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XV Marine and Aquaculture Resource Forum of Galician Estuaries. (Photo: IPMedios)
Eel and grouper, Galician aquaculture alternatives
SPAIN
Monday, October 15, 2012, 01:40 (GMT + 9)
The eel and the grouper can be considered valid alternatives to diversify aquaculture production in Galicia. That was one of the conclusions of the XV Marine and Aquaculture Resource Forum of the Galician Estuaries, held on the island of A Toxa.
In the working sessions that were carried out it was made clear that "diversification is one of the challenges faced by aquaculture," which implies betting "on species, system and technology, and product and presentation varieties," Faro de Vigo reported.
During the work table discussions intended to reflect on some of the projects being developed in Spain with new species, the joint plan of Andalusia, Catalonia and Galicia focused on grouper farming was analysed.
The aim was to encourage re-stocking plans of this resource, said the experts attending the meeting.
So far, great strides have been taken, according to the organizers of the Forum, such as "a good breeding specimen stock, relatively easy larval culture, 100 per cent survival after weaning, fattening up to 400 grams in tanks and a good behaviour in cages in the sea."
At the meeting it was also anticipated that in the coming days, the release of several grouper specimens with a transmitting device will take place on the coast of Cadiz and their movements and behaviour will be tracked.
As to the eel, it was said that this is another new type of species which is being researched in Spain. Currently, "about 400 tonnes are produced and, to some extent, it could be stated that it is a consolidated production."
However, Miguel Jover, from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, one of the experts attending the Forum, noted: "We can not forget that its production in captivity is still based on the capture of elvers in the wild, and this is a clearly limiting factor, hence the need to close its life cycle under controlled conditions."
Apart from Jover, the discussions were joined by María Ángeles Bruzón, of El Toruño Centre of the Andalusian Institute of Agricultural, Fishing, Food and Organic Production Research and Training (Ifapa).
The meeting was organized by the Culture Association of Marine and Aquaculture Resources from the Galician Estuaries, the Tourism Patronage of O Grove, the University of Santiago de Compostela, the Deputation of Pontevedra, Pescanova, La Caixa, Skretting, Praxair, Cortiplás, Okana-21, the Spanish Aquaculture Observatory Foundation (OSEA), the Spanish Society of Aquaculture (SEA), the Biologists Colexio of Galicia, Finisterrae Aquarium, Aquarium of O Grove, IPac., Mispeces.com, Extrugasa, Hesperia Isla de la Toja, Aqualgae and Libromar.
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
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