening season.
Describe the output (production) season (months, range and mean). The harvesting or slaughtering period and commercialization of the tuna is strongly related to the market demand, price offer and weather conditions. The various survey reports submitted indicate that commercialization of the tuna may start as early as September; however the main months appear to be November and December. Harvesting may even extend for a couple of months into the following year (see table below).
| Country | Harvesting season | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
| Croatia | 05 months | | | | | | | | | ® | ¯ | | |
| Cyprus | 02-03 months | | | | | | | | | | ® | ¯ | |
| Italy | 07 months | | | | | | | ® | | ¯ | | | ¯ |
| Malta | 03 months | | | | | | | | | ® | ¯ | | |
| Spain | 04-05 months | | | | | | | | ® | | | ¯ | ¯ |
| Turkey | 06 months | | | | | | | | | | | ® | ¯ |
Symbols ®: start of harvesting; ¯: main harvesting months.
Provide the following statistics on production:
| Year | BFT produced (tonnes) | BFT size range (kg) | BFT mean size (kg) | Comments |
| CROATIA | ||||
| 1997 | 390 | (1) | (1) | No additional comments. |
| 1998 | 400 | | | |
| 1999 | 690 | | | |
| 2000 | 1 167 | | | |
| 2001 | 3 045 | | | |
| 2002 | 3 971 | | | |
| 2003 | 4 679 | | | |
| CYPRUS | ||||
| 2004 | 1 372 | 30-500 | 200 | The fattening period for fish stocked in 2003 was extended to 8 months hence harvesting was carried out in 2004 |
| GREECE | ||||
| 2004 | No data currently available. Process in progress. | |||
| ITALY | ||||
| 2001 | 800 | 35-250 | 150 | No additional comments. |
| 2002 | 1 800 | 35-200 | 120 | |
| 2003 | 1 700 | 30-300 | 130 | |
| LIBYA | ||||
| 2003 | 420 (2) | 50-250 | 150 | No additional comments. |
| MALTA | ||||
| 2000 | 330 | 80-600 | 200 | No additional comments. |
| 2001 | 1 108 | 80-600 | 200 | |
| 2002 | 1 855 | 80-600 | 200 | |
| 2003 | 3 550 | 80-600 | 200 | |
| SPAIN (3) | ||||
| 1996 | 77 | 150-200 | n.a. | Source: Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación; Secretería General de Pesca Marítima. |
| 1997 | 173 | 100-150 | | |
| 1998 | 1 779 | 50-150 | | |
| 1999 | 3 346.5 (4) | 50-150 | | |
| 2000 | 3 382.2 (5) | 50-150 | | |
| 2001 | 4 446.7 (6) | 50-150 | | |
| 2002 | 4 845.9 (7) | 50-150 | | |
| 2003 | 3 687.1 (8) | - | | |
| TURKEY | ||||
| 2002 | 2 060 | 35-580 | 90 | No additional comments. |
| 2003 | 3 800 | 65-600 | 125 | |
| 2002 | 3 300 | 50-600 | 115 | |
(1) Information available, but confidential.
(2) One farm produced 120 tonnes while the other 300 tonnes.
(3) BFT farming started in Andalucia in 1985. Production from 1985 to 1996 (excluding 1992 and 1994) amounted to 937.5 tonnes.
(4) Production breakdown in tonnes: Murcia: 3196,2; Andalucia: 150,3.
(5) Production breakdown in tonnes: Murcia: 3660; Andalucia: 22,2.
(6) Production breakdown in tonnes: Murcia: 4219; Andalucia: 52,5; Canarias: 175,2.
(7) Production breakdown in tonnes: Murcia: 4715; Andalucia: 95,37; Canarias: 35,56.
(8) Production breakdown in tonnes: Murcia: 3620.8; Andalucia: 13,97; Canarias: 52,3.
MORTALITY
Farming season and duration. Relevant information on farming season and duration is provided above (see section on "Describe the duration of the fattening/growing season" under Outputs).
