Member countries summary reports

SUMMARY REPORTS ON QUALITY CONTROL AND PROCESSING AND MARKETING OF AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS IN PORTUGAL

by Mrs. Maria Leonor NUNES
and Mr. Manuel ABREU DIAS

1- INTRODUCTION

The per capita consumption of fish in Portugal is one of the highest within european countries, about 50kg/year, however farmed fish only account in a very small percentage for this figure. Thus, the estimated production of farmed species is approximately 13000 ton/year, according to values displayed in Table 1, and the whole production is not consumed in Portugal part is exported, mainly to Italy.

Main farmed species in Portugal has been rainbow trout and clam, whose production attained in last years values near to 1000 and 7000 ton, respectively, followed by mussel, eel and oyster.

In spite of this low production aquaculture in Portugal has big potentialities to be enlarged and it might be supposed that the number of fish farms and mainly the production will be increased in the next years. The main reasons for this development are related to the expected demand of some of these species and to the efforts which are actually being done in research to ameliorate the quality of fish feeds, to prevent, the diseases as well as to decrease the mortalities and to introduce in each case the species more suitable.

Having in mind these aspects the production of farmed species has been encouraged as well as the improvement of its quality and the diversification of presentations. Thus, actually INIP is developing a project concerned to the upgrading of some Mugilidae species, particularly Mugil cephalus and Liza ramada, which have interesting sapid characteristics through the preparation of fish fillets of fish minces.

2- QUALITY CONTROL OF AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS

Fish is normally graded according to size and in general is not subjected to any special quality control however if there is some suspects the lot can be submitted to some examinations like amines content, sensory evaluation or even to a species identification.

Mollusca are always subjected to depuration in order to decrease the microorganism levels to acceptable values which were defined by EC directives. Further more this raw material is regularly subjected to analysis of biotoxins, particularly PSP and DSP, and waters of mollusca beds are also weekly subjected to the biotoxin control in order to evaluate the levels of PSP and DSP. A prevision of toxin blooms is regularly realized too.

In general, crustaceans are very often subjected to melanosis ranking, and if there is some suspects o an abusive utilization of sulphites to prevent melanosis they also can be submitted to a SO2 determination whose levels are legislated in Portugal.

3. PROCESSING AND MARKETING OF AQUACULTURE PRODUCTS

Most of farmed species are introduced in the market as whole fish without any preparation or special treatment. As a rule, fish is gutted or not according to its size, and preserved in ice in insulated boxes. In fish market these species are sold as whole fresh fish although in some cases, for instance medium or big salmon or sea bass, is sold as chopped fish. Eels are very often utilized in the preparation of traditional canned products or even introduced in the market as smoked fish. Most canned of smoked eel is exported to some countries of North Europe.

Bivalve mollusca are always depurated before its introduction on the market according to EC directives and its commercialization is done as fresh raw material too.

In the same way, farmed crustacean are also introduced in the market and commercialized as fresh material. Some species are treated with reductor agents, like sulphites, in order to avoid the appearing of melanosis.

4- FISH PROCESSING INDUSTRY IN PORTUGAL

The Portugal fish processing industry has a very old tradition and experience on canning, salting and drying methods. The canning industry is based on sardine Sardina pilchardus and tuna (several species0 and the salting and drying on cod Gadus norhua. In the last fifteen years the frozen industry grew up, in number of factories and output capacity.

Presently, there are about sixty canning plants and hundred frozen plants. The production of canned fish is about 52000 tonnes, from which sardines represent, 58% , tuna 28% and mackerel Scomber japonicus 10%. The frozen industry uses as raw material, on board frozen fish, mainly bake Merluccius spp., red fish Sebastes spp. and plaice Pleuronectes platessa. The frozen fish is filleted or cut in portions normally without defrosting, or just enough natural defrosting to allow to loose fish from the frozen block. The total production of frozen fish is about 100 000 tones, but not all are really processed in offshore factories, since they are sold as whole fish. Minced fish products are not yet spread on the market.

The contribution of aquaculture products as raw materials for fish plants is very small, representing less than 0.1%: only some smoked and canned eels.

With the increasing difficulties in fisheries, with reduced “quotas”, protection of some species and the variation of captures, sizes and species, the processing industry really wants more and more to be supplied by other sources, that means, with aquaculture products. With regular supplies of standard raw materials the industry will have conditions to plan its production all over the year, saving costs, developing technologies for by-products, conducing to cheaper products.

