Minister Rosa Quintana (L) with Commissioner of Fisheries Maria Damanaki (centre) at the European Seafood Exposition. (Photo: Xunta)

Galicia seeks to improve trade in fish product origin

SPAIN
Friday, April 27, 2012, 00:20 (GMT + 9)

The Ministry of Rural and Marine Affairs of Xunta of Galicia is sending the fisheries sector the draft decree to regulate trade in origin of fishery products, which, for the first time, integrates all state and Galician regulations.

This was announced by the head of the Ministry, Rosa Quintana, during 2012 European Seafood Exposition, being held in Brussels.

With the spread of this text the Galician authorities are beginning a process of consultations among the members of the sector concerned: capture, trading, processing and aquaculture sectors.

This decree has the main objective of developing and improving sales at origin of fishery products "to promote the exercise of responsible trade that guarantees the sustainability of resources and their quality."

Quintana pointed out that the document promotes tele-processing with the use of ICT technology that results in improved traceability and identification of fishery products.

The draft details the requirements to be met by all the landing sites of products from fresh fish and seafood, aquaculture products, freezer and ultra-freezer vessels, those captured by European vessels, those obtained by vessels from third countries unloading into local ports and marine fleet (algae).

It also establishes control measures at the first sale at the market.

The Galician government considers it a priority to "update" and adapt local regulations to the state and community standards.

For the control system to be comprehensive, the new regulation will replace the previous ones that for nearly two decades have regulated the trade of fishery products.

The fair held in Brussels is attended by 60 companies from Galicia that are related to the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

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

Print