MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Fisheries updates

Growing concern with poor squid catches / Galicia's fish markets to operate in real time / Effective satellite control in South Atlantic / Galicia granted EUR 8.5 million for fisheries / Chilean delegates travel to Brussels for swordfish talks / Hoki export boom in central Chile / Vigo industry request Fishery Affairs Ministry / Spanish cannery exports reached 413 million Euros / Sustainable fishery guide critical of farmed salmon / Brazil begins massive fleet expansion and renovation / Oxygen-starved dead zones threaten marine life / Japan to impose limits on canthaxanthin pigment / South African pelagic licences for locals / Ministry makes important announcements during Aqua Sur 2004.

Growing concern with poor squid catches
Poor squid catches and the possibility of advancing the closure of the season is being considered in Argentina following a meeting of the Argentine Federal Fishery Council (CFP) Supervisory Commission on Squid. A further proposal suggests having the 30-foreign bare-boat chartered vessels, participating in season, withdraw from national fishery grounds. The proposal was presented by the president of the Chamber of Squid Jigger Vessel Owners of Argentina (CAPA), Mario Redini, at a meeting March 23 at CFP headquarters. According to a report form "Diario de Madryn" the proposal had overwhelming support including scientists from the National Institute of Fishery Research and Development, INIDEP. The petition called for the immediate return to port of all chartered vessels, a temporary suspension of required squid landings at onshore processing plants, reimbursement of export tariffs paid and the opening of the fishery zone up to parallel 43°S. INIDEP advised that in the event squid catch indexes should continue to register, in the coming fifteen days all-time lows, fishery grounds should be closed "until a new exploratory survey is undertaken," in the zone between the 44°S and 59°S parallel. Apparently the Illex report on the exploratory cruise undertaken in February by INIDEP showed a marked absence of pre-recruits in the fishery grounds. This is of vital importance since the amount of pre-recruits directly determines the volume of squid that could be fished in the 2005 season. CAPA had already declared a state of alert on March 12 for the squid sector, in response to the low catches obtained during the last seasons coupled with the results of the February exploratory cruise north of parallel of 44°S. On that occasion CAPA suggested that the Argentine squid jigger fleet "is over-sized" and reiterated it during the Supervisory Commission on Squid at CFP headquarters. (FIS/MP).-

Galicia's fish markets to operate in real time
Real-time transmission of first-sale commercial transactions in Galicia's fish markets will soon become mandatory. The measure implemented by the regional Fisheries Council affects 67 licensed fresh fish markets throughout Galicia, and will become effective with a new ordinance issued by the council, replacing that of 1996. The Council describes the measure as of "great importance" since it will facilitate procedures in authorised establishments and markets which currently lack this system, while at the same time assuring automated data transmission of fish market activity. Currently, 32 of the 67 licensed fresh fish markets in Galicia are fully automated, from auction phase to data transactions. The new ordinance will require data transmission from owners of market places, concession holders, sales locations, and any other type of establishment authorised for the auctioning of fresh fish. According to the ordinance they must have adequate computer equipment for instant sending and receiving of information, and adequate precision scales for weighing marketable products. Along with the transaction data, a "bill of sales" must also be included stating quantity, value, gear used to fish the product, zone in which it was fished, license number and registration of vessel. The vendor and buyer's tax information is also required. (FIS/MP).-

Effective satellite control in South Atlantic
The satellite control system implemented just over six months ago by Argentine authorities to monitor activities of the national fishery fleet has proved effective in controlling illegal fishery in the South Atlantic. According to data from the Argentine Naval Prefecture (PNA), last year, 63 indictments were issued out of a total 145 proceedings for offences to the Federal Fishery Law, just three months after the system was put into place. As for this year, 41 out of 46 investigations by the Fishery Police Department of the PNA have been legally processed. The chief of the Auxiliary Police Department, Luis Heller, assessed not only vessel owner companies but also system's servers and controlling bodies to verify if they were complying with corresponding roles. "The system is functioning normally, maintaining effective control over the fishery fleet, which numbers around 371 vessels," Heller declared. He also pointed out that PNA patrols have in fact detected that banned zones are the areas which require most surveillance since most fishery law offences are carried out in these areas. The most affected zone has been the area where hake (Merluccius hubbsi) catching is banned. Mr. Heller admitted that controls have yet to be incorporated to the Uruguayan fishing fleet operating in the Common Fishery Zone of the River Plate. However he pointed out that officials and experts from both countries were working in the implementation. PNA satellite surveillance shows the positioning of fishing vessels sending hourly files with each report including information on entry into banned areas at speeds less than allowed, or navigation at slower speeds than permitted, if the vessel does not register a permit. The information is distributed on a daily basis to the National Institute of Fishery Research and Development, INIDEP, Santa Cruz province Fisheries and Port Activities Under Secretariat; the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs and Continental Fishery of Chubut; and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Directorate of the province of Tierra del Fuego. (FIS/MP).-