FISH CULTURE UNITS

Mariculture

9 AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION (1989)

CIRCULAIRE RELATIVE AU CONTROLE DE LA SALUBRITE DES COQUILLAGES AU MAROC

by A. BERNOUSSI

Le contrôle de la salubrité des coquillages au Maroc se fait selon la circulaire conjointe du Ministère des Pêches Maritimes et de la Marine Marchande et du Ministère de l'Agriculture et de la réforme agraire. Cette circulaire a pour objectif d'assurer la surveillance et le contrôle de salubrité des coquillages destinés à la consommation humaine. Elle a trait à:

-   La délimitation et le classement des zones conchylicoles

-   La surveillance des zones et établissements conchylicoles

-   Le transport et le conditionnement des coquillages

-   L'inspection sanitaire et qualitative des coquillages au niveau des lieux de vente en gros et de détail, ainsi qu'au niveau des postes frontières ouverts à l'importation et à l'exportation des produits animaux ou d'origine animale.

CLASSIFICATION ET IDENTIFICATION DES ZONES ETABLISSEMENTS CONCHYLICOLES.

Les zones conchylicoles sont identifiées par un code composé:

• du numéro de la province où est située la zone
• des initiales relatives à leur état de salubrité ou d'insalubrité (SS : salubrité stable - SI : salubrité instable - IC : insalubrité conditionnelle - ID : insalubrité définitive).

• du numéro d'ordre de la zone dans la province

Les établissements conchylicoles sont identifiés par un code composé de la même formule que les zones, en plus des initiales propres à l'établissement (ex : El, établissement d'élevage).

SURVEILLANCE DES ZONES CONCHYLICOLES

Les zones à salubrité stable (SS) feront l'objet de contrôle tous les trois mois alors que celles à salubrité instable (SI) sont contrôlées une fois par mois en plus des mesures spéciales pour les zones soumises au phénomène dit des eaux rouges.

Pour les zones à insalubrité conditionnelle (IC), elles sont soumises au mêmecontrôle que les précédentes alors que celles à insalubrité définitive (ID), la récolte et la commercialisation sont interdites. Ces zones sont soumises à un contrôle trimestriel en vue d'y suivre l'évolution de l'état de la pollution.

SURVEILLANCE DES ETABLISSEMENTS CONCHYLICOLES

Tout établissement doit se soumettre aux dispositions prévues par la réglementation en vigueur. En plus, les établissements conchylicoles tiennent des registres où sont consignées toutes leurs activités et ils sont soumis à une suveillance régulière tel que décrite ci-après :

Les établissements conchylicoles situés dans les zones SS et SI et/ou exploitant des coquillages provenant de ces lieux sont soumis à des prélèvements mensuels pour analyses de laboratoire alors que ceux situé s dans des zones conchylicoles IC et/ou exploitant des produits provenant de ces zones sont soumis à des prélèvements hebdomadaires.

TRANSPORT ET CONDITIONNEMENT

Les coquillages doivent êtreemballés des récipients tel que sacs, paniers ou caisses tout en respectant le poids unitaire maximal de ces colis selon chaque espèce.

Les produits vivants doivent ètretransportés une température n'excédant pas 15: C alors que les produits issus des coquillages (produits à l'état frais ou usinés) à des températures 0 à 2: C conformément à la réglementation en vigueur sur le transport des denrées périssables. En plus, chaque colis doit êtremuni d'une étiquette de salubrité. Les produits provenant des zones à insalubrité conditionnelle sont accompagnés d'un laisser passer vétérinaire et dirigés vers un bassin d'épuration.

CONDITIONS D'HYGIENE APPLECABLES AUX COQUILLAGES

Est interdite toute manipulation susceptible de rendre insalubre les coquillages, du lavage au moyen d'eau non reconnue salubre jusqu'à l'entrelposage dans des conditions non conformes à celles approuvées par les autorités de contrôle concernées. Par conséquent, les produits reconnus dangereux pour la santé publique sont saisis et détruits.

CONDITIONS DE COMMERCIALISATION

Sont autorisés à la vente, les coquillages conditionnés tels que défini au paragraphe de la surveillance des établissements conchylicoles.

La vente au détail a lieu dans l'emballage d'origine et dans le respect des conditions fixées au paragraphe des conditions d'hygiène.