What percentage of the farmed tuna dies while in captivity? In general the mortality rate of BFT reported during the farming/fattening season remains rather contained somewhat indicating the adaptability of the fish to survive in an enclosed area (i.e. captivity) and under normal culture conditions. Mortality appears to be in the range of 1-5 percent of the stocked fish. Spain and Libya reported higher mortality percentages. In the case of Spain this is possibly due to the fact that a large proportion of cultured BFT reaches the Spanish culture sites after long towing trips that may last over a month adding to the general stress of the confined fish.
| Country | Farm mortality (%) | Country | Farm mortality (%) |
| Croatia | 1-5 | Libya | 4-12 |
| Cyprus | 1-1.5 | Malta | 1-2 |
| Greece | n.a. | Spain | <10 |
| Italy | 1-2 | Turkey | 3 |
Describe other relevant mortality information (incl. diseases). Most countries reported that no specific diseases associated with BFT have yet been recorded. A number of environmental parameters/conditions (e.g. strong currents, water turbidity, low oxygen and salinity levels), however, may be associated with some of the mortalities that have been recorded over the last few years. Italy reported that in 2002 one of its farms lost approximately 50 tonnes of fish and that this was attributed to strong currents persisting in the farm area at the time. Turkey also faced a large mortality in the same year (»150 tonnes) and a larger mortality in 2003 (approx. 700 tonnes) in three farms located in the Bay of Antalya. The cause was attributed to the influx of large volumes of freshwater in the farm site following persistent rainfall in the area. Spain also reported that turbid waters and low dissolved oxygen cause death, particularly among those fish that have not adapted to captive conditions. Malta suffered heavy losses in 2003 due to adverse weather conditions and an accidental collision with a commercial vessel while towing a cage.
Cyprus also reported that the cause of mortality during the first couple of farming months is due to injuries caused during fishing and transport. Small number of fish also died during the rest of the fattening season mainly due to injuries caused by fish ramming on the netting.
Describe the fate of the dead fish. Dead fish are generally destroyed by incineration (Cyprus, Italy, Malta) or disposed of out at sea (Malta) as they are treated as animal waste under the control of the local veterinary services. Turkey also reported that dead fish may be sold to canneries following positive laboratory analysis, while Libya reports that the fish are sold in the local market.
GROWTH
What is the relationship between weight gain and explanatory variables, such as initial size, temperature, and time in captivity? Information on weight gain in relation to farming variables (initial size, water temperature, farming period, etc.) is scanty or simply not available mainly because the initial sizes (body weight) of the stocked tuna are only estimates. However, when available (e.g. Croatia), it is treated by many of the farmers as confidential information. Furthermore, smaller fish show better growth rates (see Spain and Turkey below) than larger ones and both perform better at high temperature levels. One Italian farm reported an average water temperature of around 25,4 °C.
| Country | Weight gain (%) | Farming period | Notes |
| Italy | 20-50 | 06 months | Initial tuna body weight not known. Only estimates. |
| Cyprus | 18-23 | 05 months | Favourable physio-chemical conditions and good management practices are considered important. |
| Malta | 25-40 | 06 months | Weight gain depends on the size of the BFT initially stocked at the start of the farming season. |
| Spain | 40-50 | 06 months | Weight gain for BFT with initial body weight between 50-100 kg. |
| | 10-30 | 06 months | Weight gain for BFT with initial body weight between 100-150 kg. |
| Turkey | 50-60 | 06-07 months | Weight gain for BFT with initial body weight between 25-100 kg (initial body weight was only estimated). |
OTHER DATA
Describe other types of data collected by the farms (e.g. on reproduction, behaviour). In terms of behaviour, Italian farmers reported that in general tuna in the cages are extremely quiet, although natural phenomena such as lightning and thunder seem to stress the fish (Turkey). It appears that they adapt easily and rapidly to rearing conditions and have no problem in consuming the feed supplied. Spain observed that with regards to feeding, during regular inspections of the cages by divers, there appears to be a hierarchy in feed intake and fish distribution according to the size range of BFT stocked in the cages. In addition to these observations, Turkey reported that BFT seem to adapt slowly when the bait fish species is changed. It may take a minimum of 2-3 days before normal feeding commences once again.
In terms of reproduction behaviour Turkey reported that in July 2003 samples of seawater taken at a BFT farm showed the presence of BFT eggs and developing embryos. Research is in progress.
FEEDING
What are the tuna fed (incl. species composition; food supplements)? According to the survey reports, BFT are fed mainly with a mixed diet composed principally of a variety of small pelagic species including sardine, round sardinella, herring, mackerel and horse mackerel. In some of the farming countries (Cyprus, Malta, Spain and Turkey) it is reported that squids are also used in the diet. The type and scientific name of the squid species used is not provided in any of the survey reports. Furthermore, Turkey reported that a small percentage (5 percent) of the diet composition on one farm consists of squid stuffed with shrimp husks. Only Spain reported that some local farms have attempted to supplement the diet with a vitamin-mineral premix, whilst some farms have experimented with the use of moist pellets as a BFT feed produced from raw fish, fish meal and fish oil. No information is provided in the reports with regards to the species composition in the diet of BFT with one exception from a farm in Turkey. On this farm the diet composition generally used consists of 35 percent mackerel, 25 percent herring, 25 percent sardine, 10 percent squid and 5 percent squid stuffed with shrimp husks. Due to the commercial nature of the BFT farming/fattening business it is expected that each company uses its own (and secret) feed species composition based on the results achieved over the years. Feed composition is also based on the availability of the species generally used.