Galicia granted EUR 8.5 million for fisheries
The autonomous community of Galicia has been granted a major slice of the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance, (FIFG), funds to implement fishery programmes. The sum involves EUR 8.5 million of the EUR 23 million that the central Spanish government allocated for several areas. Funds are to be invested in financing aquaculture programmes, coastal fishing assistance, plus scrapping, modernisation, and renovation of vessels. This last provision will not be included in future allotments given that this is the last year enabling vessel construction with public funds. Of the EUR 23 million destined for fisheries, nearly EUR 2 million will go toward starting up the Spanish National Marine Farming Plans and EUR 21 million for co-financing the FIFG funds. Galicia is the top beneficiary of the bulk of funding for fleet renovation; however it received less than Cataluña and Valencia for development of production infrastructure. As to funds for National Marine Farming Plans, Galicia has been granted EUR 456,460 compared to Andalucia's EUR 503,760. According to the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, MAPA, Councillors from all autonomous communities agreed the distribution process of more than EUR 244 million for agrarian and fishery programmes and development implementation plans. (FIS/MP).

Chilean delegates travel to Brussels for swordfish talks
A delegation of Chilean fishery officials and businesspersons are meeting this week in Brussels with representatives of the European Union (EU) to discuss the temporary swordfish accord reached by both parties in 2001. Another issue will be the exchange of information regarding swordfish (Xiphias gladius) populations in the Southeast Pacific and attempt finding alternatives for their protection. The Chilean mission is headed by the general manager of the National Fisheries Association (SONAPESCA), Cristian Jara; Chilean Fisheries Under-secretary Felipe Sandoval; and Jorge Berguño, Chilean representative before the Committee on Environmental Protection. Other participants of the meeting include delegations from Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Japan, plus representatives from the Permanent Commission for the South Pacific (that includes these four countries) and delegates from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission.. The Chile-EU agreement allows research fishing with four vessels for each party and an annual total admissible catch of 1000 tonnes each. Chile allowed EU vessels free access to the country's ports during the two-year research studies on the species. An interim fishery regulation on swordfish studies was put in place, establishing onboard observers to verify that fishery efforts are being undertaken for research purposes and that no high-sea vessel transfer of cargo takes place. This was a point of contention between Chile and EU last year, when European fishing vessels refused Chilean inspectors aboard vessels authorised only to carry out research. Swordfish is an important commodity for a broad sector of Chilean coastal fishermen. In the Coquimbo region only there are fifteen swordfish vessels. (FIS/MP).-

Hoki export boom in central Chile
Fisheries export earnings in central-southern Chile registered a 23.9% increase in 2003 jumping from 297 million to 368 million US dollars, mainly from frozen and canned produce as well as fishmeal shipments, according to the Association of Fishery Industry from Bio Bio Region, (ASIPES). ASIPES member companies from the regions of Valparaiso to Los Lagos are responsible for 68% of Chile's annual catch with export volume reaching 472,625 tonnes in 2003 a 18,6% increase over 2002. Luis Felipe Moncada, ASIPES General Manager explained to the fisheries publication "El Llanquihue" that hoki, once used exclusively for fishmeal and now being sold for human consumption, has proved the main thrust for the industry in the region. ASIPES data shows that hoki generated revenue increased 65% in 2003, reaching 20.5 million US dollars. This means 13,831 tonnes of hoki were exported, 67% more than in 2002 and showing a growing tendency. Frozen hake exports on the other hand expanded 10.9%, equivalent to 42.4 million US dollars. (FIS/MP).

Vigo industry request Fishery Affairs Ministry
The Vessel Owners Cooperative of Vigo (ARVI), Galicia, has requested the incoming Spanish Socialist Worker's Party (PSOE) government the creation of a Ministry of Maritime and Fishery Affairs underlining the importance of fisheries and aquaculture "as sources of nutrition for Spanish families." ARVI believes that the creation of a ministry would continue to consolidate Spain's European leadership in the industry, sector employment, and fish consumption. They also request increased financial and human resources for fishery research making the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, IEO, dependent of the ministry to be created. A Fishery Affairs Ministry would help to generate fisheries awareness in Spain, concentrate lobbying in Brussels and promote a policy of cooperation with third countries, argues ARVI in a letter sent to incoming Spanish president Rodríguez Zapatero. Another area of concern for ARVI is advancing in the transferable quotas system, making vessel owners title-holders of fishery rights. Finally Vigo vessel owners appeal to the recovery of "the fishing tradition and spirit of the Spanish people". (FIS/MP).