CONTROLE DE LA SALUBRITE DES PRODUITS AUX LIEUX DE VENTE

Les coquillages exposés à la vente au consommateur doivent êtreaccompagnés d'un certificat sanitaire d'origine attestant qu'ils ont été inspectés au niveau du lieu d'origine et reconnus propres à la consommation humaine.

Use deuxième inspection est effectuée au niveau des lieux de vente par la méthode organoleptique. Pour les coquillages provenant directment de zones SS et ou SI (n'ayant pas transité par un établissement conchylicole autorisé), des prélèvements sont effectués pour analyses de laboratoire. Cependant la commercialisation de ces produits n'est pas conditionnée par la réception des résultats sauf en cas de doute.

CONTROLE DES COQUILLAGES A LTMPORTATION ET A L'EXPORTATION

Les coquillages importées importés au Maroc doivent être accompagnés d'un certificat sanitaire d'origine visé par l'autorité compétente du pays exportateur attestant que les produits proviennent de zones salubres et sont propres à la consommation humaine.

En outre, les emballages doivent êtremunis de l'etiquette de salubrité portant les références de l'établissement conchylicole d'origine.

Un contrôle des produits par méthode organoleptique est effectué et completé chaque fois qu'il est nécessaire par des analyses de laboratoire.

Les naissains importés doivent être accompagnés d'un certificat sanitaire délivré par un vétérinaire officiel du pays d'origine et atte4stant qu'ils sont indemnes de toute maladie.

Les coquillage destinés à l'exportation doivent être accompagnés du certificat sanitaire d'origine et des bulletins d'analyses de laboratoire et soumis à une deuxième inspection au poste frontière à l'issue de laquelle il est délivré un certificat sanitaire d'exportation.

PRODUCTION, CONTROLE DE QUALITE DES PRODUCITS EN ALGERIE

by Mr. Zoubir FARSI

LA PRODUCTION ACTUELLE EN ALGERIE, PECHE ET AQUACULTURE

L'Algerie produit à l'heure actuelle 90 000 tonnes environ de poissons par la pêlagique, chalutage et aquaculture. 60% de ces produits sont des poissons pelagique. 90% de ce tonnage débarqué par les 1700 b% teaux est consommé en frais, le reste est destiné à la conservation en boite après cuisson. l'Aquaculture produit actuellement en extensif exclusivement 400 T/an de poissons d'eau douce élevés en milieu naturel (lac) et dans les barrages et retenues collinirires. 50 tonnes de moules et 25 tonnes environ de palourdes. Tous les produits sont comercialisés à l'état frais en raison du déséquilibre entre l'offre et la demande

Les conserveries : II existe 15 unités de transformation du poisson pélagique (sardine thonidés), les unités fonctionnent à 30% de leur capacité en raison de l'absence de matière première ou des fluctuations importantes des prix.

Ateliers de salaison : II existe 3 ateliers de salaison d'anchois à l'Ouest du pays, qui exportent les produits vers l'Espagne et la France

Les produits aquacoles : L'ONDP est le principal producteur en aquaculture.

CONTROLE SANITAIRE ET DE QUALITE

Plusieurs organismes appartenant à différents secteurs interviennent dans le contrôle de la qualité des produits

1. Les Services Vétévent du Ministère de l'Agriculture interviennent au niveau des ports de débarquement et des pêcheries.

2. Le Service des Fraudes, relevant du Ministère du Commerce, intervient au niveau des marchés de détail.

3. L'Institut Pasteur, intervient au niveau du contrôle de qualité des produits en conserves.

4. L'Agence nationale des Ressources Hydrauliques et l'Agence Nationale de la protection de l'Environnement interviennent en effectuant des contrôles organoleptiques, microbiologiques, physico-chimiques, et de pollution par les hydrocarbures.

CONTRAINTES

Insuffisance de la coordination : Tout le potentiel humain et matériel dont disposent les différents secteurs n'est malheureusement pas correctement mis à profit pour assurer une bonne coordination des travaux de recherche et de contrôle de qualité. Un esprit sectoriel subsiste qui ne favorise pas la complémentarité.

Normes et textes législatifs : Bien que les textes de loi existent, les décrets d'application règlementant la qualité des produits, leur commercialisation, soit n'existent pas, ou ne sont plus adaptés. L'INAZI, organisme chargé de la normalisation, se charge à l'heure actuelle d'élaborer et de déterminer les normes.