What are the sources of fish used for feeding (comment on the sources of small pelagics and whether those stocks of small pelagics are assessed and managed by a relevant RFB or government)? All Mediterranean countries currently engaged in the BFT farming/fattening business source bait fish from both locally fished stocks and imports. Although not specifically mentioned in the reports submitted, it can be deduced, based on the diet composition and species utilized, that a large percentage of the bait species utilized in this industry are imported fish from outside the region. In the case of Turkey the survey report indicates that over 95 percent of the bait fish is imported. Bait fish are imported frozen from a variety of countries among which Denmark, Holland and Ireland are mentioned among the EU countries. Spain is also a supplier of bait fish not only for the Spanish BFT farmers, but also enterprises in Cyprus, Italy and Malta. Malta and Turkey also reports imports from South American countries and the USA, respectively. Some countries report the utilization of pelagic species (e.g. sardines) from domestically managed stocks (Croatia, Italy and Spain). In the case of Spain, BFT farmers have arranged agreements with the local fishermen's association for the supply of bait fish. In the case of Libya 30 percent and 70 percent of the feed fish is imported and from local fisheries, respectively.
Describe feeding (quantity, frequency and quality). The quantity of bait fish administered to the farmed BFT was not indicated in all survey reports. However, from the data available, the daily range varies from 2-10 percent of the BFT biomass in any given cage. The lowest range is reported by Spain with 2-5 percent, followed by Cyprus (2-6 percent), Malta (3-6 percent), Turkey (3-7 percent), Italy (4-8 percent) and Libya (6 percent). Some countries report that water temperature is taken into account when feeding BFT with highest quantities provided at higher temperatures or during the summer months (Turkey: 7 percent in summer and 3 percent in winter months). In terms of feeding frequency this varies from 1-3 times daily with Croatia feeding up to 3 times/day, Italy up to 2 times/day, while Cyprus, Libya and Spain only once a day. In general feeding is carried out only 6 days/week (i.e. one day rest). Some farms in Croatia practice a 2-day rest period per week. In section 1.2 Croatia reports stocking fish of as low as 5 kg/specimen which may be a reason for feeding the fish daily. Little information is provided on the quality of the bait used in BFT farming. The Italian report mentions that the Marine Biological Institute of Trapani analysed the frozen fish used and confirmed the high level of lipid contents (17 percent dry weight basis). The report from Turkey mentions that all fish imported come with a health certificate and that frozen bait is preferred. Malta reports that feeding is carried out daily to satiation unless disrupted by adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, feeding is monitored by divers.
Provide estimates of food conversion over fattening season (kg gained by BFT divided by kg of feed used; explain the basis for the calculation - dry or wet weight). In many cases the estimation of correct or realistic food conversion ratios is not possible due to the unknown biomass of BFT when first stocked in a culture cage. The report from Malta indicates that no data are available on food conversion. Croatia reports that the information is available, but confidential and therefore not released by the companies involved. Estimates on food conversion over the fattening season are reported by Italy, Cyprus, Libya, Malta, Spain and Turkey. Italy estimates a food conversion ratio ranging from 10-17:1, Cyprus 15-18:1, Libya 15:1, and Malta 17±3:1. Spain reports a food conversion on a wet weight basis of 13-20 kg bait fish to 1 kg of BFT, indicating that the results are likely to be influenced by water temperature and BFT size composition. Low conversion rates have been recorded at low temperatures and with large fish specimens. In the case of Turkey, current data indicate a ratio of 15:1.
