In addressing the issue of Mediterranean aquaculture, and having the fact
that the aquaculture sector is partly associated with the relevant European Common
Fisheries Policy, the study provide both global and European circumstances relevant
for current state, growth target and future challenges. Marine aquaculture, in the
Medterranean has shown a rapid growth in 1990s, and by the time became an important
source of seafood, employment and income. However, it has not progressed
significantly over the last decade, due to several factors that influence performance of
the main fish species production. Replacement with ingredients from plant origin has
influenced FCR, presence of mycotoxins in feed and micro ingredient deficiency Many
breeding, health and welfare issues still remain unresolved. Lack of spatial planning on
the integrated principles, access to quality fish feed, eggs and fry, has restricted
aquaculture in some developing countries. Complicated administrative procedures
related to national and regional environmental regulations were constraining
aquaculture development in many EU-Mediterrenan states. Fragmented approach to
marketing of mariculture products requires a cooperation of different actors across the
Mediterranean. Vision for 2030 has projected doubling finfish production. However,
for such a development a set of practical solutions are needed in production,
governance, cooperation, policy management, market development, and spatial
planning. If aquaculture tends to meet its goals, it must improve production models and
environmental performances. It is expected that future production economy may take
advantage of diversifying species and combining land based recirculating aquaculture
systems (RASs) with more open sea farming by employment of more robust cage
installations. Integration with non-fed organisms is a promising option in achieving
better economic and environmental benefits.
Keywords: Challenges, EU-Mediterranean context, Fish nutrition, Future
direction, Global aquaculture, Health management, Public concerns, Spatial
planning, Standards.