Les associations de défense du consommateur oeuvrent depuis deux années à sensibiliser les autorités et les populations pour se mobiliser, contrôler et de sanctionner la production;

Le contrôle de qualité des produits frais et en conserve est limité par des problèmes liés à la répartition insuffisante des services de contrôle, au sous-équipement des laboratoires, à l'inadéquation des équipements de transformation, au retard technologiques, à l'absence de normes.

PERSPECTIVES

Les changements politiques et les réformes économiques introduites en Algérie, en particulier en ce qui concerne la suppression des monopoles du secteur étatique, l'économie de marché et la libéralisation du marché vont certainement permettre le développement de la concurrence et de la compétitivité et partant, provoquer une amélioration de la production et de la qualité des produits en ce qui concerne le marché national.

Concernant le marché extérieur, les importations sont rigoureusement contrôlées au moment des débarquements. Les exportations sont soumises aux règles européennes, d'où un contrôle rigoureux pour éviter les risques de retour des produits frais et congelés.

SECTEUR DES COQUILLAGES ENTUNISIE

by Mr. Nejib DRISSI

-   C'est un secteur en pleine expansion et faisant vivre près de 7000 familles;

-   C'est un secteur orienté essentiellement vers l'exportation dont la production s'articule encore sur la collecte et le prélèvement dans les gisements naturels pour ce qui est de la palourde (espèce principale) ou clovisse;

-   La conchyliculture est encore peu développée et elle se limite à une seule station d'élevage de moules et d'huitres creuses située dans le lac de Menzel Djemil (O.N.P.);

-   Il existe de grandes possibilités pour développer la production en élevage : deux projets sont déja prêts à devenir opérationnels dans l'élevage intensif de la palourde tunisienne;

-   Le marché national est devenu demandeur en coquillages voire même sous-approvisionné à cause de l'extention de la consommation (pizzerias, restauration, hôtèlerie, menagère, ….) après que des garanties relatives en matière de qualité se soient manifestées ! …

-   Le contrôle de la qualité de ces produits très sensibles aux conditions de pêche, de manipulation et à l'environnement en général s'est beaucoup amélioré ces dernières années et son circuit est organisé;

PRODUCTION

1 - Production Globale en tonnes:

2- Production par espèces en 1991

3 - Production par régions : 1991

EXPORTATION : (Clovisses)

PARCS D'EPURATION

Il existe 26 parcs dont 19 sont fonctionnels, 4 non fonctionnels et 3 abondonnés.

REGLEMENTATION/APERCU

-   Campagne de coquillage (collecte interdite du 15 Mai au 30 Septembre) (décret du 3 Juillet 1941)

-   Ramasseur : carte professionnelle + permis de pêche + médicale

-   Taille : > 3 cm (clovisse)

-   Outillage utilisé : caisse plastique + propreté

-   Stockage dans le sable : interdiction stricte

-   Intermédiaires agrées (collecteurs / contrôle : quantité, qualité, taille)

-   Pares :

• Arrêté d'exploitation d'un parc (16 articles)
• durée 7 jours d'épuration naturelle
• densité 30 kg/m2 - caisse/1.5 m2 de surface
• les paniers à epurer sont plombés
• observer toutes les règles d'hygiène exigées
• visite médicale obligatoire 1 fois/an au moins pour tout le personnel
• suivi de la salubrité des eaux du parc :
  • analyses bact. 1 fois/trimestre
  • analyses chroniques 1 fois/semestre
• analyse bact. des produits après épuration - norme (absence salmonelles 39 E. Coli/100 ml)
• les coquillages du Nord doivent être épurés exclusivement dans des parcs situés au Nord et utilisant 1'03 - les UV et les procédés chimiques
• transport : laisser passer + etiquette R ou B
  • espèce très prisée sur le marché italien, ….
  • protocole avec l'Italie régissant les conditions d'échanges
  • organisation : commission interdépartementale du suivi de la qualité
  • coopération avec/IFREMER/BIOTOXINE : installation d'un réseau de surveillance
  • réactualisation de la réglementation en fonction des nouvelles, directives communautaires

REGLEMENTATION CEE

DERECTIVE NO. 91/492 du 15 JUILLET 1991 (DE LA CEE) :

Fixant les règles sanitaires régissant la Production et la mise sur le marché de mollusques bivalves vivants :

-   Les dispositions appliquées aux importations de mollusques bivalves vivants en provenance de pays tiers doivent être au moins équivalentes à celles concernant la production et la mise en marché des produits communautaires.