Provide information on monitoring of feeding with regards to food safety: are antibiotics, hormones or chemical additives used? Are chemical analyses of the food or of the bluefin conducted regularly? Are any such controls voluntary or mandated by legislation? All the reports received indicate that no antibiotics, hormones and/or chemical additives are used or added to the bait fish fed to the BFT. The quality of the fish bait imported is of obvious concern to all farming companies considering the large amounts imported and the high value of the stocked fish. The quality of the imported bait fish is generally accompanied by a health certificate supplied by the suppliers or other documentation required during the export/import procedures as regulated by EU and/or national legislations. At the national level, different agencies are involved to ensure the quality of bait fish (e.g. the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in Turkey and the veterinary control service in Croatia and Malta). No regulations currently seem to exist with regards to BFT flesh analysis. Croatia, nevertheless reports that specific biochemical tests on the final products are made upon demand from the buyers. Little or no additional information is provided in the survey reports on voluntary or mandated food safety controls apart from Croatia that mentions that HACCP procedures are obligatory at the farm level for exports and commercial licenses to be granted to the producing company. It appears that little or no other controls specifically exist for BFT apart from existing regulations for other farmed fish species.
Other relevant feeding information. None of the reporting countries provided additional information relevant to feeding BFT in culture conditions or on the feed utilized.
COMMERCIALIZATION
To what countries are the products sold (provide quantities, if available)? Japan is the main importer of farmed Mediterranean BFT, purchasing the entire production from Croatia, Cyprus (very small amounts are exported to the USA as fresh - <1 percent) and Turkey. Italy and Spain also identify Japan as their major buyer with Spain exporting 96 percent of its production (60 percent frozen and 40 percent fresh). Italy also exports small quantities to the PR China and the USA. Malta reports that its production is mainly for the Asian market without specifying the major importers.
Provide the following information:
| Year | Country of destination | Type of product (1) | Amount produced (tonnes) | Fresh (tonnes) | Frozen (tonnes) | Amount exported (tonnes) | Fresh (tonnes) | Frozen (tonnes) | Comments |
| CROATIA | |||||||||
| 1997 | Japan | GG | 390 (2) | - | - | 390 | - | - | Production season: Oct-Feb. |
| 1998 | Japan | GG | 400 (2) | - | - | 400 | - | - | |
| 1999 | Japan | GG | 690 (2) | - | - | 690 | - | - | |
| 2000 | Japan | GG | 1 167 (2) | - | - | 1 167 | - | - | |
| 2001 | Japan | GG | 3 045 (2) | - | - | 3 045 | - | - | |
| 2002 | Japan | GG, Fillets | 3 971 (2) | - | - | 3 971 | - | - | |
| 2003 | Japan | GG, Fillets | 4,679 | - | - | 4 679 | - | - | |
| CYPRUS | |||||||||
| 2004 | Japan, USA | Fresh, Frozen Loins | 1 372 | 8 | 1 364 | 1 372 | 8 | 1 364 | Fish stocked in 2003/04 were all harvested in 2004 |
| GREECE | |||||||||
| 2004 | - No data available - | ||||||||
| ITALY | |||||||||
| 2001 | Japan, China USA | Frozen, Fresh, Loins, Belly, Kama | 517 | 12 | 500 | - | - | - | Data from only 3 out of 4 farms operating in Italy |
| 2002 | Japan, China USA | Frozen, Fresh, Loins, Belly, Kama | 1 269 | 4 (3) | 933 (3) | - | - | - | |
| LIBYA | |||||||||
| 2003 | Spain, Malta, Greece | Frozen | - | - | - | - | - | - | No comments |
| MALTA | |||||||||
| 2000 | Asia | RD, GG, DR, FL, OT | 300 | - | - | - | - | - | Certificates are not issued individually. Products exported fresh and frozen |
| 2001 | Asia | RD, GG, DR, FL, OT | 1 150 | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2002 | Asia | RD, GG, DR, FL, OT | 1 930 | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 2003 | Asia | RD, GG, DR, FL, OT | 3 550 | - | - | - | - | - | |
| SPAIN | |||||||||
| - No statistics provided - Most of the fish is exported to Japan (>96 percent). Approximately 60 percent of the fish is exported frozen and the balance fresh. Product type: Small tuna specimen are sold fresh or whole frozen while majority is sold as frozen loins. | |||||||||
| TURKEY | |||||||||
| 2002 | Japan | Dressed, Gilled & Gutted, Fillets | 2 060 | 199 | 1 861 | 2 060 | 199 | 1 861 | DR= 162 GG= 906 FL= 485 (in tonnes) |
| 2003 | Japan | n.a. | 3 800 | - | - | - | | | |
| 2004 | Japan, USA, France | n.a. | 3 300 | - | - | 3 300 | - | - | 10% of the production exported to USA/France |
(1) Product type with conversion factor to whole fish. If you have accurate conversion factors, please report and apply them. Otherwise, the following conversion factors can be used to estimate round weight for various product types:
Belly meat x 10.28 = Round Weight
Dressed weight x 1.25 = Round Weight
Fillets x 1.67 = Round Weight
Gilled & Gutted weight x 1.16 = Round Weight
Other products x 2.0 = Round Weight(2) Production season and not calendar data.