Spanish cannery exports reached 413 million Euros
Spain's cannery sector invoiced EUR 833 million in 2003, with production of canned fish and shellfish reaching 274,075 tons, representing 5% volume growth and a 3.1% increase in value. Exports represented 50% of production amounting to 117,233 tonnes, 90,386 tonnes of which originated in Galicia. Though volume exports were less than the 118,287 tonnes registered in 2002, the strength of the euro compensated the fall, and weighed in at EUR 413,7 million. Results reached last year had an important affect on the Galician economy, given that 85% of the cannery sector is located in Galicia. The data was presented March 26 in Galicia's Museum of the Sea, by Juan Manuel Vieytes from the National Association of Canneries, ANFACO. ANFACO statistics revealed that tuna has become the "star product" for the cannery sector, representing 61.9% of earnings and 62.6% of volume produced. Mussel amounted to 8.7% of production followed by sardine with 8.2%, anchovy 8% and mackerel 5.5%. Mr. Vieytes pointed out that Galicia is the biggest producer of canned fish in Europe and ranked third worldwide behind Thailand and the United States. He also emphasised that modernisation of Spanish companies has contributed to making the industry more competitive internationally. In Spain there are almost 100 fish and shellfish canneries employing 15,500 people, of which 67 with 12,000 workers are located in Galicia. (FIS/MP).-

Sustainable fishery guide critical of farmed salmon
The Australian Marine Conservation Society is calling on a boycott of salmon, one of Tasmania's principle export products. A national guide to choosing sustainable seafood products, being released by the society, recommends against the consuming 10 fish varieties. It is particularly critical of fish farming, which it says has the potential to cause water pollution, disease transfer and the rise of feral populations. According to Tasmania's Fishing Industry Council director, John Hammond, the Marine Conservation Society is wrong to criticise the state's fisheries, which are currently the most sustainable and well-managed that they have ever been. He also claims that salmon farming certainly should not have been included on the list as it poses no threat to the environment. The conservation society, however, believes that although salmon was a controversial inclusion on the list and is there because of its potential for ecological damage, it is up to the consumer to decide what level of environmental impact are acceptable, reports The Mercury. According to the conservation society's sustainable fisheries officer, Craig Bohm, one of the main problems with salmon farming is its reliance on large volumes of wild-caught fish to be used as fishmeal. Between two to 12 kg of fishmeal is needed to produce just one kilogram of salmon. Hammond, however, claims that although the industry does require large amounts of fishmeal, the wild fish used are fast-growing and short-lived species and their extraction, therefore, pose no risk to the sustainability of fisheries. He also emphasised that any salmon which has escaped from Tasmania into the Atlantic has not been known to survive as it is incapable of finding its own food outside of the cages. The Sustainable Fish Finder guides consumers through 30 of the country's main sea foods, allowing the consumer to make up his or her own mind regarding the consumption of species from both sustainable and non-sustainable fisheries. (FIS/MP).-

Brazil begins massive fleet expansion and renovation
Brazilian President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva sanctioned a bill March 23 creating the National Finance Programme for the Expansion and Modernisation of the country's fishing fleet. The government hopes the Pro-flota Fishery Plan will reduce pressure on over-exploited stocks, facilitate effectiveness and sustainability of the coastal and continental fishery fleet, and promote maximum use of catches. Bill 10.849 targets are to increase fishery production; use available fishery stocks in the country's EEZ and in international waters; consolidate the national oceanic fishery fleet and above all improve the quality of fish produced in Brazil. For this the Brazilian government has two credit-lines available for financing: ? Transformation of vessels previously dedicated to those resources flagged as over-exploited, to enable them to focus sustainable fishing efforts on the extraction of other resources while renouncing their original fishery permits. ? Substitution of fishery vessels and equipment which are technologically obsolete, thus reducing impact on fisheries which are saturated or in the process of saturation, and would improve working conditions for fishers. The Pro-flota Fishery Plan is expected to facilitate the construction of some 100 vessels for ocean fishing and the acquisition of up to 30 vessels, no more than five-years old, also for deep sea fishing. The government also plans the conversion of 240 vessels from the coastal fleet exploiting saturated resources to deep-sea vessels or other fisheries in expansion. It also anticipates the construction of 150 new medium and large ships to renovate the fleet operating with laulao catfish (Brachyplatystoma vaillanti), southern red snapper (Lutjanus purpureus), and shrimp (Farfantepenaeus subtilis) in the littoral north and northeast regions. (FIS/MP).-