-   Pour s'assurer de l'application conforme de ces exigences la procédure à suivre :

1. Contrôles effectués sur place par des experts de la commission CEE (sur le compte de la communauté);

2. Pour juger la conformité aux exigences CEE, il sera tenu compte notamment :

   • de la législation du pays tiers en vigueur;
   • de l'organisation de ses services d'inspection, de leurs possibilités et de l'application des textes;
   • des conditions sanitaires appliquées en pratique pour la production et la mise sur le marché notamment pour la surveillance des zones de récolte en relation avec la contamination microbiologique et celle de l'environnement ainsi qu'avec la présence de biotoxines marines;
   • de la régularité et de la rapidité des informations fournies par le pays tiers sur la présence de plancton toxique dans les zones de récolte;

   • des assurances que peut donner le pays tiers quant au respect des règles sanitaires prescrites.

3. La commission arrête (selon une procédure interne /CEE)

   • la liste des pays tiers remplissant les conditions d'équivalence;
   • les conditions particulières d'importation pour chaque pays tiers. Ces conditions doivent comprendre :
     • les modalités de certificat sanitaire que doivent accompagner les expéditions;
     • l'obligation d'une information de la communauté sur tout changement éventuel de l'agrément des zones de production;
     • la purification éventuelle après arrivée sur le territoire communautaire
   • la liste des établissements en provenance desquels l'importation est autorisée. Ceux-ci doivent être agrées officiellement par l'autorité compétente du pays tiers selon les conditions de la présente directive.

I - CONDITIONS POUR LES ZONES DE PRODUCTION : (Collecte et Elevage)

Qualité des eaux: norme < 300 C.F/ 100 ml (coliformes Fécaux)

La CEE distingue 4 zones :

II. PRESCRIPTION CONCERNANT LES PRODUITS :

Pour la consommation immédiate:

1. vitalité, fraicheur, liquide intervalvaire en quantité normale;

2. doivent contenir > 300 C. Fecaux ou > 230 E. Coli / 100 g de chair et de liquide intervalvaire.

3. absence de salmonelles dans 25 g de chair;

4. absence de composés toxiques ou nocifs d'origine naturelle ou rejeté à un taux qui detériore le goût des coquillages;

5. le taux de PSP (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning) < 80 g pour 100 g (méth. analyse biologique);

6. Méthodes d'analyses biologique biologiques ne doivent pas donner des réactions positive en ce qui concerne la présence de DSP, (Diarrectic Shellfish Poisoning).

7. en l'absence de techniques de routine pour la recherche de virus et de fixation de normes virologiques, le contrôle sanitaire se fonde sur des comptages de bacteries fécales.

QUALITY CONTROL PROCESSING AND MARKETING OF AQUACULTURE FISH

by Mr. Nazih BOLES AZER

INTRODUCTION

Aquacultural activities started during the pharonic dynasties among kings princes, ministers and riches as an entertainment style of life, or within their gardens and even for consumption with the exception of the holly species.

Early in the 20th century and with scientific rise up, these activities renovated this practice with the introduction of some exotic species e.g. carp and the acclimatization of sea water fish into lake Quaron e.g. mullets, soles and bass. That happened after the lake changed of water quality and increased salinity. The later species were introduced in 1928–1938 up to now. One more move ahead is the artificial propagation of Solea solea on the fringe of the Lake, they remain out of reach from natural predators. This plan of replinishment of the lake has improved the economical value its fishery.

Despite the public and private scarcity of researchs done during the fourties and fifties in the field of aquaculture, it florished after the building of the High dam in Aswan and the flood retention of the Nile into the sea, that lead to the deterioration of the sardine fishery. This is one reason why we had to develop our Aquaculture.

AQUACULTURE SITUATION IN EGYPT

Aquaculture is considered a main prospect and development. About 100,000 Fedans or 40,000 Hectares are actually devoted to aquaculture, and the tendency is towards the increase.

The state makes great efforts to help the development of fish farming through the General Authority for fish Resources Development as follows:

GAFRD owns 5 fish farms as demonstration:

-   Manzalla of 1000 fedan in Dakhaliah governorate.

-   Zawia of 1000 fedan in Kafr El Shikh governorate.

-   Barsiqu of 2000 fedan in Behira governorate.

-   Kom Balag 1000 fedan in Behira governorate.

