General Secretary of Fisheries, Andrés Hermida. (Photo: Magrama)

Aquaculture role for the Spanish economy highlighted

SPAIN
Friday, March 20, 2015, 01:40 (GMT + 9)

The head of the General Secretariat of Fisheries of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MAGRAMA), Andrés Hermida, stressed the importance of aquaculture "as a modern, competitive and strategic activity for the Spanish economy."

To the official, it is a "dynamic and wealth and welfare generator sector in many parts of our country".

In addition, he said that aquaculture is a strategic sector "that contributes to the supply of high quality protein, sustainable development and job creation."

Hermida recalled that the Spanish aquaculture is a leader in Europe.

According to 2013 figures available, Spain produced more than 220,000 tonnes for around EUR 431 million.

The official also stressed its impact on socio-economic terms, since the aquaculture sector directly employs more than 20,000 workers in 5,000 establishments engaged in marine and inland aquaculture.

In the past 50 years, consumption of fish products in the world doubled thanks to the growth of aquaculture, among other issues, MAGRAMA informed in a release.

While the increase in domestic and foreign demand for fishery products, and limitations of capture fisheries have also contributed to that supremacy.

On the other hand, 2014-2020 Spanish Multiannual Aquaculture Strategic Plan was developed by the MAGRAMA and approved in 2014.

Among other things, the Plan intends to relaunch the Spanish aquaculture in production, economic and job creation terms, between 2014 and 2020.

"To do this, in collaboration with autonomous communities and the production sector 37 strategic actions have been defined in national key and around 380 regional actions, which should be launched in the coming years, enabling the Spanish aquaculture to continue leading the European aquaculture," the Ministry added.

Related article:

- Aquaculture considered key to feeding the world in 2030

By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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