(3) Data breakdown of fresh and frozen products from only one Italian farm.
What types of products are obtained? (fresh; frozen; belly meat, loins, etc.).
| Country | Fresh (%) | Frozen (%) | Main product type | Comments |
| Croatia | 40 | 60 | 90% Gilled & Gutted | - |
| Cyprus | <1 | >99 | Mainly frozen loins | Small quantities of fresh products exported to the USA. |
| Italy | 5-30 | 70-95 | Mainly frozen products | - |
| Malta | - No information provided - | - | ||
| Spain | 40 | 60 | Loins | Small BFT are usually sold fresh or whole frozen. The majority of the production is sold as frozen loins. |
| Turkey | 10-20 | 80-90 | Gilled & Gutted, Fillets | - |
Provide available estimates between product type and whole fish weight. No information is provided.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Describe the legislation that regulates the issuance of permits for farms (i.e. the mechanisms in place - local or national - that govern the permitting process).
| Croatia | · A concession for the use of maritime resources for a period up to 20 years is issued by the County. Concessions of over 20 years are granted by the Government. The legislation that regulates issuance of farm permits is at the national level. An environmental impact study is mandatory. |
| Cyprus | · Cyprus, being predominantly a tourist destination, is very conscious regarding environmental issues. Hence the policy has been the gradual development (precautionary approach) of aquaculture and the use of open sea cage farming technology. A very strict legal framework including environmental monitoring has been enforced, in order to facilitate the evaluation of the environmental impact of fish farms. The licence for the expansion or establishment of any farm is dependent on the results of environmental monitoring and/or environmental impact assessment studies. |
| Greece | · Issuance of permits for bluefin tuna farms follow the same process as for any other marine fish cage culture application. The relevant prefectures and the Ministry of Agriculture coordinate the process for the issuance of such permits. The Ministry has the final word as it supervises the overall bluefin quota allocated to the country. Tuna farming activities are being developed in accordance to EU regulations (Reg. 869/2004) and ICCAT resolutions. |
| Italy | · The legislation that regulates issuance of farm permits is at the regional level. Generally the authorities request an environmental impact study and ask for regular monitoring reports. Farmers generally complain that the licensing process is complex and takes too long. |
| Malta | · Aquaculture development is regulated by Part IX of Chapter 425, Fisheries Conservation and Management Act of 2001 and by subsidiary legislation (Aquaculture Operations Regulations) 2004 and Aquaculture Regulations 36.34 (LN73 of 1990) issued under the Prevention of Disease Ordinance Chapter 36 and covered by Chapter 437 Veterinary Services Act and Animal Welfare Act Chapter 439. The issue of operating permits is the direct responsibility of the Fisheries Conservation and Control Division. |
| Spain | · National legislation: - Law 23/1984 on Marine Aquaculture (Cultivos Marinos) - Law 22/1998 on Coastal Management (Costas) - Law 6/2001 on Environmental Impact Assessment (Evaluacion de Impacto Ambiental) Regional Legislation (Murcia): - Law 1/1995 on Environmental Protection (Protección de Medio Ambiente) |
| Turkey | · Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) regulates the issuance of permits for farms in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Ministry of Finance and the Agency of Maritime Affairs. |
Describe the specific requirements that are needed to obtain a license for a farm (e.g. distance from shore, distance from marine reserves, capacity).
| Croatia | · Farms should be located in areas with a water depth over 50 m and at a safe distance from marine reserves (no specifications provided). Currently no regulations exist regarding the minimum distance between farms and distance from the shore. Capacity is regulated by the environmental assessment study. |
| Italy | · The permit must be requested to the regional authorities. This implies that the farmers have already chosen the precise sea area. The regional authorities could ask for different opinion and approval by other government institutions (e.g. Port Authority, County, Province, Ministries); all the Institutions involved could ask for additional technical documentation as an Environmental Impact Assessment (generally asked by the Environmental Ministry, but now also directly by the Regions), the technical farm project, and the production plan. |
| Malta | · Aquaculture developments require appropriate environmental assessment prior to initiation, and require monitoring programmes; these shall have the objective of minimizing adverse ecological changes and related economical consequences resulting from water use, land use, discharge of effluents, use of drugs and chemicals and other related activities. The inputs of chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment are regulated and need to be registered and monitored during each operation. Safe, effective and minimal use of therapeutics, hormones, drugs, antibiotics and other disease control chemicals should be ensured. These programmes have to be approved by the relevant environment, fisheries and veterinary authorities, according to the remits of the relative agencies. |
| Spain | · The Murcia Government has a coastal management plan aimed at settling existing and future farm in an area located >6.5 km from the shore and far from protected areas. |
| Turkey | · In order to obtain a license a farm should be (a) at a safe distance from maritime routes, (b) far from specific and potential recreational sites, (c) off-shore (1-2 km from the shore), (d) in water depths over 40 m, (e) far from specific archaeological sites and historical wrecks (approx. 1.8 km), and (g) in areas with an adequate water current. |
Describe what types of environmental impact studies are needed before permits are issued.