-   Raswa 1000 fedan in Port Said Governorate. (The later is undergoing further development).

The average production/fedan is about one ton / year, the objective is to reach 2–4 tons/ fedan / year at least.

The GAFRD is adopting a polyculture of Tilapia, Carp, Mullets, Clarias sp and Pagrus sp.

Private sector's fish farms are scattered along the north coast, east and west Delta, they follow the same regime however, some produce Gilt head bream and Seabass for export purpose.

The GAFRD is supervising and running 4 hatcheries in the Delta of total production 600 millions fries of carp and tilapia to supply the public and private sector, and for national weed control program in water channels. Five more hatcheries are about to become ready to extend their services down to the upper Egypt to satisfy drastic need or fish farms and improve the stock of Tilapia in the Nile and its tributaries, the Oasis of Dokhala and Klarga with in their boggies and drain systems.

Eight centers to collect the fries from wild mullets, sea bream, sea bass and shrimps from the Mediterranean and the Red sea being the only source for the GAFRD and private sector to supply with sea water species.

In the same time there are many reserve areas to protect the wild life and forbid at all the fishing of fries and other activities to maintain other countries rights in fisheries.

The GAFRD supplies the technical assistance and advise to fish farmers, it facilitates the issuing of licences and feed supply and other supplements, fish and fries transportation hygienically.

HYGIENE AND QUALITY CONTROL OF FARM FISHES

Farm fishes undergoes basic quality control as follows:

1. Check for any additives or natural substances in fish flesh that may harms the public health is prohibited
2. If it includes or contains any toxic additives is subjected to condemnation.
3. If it includes any flavouring additives to improve the taste and or flavour which is banned is condemned.
4. If it contains partially or totally fouled or putrified or rotten parts or unsuitable for consumption.
5. Badly processed or packed or under unhygienic conditions.
6. Any toxic matter in the processed can.
7. Over amount of over radiation legable for food processing or preservation.
8. Any extractions partially or totally with in the fish.
9. Any adultration.
10. Any mixing or adding a material to give a false volume.

11. If the fish contains any tary materials except legable.

THE PROCESSING AND INDUSTRIALIZATION :

Previously it has been indicated that Egypt's total production from fisheries as well as fish farming and from the data before we can conclude that most of the fish produced is consumed as fresh as possible and nearly nothing left except for traditional preservation process or ritual ancient tradition. e.g. The so called fish or salted fish either mullets, Hydrocynes forskalli, dog fish or Alestuslates are only consumed in two occasion one is during the muslims fasting month of Ramadan and during the Sham El Nassim of all the Nation of Egypt which is a residual ancient Egypt ceremony as symbolization for eternity, fertility, and wealth preservation without spoiling in a collective meal of eggs. spring and preserved salted fish.

Fishes are eviscerated or as whole packed with salt stone and packed in sown under pressure and anaerobic conditions to prevent spoilage.

MARKETING

Total production of fish is about 340,000 tons/ year, the farm fish are about 30,000 tons/ year.

While the fish consumption per capita is 6 kgs./ year which is considered somewhat low.

Fish farms in Egypt follows total drain and dryness of the fishponds consequently and this start in the fall season and continues until winter season or bit later and market relating arrangements of chilling trucks weighing and loading directly to market or the co-operatives of the consumer.

The GAFRD which produce 8,000 tons where the deal is held with Egypt's company for fish marketing which relates to the Ministry of provision and food supply and interior trade. The deal is based on real cost prices with a marginal profit. The fishes are sold in a competing prices of about 33% less than the free market, which sometimes reduces the prices of some fish species, e.g. mullets, tilapia, perch etc.

CYPRUS SUMMARY REPORT

by Mr. George GEORGIOU
and Mrs. H/D. STEPHANOU

1. INTRODUCTION

In Cyprus about 65% of the total fish and fish products consumption is imported. The country's fishery production including aquaculture is about 2600 tons of fish, in addition 4000 tons of fish and fish products are imported to cover the needs. The demand for fish is increasing especially during the last few years due to various reasons i.e. rising of the level of living, dietary habits and growing tourist industry.

As regards marine aquaculture, in Cyprus, in addition to the Fisheries Department's experimental marine fish farm at Meneou, two commercial fish hatcheries and two fish fattening farms, one land-based and one cage farm. Several other offshore cage culture units are expected to start operation soon. Also one shrimp farm is under construction and it is expected to begin this year. Several application are been processed for new cage farms.

