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Four new fish farming projects
are being planned for Asturias as the region tries to
emulate other parts of Spain where aquaculture provides
valuable income and compliments the traditional fishing
industry.
Until now, oysters, clams and
turbot have been farmed in Asturias. The four new projects
are looking at the potential of other species, such as sea
bream, octopus and razor shells. Funding of EUR 277,518 from
the
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food (MAPA) is being shared between the projects
until 2004. |
Asturias harvests some 500
tonnes of oysters per year. (Photo:O.Otterstad) |
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As the local newspaper El
Comercio Digital reports, consumption of aquaculture
products globally now represents 25 per cent of seafood
products and is helping ease the crisis caused by
overfishing. Currently, Asturias harvests some 500 tonnes of
oysters a year and between 60 and 100 tonnes of clams.
Turbot farms are expected to produce around 200 tonnes a
year.
Technicians from various
different communities are currently working on the marine
farming plans in Asturias. Before each project is approved,
MAPA insists that at least three communities should be
interested in taking part and they must be willing to share
the work and the knowledge they gain. |