| Croatia | · Standard Environmental Impacts Assessment (EAS) study followed by monitoring obligations. |
| Cyprus | · Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is required followed by monitoring obligations. |
| Greece | · Environmental Impact Preliminary Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment according to EU Council Directives 85/337/EEC, 96/61/EC and 97/11/EC. |
| Italy | · There is not a specific legislation. The Regional authorities could ask for an Environmental Impact Assessment/Study or for more detailed and specific environmental information. |
| Malta | · The preliminary studies that are required are those associated with the Environmental Impact Assessment, including benthic surveys, and collection of data regarding environmental parameters like water quality and sediment analysis. The impact assessment process also evaluates the quality and magnitude of the expected environmental impact. |
| Spain | · EIA study according to the regional environmental laws (Law 1/1995 in Murcia). Usually this includes a description of the BFT farm and routine operations, potential effect on the water column (physical, chemical and biological parameters), sediment and benthic communities, interaction with other economical and recreational human activities, etc. |
| Turkey | · An EIA report, prepared by an authorized firm, is submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forest for analysis. If approved, the farm area is leased from the Ministry of Finance. |
Describe what types of environmental impact studies are required for monitoring purposes while the farm is in operation.
| Croatia | · A new EIA study is required if the production of a farm is increased. Continuous environmental monitoring of the farm is mandatory. |
| Cyprus | · Continuos environmental monitoring is mandatory. An Environmental Monitoring Report must be submitted twice a year (every six month - summer and winter). |
| Italy | · Farms must be available for water analysis (physical, chemical & microbiological parameters) conducted periodically by the Local Sanitary Authority (pending by the Sanitary Ministry). |
| Malta | · The impact assessment outlines the required environmental monitoring. This includes monitoring of water quality and sediments, benthic flora and fauna, and visual inspection of the seabed under the cages (using video). Monitoring takes place at both cage and control sites. Other forms of monitoring, video monitoring or monitoring of Posidonia parameters, are carried out in areas that are identified as being of particular sensitivity. |
| Spain | · Annual environmental monitoring programme as foreseen in the EIA study, along with an Environmental Audit every three years. |
| Turkey | · The farm signs a 3-month interval inspection protocol with the closest University's Faculty of Fisheries. Water samples (at different depths) and sediments taken inside and outside the farm area are analysed. A report is submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forest. |
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
Are there perceived/factual interactions with the environment (explain if studies have been conducted to test for the interactions, who made the study and what were the conclusions)?
| Croatia | · Studies have been conducted for all the farms in 2002 by an authorised independent institution, showing local and reversible impact. |
| Cyprus | · The present tuna farm is currently operating with a temporary experimental licence. An environmental impact assessment study has been carried out by an independent scientific expert team consisting of Cypriot and international scientists. The study showed localized impacts underneath the cages and to a lesser extent up to 50 m from the cages. Impacts on the environment appear to be limited, seasonal and reversible. |
| Italy | · Monitoring of the environmental impact as a result of the farming activities was carried out by the Marine Biological Institute of Trapani. The results obtained describe with accuracy the effects of farming on the surrounding environment. Waste input from the farms is evident with increased organic levels in the sediments. At the centre of the farm the organic matter is more than double the values observed in control sample-areas before the start of tuna farming (0.41percent organic carbon). These values decrease along transects moving away from the farm. The values of organic matter are similar to those observed in the controls only in the transect stations located at 250 m from the cages. |
| Malta | · Competition for space is an important issue. Biggest interaction is with the tourism industry. |
| Spain | · A research for the comparison of environmental impact of seabream/seabass farms versus BFT farms has been carried out by the University of Murcia and a regional research centre (Centro de Recursos Marinos). The findings and scientific data are currently not available. |
| Turkey | · Environmental impact studies are still underway and so far no interaction has been recorded. |
Are harmful metals or harmful chemicals or drugs in the fish measured before and after farming? If yes, specify them. Croatia and Turkey reported that these analyses are currently not carried out. No data is available from Italy. Heavy metals are measured in Malta (Residue Programme of the Food and Veterinary Division), particularly mercury, but the survey provides no indication whether samples are measured before and/or after farming. Dioxin content in the edible meat is measured in Spain.