There is no commercial mollusc culture of any kind in Cyprus and nor is there any mollusc fisheries production, simply because the various parameters, mainly primary productivity and temperature, of the eastern Mediterranean do not favor them.

As regards fresh water aquaculture in Cyprus, in addition to the Fisheries Department's Experimental Freshwater Aquaculture Station at Kalopanayiotis, four trout farms using raceways, and several small cag3e culture units utilizing the island's irrigation dams are now in operation. Also there are two koi-carp farms.

2. PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF TABLE SIZE FISH

2.1 Marine fish

The total table size fish production of Cyprus aquaculture and its value is shown in table 1. The price given for seafish stands for the wholesale exfarm price.

Table 1

Since 1987, when the first quantities of table size fish were produced from the marine fish farms, the whole sale exfarm price of seabass and seabream, has been increasing. In 1987 the price was C£5.0/kg in 1991 it reached C£7.5/kg. The increase follows the pattern of the price increase of similar quality fish caught by fishermen. In the beginning of 1992, however, prices of cultured fish dropped slightly down to C£7/kg. It is expected that in the summer, when demand is higher, it will go up again.

The most common way of marketing marine fish is wholesale exfarm. Fishmongers, after making the necessary arrangements beforehand, receive the fish in boxes of about 10kg, ungutted, covered with crashed ice, and transport them in small, usually insulated, vans to the market. They usually buy small quantities every time, depending on their ability to distribute it fresh within 1–2 days. The retail price they charge is usually C£1–2 per kilo above wholesale price, depending on the customers and the quality of the fish at the moment of sale.

Cypriot consumers like seabream more than seabass. Acutally there is a bigger demand for breams in general. Species of the sparidae family are highly appreciated by the consumers and fetch good prices. They are all placed in the same quality group and are sold at the same prices.

The species produced on an experimental scale and tried out by the Department of Fisheries in the framework of a species diversifications programme are : Diplodus sargus, Puntazzo puntazzo and Pagrus major. Other species under trial are Dentex dentex and Pagellus erythrinus

The most preferable size for marketing cultured fish is 350 gr. The consumers in Cyprus prefer a whole fish in their plate. Sea fish is always marketed fresh, never processed and never gutted or frozen.

2.2 Trout

Trout is not distributed by the traditional fishmongers. It is distributed either by the fishfarmers themselves or through existing channels for the storage and distribution of food products. Fresh trout is sold usually gutted and vacuum packed. Also a large percentage of trout production is sold smoked, whole or filleted. The fish farmers do both the smoking and the processing. Trout processing is managed in premises which meet the standards of the authorities for sanitary control. These premises are inspected frequently by the sanitary control authorities and relevant certificates are issued by them. The price of tout has been going up every year. In 1991 the wholesale price of fresh trout ranged around C£6/kg gutted (Table 1) vacuum packed. The wholesale price of smoked whole trout is C£8.5/kg and the wholesale price of filleted smoked trout is C£13.5/kg. The retailers sell with about 20% profit.

3. PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF FISH FRY AND OTHER HATCHERY PRODUCTS

Almost all sea bream and seabass fry produced in Cyprus is exported, mainly to Greece. The annual exports as well as the total production of fry and its value for the years 1986–1991 is shown in table 2.

Table 2

The drop in the value of the 1991 production, although three is an increase in the number of fry exported, is due to a) the general drop of prices because of the increased production of fry in the Mediterranean region; b) the drop of the value of Greek Drachma; c) the export of smaller size fry.

The fry produced in Cyprus is of excellent quality. This is achieved through the excellent and scientifically updated methods and techniques as well as the high quality human and physical resources employed throughout the hatchery stage. Before shipping the counting process a very careful manual sorting is carried out as a final fry quality control measure. The vast majority of fry exported, about 95%, i seabream fry.

The average size of the exported fry is 2g, however, smaller size fry up to 0.3g is sometimes exported. In this way intensification of their hatchery operation is achieved.

One major constraint faced in the marketing of both fry and table size fish is the 15% import duty for exports to countries of the European Community. This 15% duty is absorbed by the producers, thus resulting to lower profits and making the Cypriot aquaculture products less competitive.

Small quantities of bream eggs are exported every year to various countries. In 1991 32.5 kg valued at C£55,000 were exported. In 1990 the first quantities koi-carps were exported by one of the koi-carps farms. Koi-carp export continued in 1991.

