Aquaculture in Central and Eastern Europe

Transcription

1 Aquaculture in Central and Eastern Europe Laszlo Varadi 1 A Region in Transition When aquaculture development in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is discussed, the terms Central and Eastern are associated with socioeconomic or historical meanings rather than geographic. It is because the countries of the CEE region had different political and economic administrations than Western Europe before the political and economical changes took place in those countries in the early 1990s. The CEE region consists of 20 countries, with a total population of million (including Russia with a population of million). Ten of the CEE countries have a population higher than five million: Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine. The other 10 countries have just a few million inhabitants: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia TFYR, Moldavia, Montenegro and Slovenia (The World Fact-book 2006). The CEE region represents 63 percent of the territory and 36 percent of the population of Europe. Agriculture plays an important role in the livelihood of millions in the CEE region. The average share of the agricultural labor force in the region is more than 15 percent of the population. It is much higher than the 4.5 percent average of the European Union (EU). Only Croatia with 2.7 percent and the Czech Republic with 4 percent are below the EU average and three more states Hungary (6.2 percent), Slovakia (5.8 percent) and Slovenia (6 percent) are relatively close to it (The World Fact-book 2006). The average gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in the CEE countries was US$9,406 in 2004, which is only about 35 percent of the EU average (World Bank 2005). There are, however, significant differences in the per capita GDP values of individual CEE states as well. The three highest GDP per capita values are in Slovenia (US$14,810), the Czech Republic (US$9,150) and in Hungary (US$8,270), while the lowest are in Moldavia (US$700) and the Ukraine (US$1,260). The process of change taking place in Eastern Europe after the collapse of communism is a very complex one and it is more than the transition to democracy or the transition from a centrally controlled economy to market economy. Scholars define these changes as triple transition, simultaneous transformations of the polity, the economy and Fig. 1. Old fish pond in South Bohemia (Czech Republic) built several hundred years ago (by courtesy of Zdenek Adamek, 2006). the core national identity of the states. These changes, of course, affect the development of aquaculture as well. However, there are substantial differences from country to country according to the economic situation and the stage of the transition, which is much longer and more difficult than was expected. Long History of Aquaculture At the time of the Roman Empire, fish rearing in ponds was well known. From the Romans, the other regions of the continent took over the practice of aquaculture, which is, consequently, one of the oldest agricultural activities in Europe. Because of the wide range of climatic conditions and many suitable species within the European fish fauna, aquaculture of both coldwater and warmwater fish species have developed in the CCE countries. In the middle ages, fish culture in CCE developed along with the monasteries. Therefore, there are many CCE states in which aquaculture is based on very old traditions. These countries are the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Russia, where fish culture activity was started in the 11-12th centuries. This early form of aquaculture was mainly practiced by priests and monks who kept and reared fish in 44 March 2008

2 small ponds to supply food to the monasteries. An old fish pond built in South Bohemia (Czech Republic) is shown in Figure 1. The growth of commercial fish culture started a few centuries later, when controlled spawning and artificial incubation of eggs of the most important coldwater and warmwater species were developed and introduced throughout the region. Large areas have been converted to fish ponds, where soil quality was not good for efficient agricultural production and the cultivation of cyprinids became a common aquaculture practice. Consequently, pond fish culture was the dominant fish production system in the CEE region at the beginning of the 20th century. During the two world wars, the number of operating fish ponds declined because of the resulting destruction. The Balkan war had the same effect in Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina more recently. In the centrally planned economies after World War II, fish farms became state owned in all CEE countries. During that period, major technical development started because governments financed all the investments, and in some of the states (Albania and Moldavia, for example) it was the period when modern aquaculture was introduced. Beside the technical investments, such as establishment of large-scale farms and hatcheries and the construction of big reservoirs, research programs were also initiated in newly established aquaculture research institutes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Moldavia, Poland and