Are there mechanisms in place to establish the traceability of the product for the purpose of ensuring food safety? In general most countries do not have product traceability mechanisms. Croatian companies have all HACCP in place while in Spain some companies are establishing ad hoc procedures.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS
Number of people employed in farming/processing operations; structure of employees in terms of skills; flow of workers from/to other activities. The overall number of people engaged in the BFT industry in the Mediterranean is not available. Based on the surveys submitted it is estimated that the five countries listed below possibly employ around 1 000-1 100 full time workers. Seasonal workers are also employed during particular periods of the farming operation. Most countries reported that many of the workers engaged in BFT farming/fattening are former or part-time fishermen.
| Country | No. employees | Average employees/farm | Notes |
| Croatia | 250 | n.a. | Full time employment. Flow of fishermen from fishing sector to BFT farming has occurred. About 95 percent of employees are labourers (ex-fishermen) while 5 percent are university graduates. |
| Cyprus | 21 | 21 | The farm employs 6 expert divers, 4 vessel operators (fishermen), 8 labourers and 4 operation managers. Other workers are also employed on a seasonal basis. |
| Greece | n.a. | n.a. | - No data available - |
| Italy | n.a. | 14 (1) | Specialized diving teams had to develop new skills to handle activities such as net & moorings inspection, transfer of fish, removal of dead fish, etc. Each farm may contract up to 50 seasonal workers when necessary. |
| Malta | 230 | n.a. | Farms are normally managed by a site manager. Ex- or part-time fishermen are usually employed. Collectively there are 130 full time and 100 part-time employees. |
| Spain | 500 | 10-15 | Flow of workers from the fisheries sector has been observed. |
| Turkey | 250 | 40-50 | Besides the farm managers, divers and marine biologists, most employees are locally recruited fishermen. |
(1) Data from only one Italian BFT farm (1 farm manager, 1 legal representative, 1 sales manager, 9 workers, 2 skippers).
Overall economic impact of farming, including profitability. Croatia, Spain and Turkey reported that the development of BFT farming/fattening has had an economic impact on those areas/regions engaged in the activity. Cyprus reported that this activity has had aa positive impact on the employment of the sector. BFT farming in Cyprus increased fish exports by threefold. A positive impact on employment, development of island communities, reduction of fishing activities and infrastructure development (e.g. landing facilities) are reported by Croatia. No information is provided by Italy.
Malta reports a sector turnover estimated at around €50 million annually at the prevalent selling price of 16 €/kg, and a GDP contribution of about 10.7 million €/year (or 0.3 percent of the GDP). The GDP contribution of the sector rises to around 16 million € is associated activities are taken into account (e.g. imports of feed fish). Malta furthermore reports that the industry is characterized by increasing competition from other operators acquiring sizeable shares of the Mediterranean tuna market.
In Spain the value of farmed BFT has increased from € 3.1 million in 1996 to € 107.5 million in 2002. This new industry has significantly increased regional income through export revenues. Farmed BFT currently represents over 2.2 percent of the gross production income in the region of Murcia, which has become the first Spanish region in terms of fish product exports.
Any available economic information (e.g. subsidies). Croatia, Malta and Turkey report that no governmental incentives or subsidies are made available to the industry. In the EU countries BFT farming/fattening companies may benefit, like any other aquaculture activity, from structural assistance provided by the European Community to the fisheries sector as laid down by the Council Regulation (EC) 2369/2002 (reported by Spain) superseding the Council Regulation (EC) 2792/1999. The Murcia Region (Spain) is in a particularly favourable position in terms of the percentage of maximum public aid that can be granted to aquaculture investments. Furthermore, in Spain the specific conditions and criteria for assistance are included in the Spanish Operational Programme approved by the EC for the period 2000-2006.