4. CONCLUSION

In 1990 the total value of aquaculture products was C£2.7 million out of which C£ 2 millions were exported. This is about 35% of the value of the total fisheries production of Cyprus. The percentages were similar for the 1991 production.

The potentials of freshwater fish culture (trout culture) are limited because the available quantities of fresh water are limited.

Marine aquaculture has excellent potentials for development. The growth potentials are favorable for the culture of a wide variety of species. Supply does not satisfy demand. Seafood is highly esteemed in Cyprus. In addition the growing tourist industry absorbs more and more high quality fish. It is anticipated that large quantities of fresh sea fish could be absorbed locally. Good potentials for export also exist.

* C£ = 2.1 USS

LEBANON SUMMARY REPORT

by Mr. Mamun NUWAYHID

Just before the start of the civil war in Lebanon in 1975 we had built a marine facility and equipped it with the most advanced equipment. It was probably one of the best facility in the eastern part of the Mediterranean sea. One of its proposed activities was mariculture.

During the war the facility was totally damaged and the equipment stolen. So we we were brought back to the starting point. But in a few months time we will start restoration of the facility and equipping it with the most advanced equipment

We are sure of success for two good reasons firstly, we have highly talented scientists and technical staff Secondly, the private sector is very interested in mariculture.

As soon as it become known that the marine facility was being re-established, private investors showed their willingness to start their own fish farming and they were seeking our consultative help

As for fresh water fish farming we have a good production of tout. I don't have numbers for the yearly production. This production is not for export, not even for sale in the local market. Its production and consumption is mainly bought by restaurants having their own fish ponds and the customers order fish alive.

If I have to look back to history a little bit, I would say that Germany and Japan were economically crushed in World War II but in a short time they rose to be among the leading economic powers in the world. Lebanon would rise from its difficulties that fast but surely it wouldn't be a leading economic power. What I mean to say is that in the field of mariculture we will catch up with you. If I am optinistic, I am not braging, because the Lebanese (remember the phoenicians) are experts in trade and economy and are famous for their capabilities to get out of difficulties.

Did we starve during the fifteen year war? No. Some would say that our standard of living was better during the war than before it.

We will start our marine aquacultue project and we will succeed in it. Success for us is an inevitable must.

PRESENT SITUATION OF AQUACULTURE IN CROATIA

by Mr. lgor IVOS

SUMMARY

In this moment there are operating three hatchery and nine on growing farms in the Republic of Croatia (on the Adriatic coast). Two small hatcheries and four farms are in construction. In 1991, production was about 4 millions fry, 480 metric tons of farming marine fish and 1.200 tons of musels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and about 2 million pieces of oysters (Ostrea edulis). In 1992, Production will be about 600 metric tons of fish and similar for shells, it depends mostly on the war situation especially on south of Croatia, where is the biggest producer of shells “Dalmacijabilje”. The most common farming in Croatia is the inshore cage and over 80% of total ongrowing fish production produced by two biggest company: CENMAR - Zadar and MARIMIRNA - Rovinj.

Main species in mariculture are : seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and seabream (Sparus aurata) which are present over 910% of total fish production. Other species in ongrowing are sheep nose bream (Puntazzo puntazzo), red sea bream (Pagrus major), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and snapper (Dentex) only in this moment in experimental ongrowing period is usually about 18–20 months for sea bream and 24–27 month for sea bass. There is no grading during the ongrowing period in the cage facilities, because it is very difficult to grade especially sea bass without great mortality.

Now some companies are trying to do it, but it is yet in experimental phase. Fish are killed by placing them in iced water and sold fresh packed in polystyrene boxed with ice in quantities of 6 kg. Fish is graded into categories of 200 to 250 g, 250 to 350 g and over 350 grams. Fish is delivered by refrigerated lorry. Every shipment is examinated by veterinarian inspection. All production is sold fresh chilled.

The biggest companies are sailing fish whole year, and the smaller producers only three or four months especially during the summer touristic season.

Over 80% of fish production is exported to the Italian market and 20% sold on domestic market especially in touristic area supplying restaurants and hotels. Prices on the Italian market are decreasing in this moment. The main problem for producers are EC taxes for fish from Croatia which is 15% and our producers can't be competitive with increasing production on other Mediterranean producers. These days the Government will bring the new law for marine fishing which will help aquaculture development.