Russia. After the political changes in the early 1990s, privatization of the large state and cooperative owned farms started and the majority of them are in private hands now. The new private enterprises are constrained by limited financial resources, increasingly stringent regulations and weaknesses in marketing are struggling for economic prosperity. There are, however, different challenges in various countries or group of countries, including EU member states, accession countries and non-eu member states. Aquaculture as a Special Segment of Food Production and Rural Economy The contribution of aquaculture to employment in the CEE region varies greatly among the countries, however contribution of aquaculture to the national economy is low in terms of value (World Bank 2005). It is only 0.01 percent to 0.2 percent of GDP. However, aquaculture can be very important in the development of some rural areas. Hence, rural, traditional and cultural characteristics of aquaculture should be emphasized. A major part of aquaculture production in CEE comes from earthen fish ponds, which play a special role in the agro-ecosystem of rural areas. This special role includes various services for the environment, water management and tourism. These services can provide additional income to farmers in addition to income from fish production. Fish farms and processing plants provide employment in some rural regions, where work opportunities are otherwise limited or do not exist. Total aquaculture production was 253,094 t in 2003 in the CEE region. There was a major decrease in aquaculture production as a result Fig. 2. Total aquaculture production in Central and Eastern Europe between Fig. 3. Species composition of total aquaculture production in Central and Eastern Europe in of the political and economic changes and consequent difficulties in Eastern Europe after 1990; however, after the stabilization of the sector a gradual increase occurred (Figure 2). The share of the primary cultivated species from total aquaculture production is shown in Figure 3. Freshwater aquaculture Freshwater aquaculture production was 242,572 t with a total value of US$605.5 million in 2004, which represented 52 percent and 46 percent of the volume and value of European production (FAO Fishstat Plus 2006). Cyprinids, mainly common carp, silver carp and bighead carps are the dominant species in freshwater aquaculture, which amount to about 81 percent of total freshwater aquaculture production. Common carp is the most important cultivated species in the region, of which consumption is also attached to tradition and religious holidays, such as Lent and Christmas (Figure 4.) The share of salmonids, mainly trout, is about 13 percent of total freshwater aquaculture production. Although there are significant R&D values in sturgeon farm- World Aquaculture 45

3 Fig. 4. Common carp is the most important cultivated species in Central and Eastern Europe. Fig. 5. Valuable sturgeon broodstocks are available at the experimental farm of BIOS (Scientific and Production Center of Sturgeon Culture) in Astrakhan, Russian Federation. Fig. 6. Fish ponds provide good conditions not only for fish production, but their functions include maintenance of biodiversity, water management, recreation and ponds also shape the landscape. ing in the region, especially in Russia, the production of sturgeons is less than 3,000 t. It is 1 percent and 4 percent of total freshwater aquaculture production in terms of volume and value. Efforts have been made to develop sturgeon production in various institutions where valuable breeding stocks are available (Figure 5.) The most important traditional aquaculture production system in the CEE region is pond polyculture of carps and high market value indigenous fish species, such as European catfish, pike and pikeperch as complementary species. Although no data are available on aquaculture production by system, it can be assumed that at least 80 percent of total aquaculture production comes from fish ponds. The total fish pond area in the region is about 448,000 ha, which represents a valuable aquatic resource in Europe, not only for fish production but also for the maintenance of biodiversity and for the improvement of water management in the watersheds involved. Figure 6 shows a typical landscape with extended fish pond area. The other main aquaculture production system in the CEE region is coldwater flowthrough systems for trout production. Those systems are mainly used in countries where good quality water is available and environmental regulations are not very strict. Warmwater flowthrough systems should also be mentioned. They employ geothermal water for the production of tropical species such as African catfish and tilapia. Available data show that the total area of intensive fish farms is around 130 ha in the region. An intensive African catfish farm supplied with geothermal water is shown in Figure 7. The use of recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS), cage and pen culture systems is very limited in the CEE region. The production that comes from these types of systems is only a small percentage of total production. There is, however, a trend toward the development of RAS systems because of the limited availability