Oxygen-starved dead zones threaten marine life
A report released by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) warns that oxygen-starved "dead zones" in the world's oceans and seas are threatening the survival of both marine animals and plants. Dead zones are caused by an excess presence of nutrients, mainly nitrogen from agricultural fertilizers, industrial emissions and wastes, and usually measure less than one square kilometre. However some have been known to reach up to 70,000 square kilometres, suggesting that the problem is getting far bigger. Another sign of alert is that the almost 150 areas detected, are twice the amount existent in the 90s. According to the Executive Director of the UNEP, Klaus Toepfer, the problem is caused when the nitrogen and phosphorus from the industrial wastes are discharged into rivers or the coastline. These fertilizers then trigger blooms of marine organisms called phytoplankton, whose rapid growth and decomposition use up all the oxygen in the water. Although some fish are able to flee the affected area, other slow-moving creatures such as clams, lobsters and oysters are often left suffocating. Perhaps one of the best-known dead zones is located in the Gulf of Mexico and has been caused by nutrients and fertilizers flowing down the Mississippi River from the United States. However, other zones have also been found in Chesapeake Bay in the US, the Baltic Sea, the Kattegat Strait, the Scandinavian fjords, the Black Sea and the northern Adriatic Sea. (FIS/MP).-

Japan to impose limits on canthaxanthin pigment
A plan to impose maximum limits on canthaxanthin in salmon feed has recently been announced by the Japanese Ministry of Labour, Health and Welfare (MHLW). Canthaxanthin, a pigment belonging to the carotenoid group, is closely related to the pigment, beta-carotene, found in carrots. Although the pigment is found naturally in shrimp, it is also used as an additive in a wide range of fish and animal feeds during the production process in order to enhance the colour of the product. The use of this feed additive is purely cosmetic and does not affect the taste or quality of the food. The decision to establish a maximum limit for this substance follows the release of a report from the Scientific Committee for Animal Nutrition (SCAN) of the European Union from studies undertaken during 2002. While compiling the report scientists revealed a link between high canthaxanthin intake and eyesight problems. Experts at the World Health Organization and the European Commission established an acceptable daily intake of 0.03 mg of canthaxanthin per kg of human body weight. The report therefore recommended lowering the level of canthaxanthin in salmon feed from 80 mg per kilogram to 25 mg per kilogram. (FIS/MP).-

South African pelagic licences for locals
The South African government is calling on local commercial fishermen to apply for pelagic permits, following a decision to ban Japanese and Taiwanese vessels from the nation's fishery waters. The invitation is the result of significant and lengthy consultations with interested parties, including members of the fishing industry, over a period of around 18 months, reports News 24. Although South Africa's participation in longline fishery is fairly new, it is hoped that this latest move will enable the country to establish an abundant, economically and environmentally sustainable commercial pelagic fishery. The fishery includes tuna and swordfish, as well as a by-catch of pelagic sharks. The permits, which will be valid for no more than 10 years, will be issued according to the following criteria: ? A fisherman's prior involvement in pelagic longline fishery;
? Investment in pelagic fishery;
? Processing and marketing capacity of the product;
? Level of South African management and ownership;
? Technology needed to harvest the product;
? Compliance with local, international, and comparative foreign law.
Those interested in applying for a permit will have to complete an application form from the Foreshore offices in Cape Town. The closing date for all applications has been set at 15 December this year. (FIS/MP).-

Ministry makes important announcements during Aqua Sur 2004
Chilean Minister of Economy Jorge Rodríguez Grossi, announced further promotion for the country's booming aquaculture industry in the framework of the Third International Aqua Sur Fair held in Puerto Montt and considered the most important of its kind in the Southern hemisphere. Mr. Rodríguez said the Chilean government with financial support from the European Union will build three important technology centres in Region X to ensure the quality of aquaculture shipments abroad. They include a Chemical Meteorological Centre, an Intelligence Unit, and a Method Certifications Unit, "laboratories that will help with precision, to certify the quality of Chilean produce". Aqua Sur 2004 which lasted three full days attracted 650 companies from around the world with 266 stands in Puerto Montt's main 8000-square metre exhibition centre. Next year's edition will be held in Concepción in Chile's Region VIII. Considered one of the top aquaculture fair in the Southern hemisphere, according to the organizers the event reflected the growth of the industry not only in Chile but globally. "An outstanding aspect of the fair was the innovation and creativity shown in many areas, for example new equipment for processing plants and far-reaching service providers. Also on display were mid-size vessels and equipment to accelerate the industry's growth" Adolfo Labial, manager of Intesal (Technological Salmon Institute) highlighted to El Llanquihue. Given the growing questioning of salmon farming side effects, during the fair the president of the Association of Salmon Industry Chile AG, (Salmon Chile), Javier Cox, and the minister of Norway's Fisheries Svein Ludvigsen, (the world's two main salmon exporters) made it a point to underline the excellent growth potential for the aquaculture industry in harmony with the environment. (FIS/MP).-