RESEARCH
Describe past, present and planned studies carried out in the farms. The past and current research activities concerning BFT farming/fattening in the Mediterranean reported in the surveys are summarized below. No additional information was provided by the reporting countries.
| Croatia | · Studies have been initiated and are currently on-going on(i) growth rates during the fattening period,(ii) feed conversion rates, and(iii) length-weight relationship of cultured fish. |
| Cyprus | · The tuna company plans to become involved in research activities concerning reproduction and tuna behaviour under captivity conditions in conjunction with the EU-REPRODOTT project. Some experimental trials have been conducted aiming at reducing fish waste. |
| Italy | · The Marine Biological Institute of Trapani has carried out a series of biochemical analysis on tuna flesh studying the variation of lipid and fatty acid composition of the muscle tissue during rearing conditions. The results indicate that muscle lipid content increases from 4,9 percent to 40,8 percent during a 5-month rearing period with an increment of the triglycerides/phospholipids ratio. Lipid content is one of the main parameters taken into account by the Japanese tuna graders. Tuna specimens produced in one of the Italian farms have been classified as "Grade-A" based on the evaluation scale utilized by the Japanese market. |
| Malta | · The farms cooperate with the Malta Centre for Fisheries Sciences (MCFS) and provide tuna samples used for research purposes. Malta provides tissue samples from harvested fish for analysis in the EU 5th framework project REPRODOTT. During 2001 and 2002 one farm kept some fish that were observed for reproductive behaviour during the spawning season. Two farms also donated fish for satellite tagging programmes in collaboration with Italy through the University of Bari that provided the satellite tags. |
| Spain | · Several studies have been carried out in the last five years with the participation of BFT farms. Some of these have been carried out directly by the companies such as(i) trials using artificial feed;(ii) improvement and development of slaughtering techniques (electrical shocks); and(iii) processing (flesh quality control). Other studies have been implemented in collaboration with public research centres such as universities, national and regional marine research centres (IEO, Centro Recursos Marinos, etc.). These have focused on environmental impact studies and reproduction. |
| Turkey | · The Faculty of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the University of Aegean is currently studying the environmental impact effects of tuna farming at the Akua-Dem farm site located in the vicinity of Izmir. The project is funded privately by Akua-Dem Ltd. |
Are farming operations accessible to researchers (describe particular studies)? All countries reported that, in general, farming operations are accessible to researchers. BFT company owners will usually allow, following specific arrangements, for researchers credited to universities, research institutions and relevant government bodies to organize research activities as well as collect biological samples at the farms. Spain reported that two local companies are actively collaborating into research projects. Tuna Graso S.A. is engaged in the EU-funded REPRODOTT project, while Atunes de Mazarron S.L. is currently collaborating on a project aimed at developing an automatic tool for flesh quality determination.
Do farming operations hire their own researchers? For what studies? In general commercial companies do not hire their own researchers, however many hire skilled professionals (biologists, veterinarians) that carry out some research activities for the companies and/or participate in research projects as those mentioned in the previous section. Only Croatia reported that some companies do hire researchers, particularly to work on feed trials and product quality control.
INTERACTIONS
Describe known interactions between farming and other fishing activities. Croatia and Turkey provide no information with regards to this issue. Malta reports that sometimes conflicts exist with purse-seining and long-lining activities, whilst causing a minimal impact on local fishing activities. The Italian survey highlights the use of fishing vessels exclusively for the BFT farming/fattening industry. Three Italian vessels suspend all other fishing activities throughout the tuna fishing operations. Furthermore, during the BFT feeding period (approx 7 months) all farms operate three fishing boats each with a 4-member crew. Spain specifically mentions that some conflicts do exist between the capture fishing sector and BFT farms. Fishermen have raised a number of issues including (i) potential pollution of the fishing areas; (ii) effects on wild fish stocks; and (iii) privileged utilization of harbour facilities by the BFT farm operators (BFT farmers are not required to pay fees for the utilization of harbour facilities as the BFT produced is not commercialised in the local fish market). On a positive side, BFT farmers have provided alternative job opportunities to local fishermen and have arrangements with local Fishermen Associations for the supply of small pelagic fish at a higher price than that fetched on the fish market in previous years.
Describe known interactions between farming and other activities. Italy provides no information with regards to this issue. Croatia and Turkey report minor conflicts with the tourism sector, while Spain highlights the position of local "Green forces" against the installation of BFT farms arguing on their potential pollution to the marine environment (particularly the sea bottom) and the possible undesirable effect on the status of wild BFT stock population. Malta, on the other hand and related to the size of the country, reports competition for quay usage and space between tuna work boats and other vessels. Cyprus reported no conflicts with other coastal activities, however indicated that some reservations regarding BFT farming have been expressed by local environmental groups.