of freshwater. Marine aquaculture The volume and value of marine aquaculture production was 9,632 t and US$32.1 million in 2004, which represented only 0.54 percent and 0.75 percent of European production (FAO Fishstat Plus 2006). Marine aquaculture in CEE is only about 2.5 percent of the total aquaculture production volume. The main cultivated species are Mediterranean mussels (38 percent), European seabass (31 percent) and gilthead seabream (14 percent). There is a spectacular growth of tuna production in Croatia, which increased from 39 t in 1996 to 3971 t in Even though nearly two thirds of the CEE states have seacoasts, not all of them have developed marine or brackish water aquaculture. In the northern states, such as Estonia or Lithuania, where the coastal seas are shallow, open to storms and covered by ice for long periods of time, there are few suitable sites for large cage farms or other types of mariculture. The largest variety of marine species is produced in Croatia and Russia. Those two countries have the longest seashore in the CEE region. In Croatia, the five main (Continued onn page 48) 46 March 2008

4 Fig. 7. Intensive African catfish farm in Hungary, which operates all the year round using geothermal water. Fig. 8. Fish and seafood supply in Europe between (Continued from page 46) marine species are sea bass, sea bream, mussels, oysters and tuna. Tuna production is based on intensive feeding of captured 2-4 year old wild fish reared to market size in cages. In Russia, the total output of marine and brackish water aquaculture is more than 11,000 t; however, it amounts to only 6.5 percent of their total aquaculture production. 3 The total area of coastal and marine farms in the CEE region is about 80,000 ha. Development Trends in Aquaculture The main strategic objectives for aquaculture development in the CEE region are in line with the European strategy of sustainable aquaculture development, which the following main elements: encouragement of economic viability, a guarantee of food safety, animal health and welfare and the addressing environmental effects. One main driving force of aquaculture development in the CEE region is to satisfy the increasing need for fish and seafood, which is presently very low (Figure 8). The great challenge, however, is to supply the market with high quality and safe local products that are competitive with imported products marketed mainly through large retailers. The role of supermarkets and hypermarkets in the supply chain is increasing in the region. Pond aquaculture The modernization of traditional pond fish production has several elements, among them intensification. However, intensification cannot be applied at most of the pond fish farms. Intensity of production can only be increased in some of the small sized ponds, where adequate conditions for controlling environmental parameters, including water quality, bio-manipulation and nutrient management and effluent treatment, are available and economically viable. The introduction and dissemination of non-conventional fish pond technologies is another important element in the development of pond fish production in CEE. The research and development work should focus on the development of such technologies as Partitioned Aquaculture Systems, Combined Extensive-Intensive Systems and Minimal Discharge Systems in the future. In these systems only a small part of the water surface area will be used for intensive production of conventional or nonconventional species. The larger part of the water surface will be utilized for water treatment and for ecological services, such as habitat management and restoration and maintenance of biodiversity, as well as water management and tourism. Fish ponds also offer excellent conditions for organic fish production, which may provide opportunities for many fish farmers to export their organic products to solvent markets in general and to the European niche market in particular. There is a need, however, to develop organic fish standards, which presently are available only in Hungary, and harmonize them with other relevant standards. The production of freshwater crayfish is another opportunity in many countries in CEE. Intensive freshwater aquaculture There is a small trout production sector in most CEE countries, which is a good basis for further development mainly for supplying fresh fish to local markets and restaurants. Although the development of recirculation technology and the application of water-efficient and environment friendly. RAS is a priority area of sustainable aquaculture development in Europe, though production in such systems is negligible in CEE. The main obstacle to the development of RAS in the region is the lack of funds for investments and operation. There are, however, locations with abundant geothermal water resources where the establishment of such systems may be feasible for the production of high value species. Cage culture of some species with high market value can also be an alternative for aquaculture development in the freshwater areas of large rivers, such as the Volga or in reservoirs such as those in Bulgaria, where a certain level of cage fish culture is already practiced. (Continued on page 68) 48 March 2008

