The Cooperation MoU's signers for Turkey and Spain, Mehmet Mehdi Eker and Elena Espinosa , respectively. (Photo: MARM)

Turkey signs fisheries-aquaculture accord

SPAIN
Monday, March 23, 2009, 22:20 (GMT + 9)

The Governments of Spain and Turkey signed a Memorandum of Understanding on fisheries cooperation and aquaculture Saturday, within the framework of the 5th World Water Forum held in Istanbul from 16 to 22 March.

The agreement, signed between the Spanish minister of Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs (MARM), Elena Espinosa, and the head of Agriculture and Rural Means of Turkey, Mehmet Mehdi Eker, identifies a mutual intent by the two countries to advance in fisheries and aquaculture cooperation, for fisheries sustainability and improvement in the effectiveness and efficiency of fisheries and aquaculture producers.

Among the activities agreed upon by the two parties is the promotion of technical assistance for the complete administrative and legislative harmonisation of the fisheries sector in Turkey per European Union (EU) legislation; and the preparation of the Fishing Sector Operative Programme, through seminars and experts exchange.

On aquaculture, the accord promotes the transfer of technology and know-how relative to the environmental control of aquaculture facilities, spurs the organisation of meetings with specialised research centres, and promotes encounters between Spain and Turkey’s productive sectors.

Contact with experts of the University of Cantabria will be fomented to study the viability and prospect of adapting and use in Turkey of the `Market Simulator in Aquaculture,' developed by the General Secretariat of the Sea.

In terms of maritime fishing controls and fish market cooperation, Espinosa and Mehdi Eker agreed to try and favour an experience exchange in matters pertaining to the 'Follow-up [Monitoring] System of Fishing Vessels.'

Also, both countries seek to promote cooperation between the Provincial Control Laboratory of Izmir,Turkey, and the Laboratory of Vigo through the exchange of analysis methods and training both in the field of biotoxicology and in the analysis of algae toxins, which take place in the areas of bivalve mollusc production.

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com