5 European Aquaculture (Conrtinued from page 48) Marine aquaculture Marine resources suitable for aquaculture in CEE are far from optimal exploitation. The development of marine aquaculture seems to be a potential development area in those CEE countries where appropriate sites are available. The growth of tuna production in Croatia is a good example of the recent developments in marine aquaculture, where the annual production increased greatly in the past five years and production continues to grow. Exploration of new opportunities in marine aquaculture has started in some other countries of the region, such as in Bulgaria, where two seaweed farms started production in Summary of development trends There has been a gradual increase in aquaculture production since 1996, which is likely to continue. Aquaculture will remain an important supplier of healthy food for local populations; however, export activity, especially niche market segments, will offer new opportunities. It is a great challenge to satisfy the increasing demand for fish and seafood through local products. Aquaculture will continue to be an important contributor to rural development in food production and services. Aquaculture is important for the recovery of species diversity in natural water bodies There is an opportunity for marine aquaculture development in some countries where good conditions are available. There is a need for research, technology development and investment to improve sustainability of farming systems. There is a need for training, including language training. There is a need for better collaboration among farmers and between research and practice. There is a need for international collaboration, within the region and with institutions and organizations outside the region. Regional Collaboration in Aquaculture Development Based on common history, previously active collaboration among the countries in the region and similarities in the constraints and opportunities in aquaculture development, leading aquaculture institutions in the region decided to establish a regional network. The Network of Aquaculture Centers in Central and Eastern Europe (NACEE) was formally established in 2004 at Szarvas, Hungary in the Research Institute for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Irrigation (HAKI) and is the coordinating institution of the Network. The FAO, through its Inland Water Resources and Aquaculture Service, provided valuable assistance to the establishment of the Network and to the organization of the annual meetings of the center s directors: Szarvas, Hungary in 2004; Astrakhan, Russian Federation in 2005; Dubrovnik, Croatia in The main objective of the NACEE is, to facilitate the research and development sphere in Central and Eastern Europe to be an integral part of the European Research Area. The specific objectives of the NACEE are: Exchange of information among members within the region, Facilitate the transfer of information relevant to aquaculture development of the region, Exchange of scientists with special regard to young ones, Initiate joint research, education and training programs, Facilitate efforts aiming at the better involvement of CEE institutions in European-level aquaculture development programs, Assist the organization of regional aquaculture meetings and conferences, Facilitate the improvement of partnership between science and practice, with special regard to SMEs and producers associations, Enhance the capacity of CEE institutions to be able to initiate and run regional aquaculture research and development projects supported by the EU, FAO and other international organizations, Develop collaboration between the NACEE and other regional networks/organizations with special regard to the Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia- Pacific. The NACEE has 33 members from 14 countries of the region, mainly research institutions but the network is open to different types of aquaculture organizations. In spite of the relatively short time since its establishment, NACEE provided substantial contribution to the development of the FAO regional review on the status and trends in aquaculture development in CEE. That review was based on the information and findings of this comprehensive review, which has not been published previously. The NACEE has also been active in the preparation of joint R&D programs through its Thematic Working Groups, which cover the following areas: genomics of common carp and other cyprinids, sturgeon breeding, new species in aquaculture, education and training in aquaculture and mariculture. Notes 1 Research Institute for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Irrigation (HAKI) 5540 Szarvas, Anna-liget 8, Hungary varadil@haki.hu 2 Piria, M Prospective Analysis Future Aquaculture Development (PA- FAD) study reports of Croatia (unpublished) 3 Bogeruk, A National Aquaculture Sector Overview (NASO) study reports of Russian References FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) Fishstat Plus. FISHPLUS.asp FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) FAO- STAT. lections?subset=nutrition The World Factbook cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html World Bank World Development Indicators: org/data-query/ 68 March 2008