Have you ever wondered where the delicious fresh fish you enjoy on your table comes from? Is it possible to access your plate? If we asked any diner, they would probably answer more clearly: “Vini del Mar, where do you go? And the fishermen take you there.” The answer, while logical and not at all wrong, is also accurate.
Many consumers overlook a basic fact: More than 57% of the fish consumed in the world comes from aquaculture, an activity that consists of the systematic cultivation of fish and algae in seas, rivers and other aquatic environments. Since fishing alone cannot cover the current global demand for fish (the Food and Agriculture Organization has warned of the vulnerability of extractive fishing resources), aquaculture has become an effective, sustainable and reliable solution that ensures supply without depleting natural resources. Competition, aquaculture and traditional fishing complement each other so we can continue to enjoy nutritious and delicious fish. Naturally, it is very likely that he is the leader who today heads the majority of Spanish aquaculture tables.
Safe fish of exceptional quality, thanks to Spanish scientists
8,209 people in Spain are currently employed directly in aquaculture, a sector with very diverse jobs. In addition to specialized workers in aquaculture farms, there are biologists, veterinarians, breeders, aquaculture engineers, highly qualified technicians with more administrative profiles or experts in the field of digitalization and information technology. On the ground, these jobs are focused on fish production, which includes research, innovation, quality control and marketing, making aquaculture a dynamic sector with a high potential for innovation and development. They are the people who have a voice in aquaculture.
One of these voices is Ariadna Setja Bobadilla, CSIC researcher at the Aquaculture Institute of Torre de la Salle (Castellón). His work, like that of many Spanish scientists, played an early and later role in the development of aquaculture. With over 30 years of experience and over 150 scientific publications, his efforts have contributed decisively to improving knowledge about aquatic species health and farm operation. Among the most notable scientific developments, Sitga highlights the role of smart sensing.
“This technology has made it possible to monitor critical factors – such as oxygen, temperature or salinity – and optimize food to reduce losses due to stress or environmental fluctuations,” he explains. “This includes the use of drones, underwater cameras, behavioral chips, automated systems and integrated data management platforms, facilitating comprehensive control of facilities and biomass,” says the scientist.
In Spain, the cultivation of emerging species and the improvement of existing species are encouraged. This increases the sector’s exposure and flexibility in the face of market and environmental changes
Ariadna Setja Bobadilla, Researcher at Torre de La Salle Aquaculture Institute (Castellón), CSIC
In the field of advanced nutrition and animal health, in recent decades and thanks to research, as the biologist points out, “we have been able to optimize the diet according to ages, seasons and species, thus achieving much higher conversion and growth rates and reducing the environmental impact.” “We have also succeeded in improving the health of the animals by improving their management and the quality of the conditions for the babies,” recalls Doctor Setja.
“In Spain – accounts of the biologist – the cultivation of emerging species and the improvement of existing ones are encouraged. In this way, the supply and flexibility of this sector in the face of market and environmental changes are expanded.”
All this has a positive impact on the fish supply and on the consumers’ wallet: without depending on weather conditions, there will always be more examples available on the market. Because without a shortage of fish, its price will not rise until it becomes a luxury commodity.
In addition to specialized workers on aquaculture farms, there are biologists, veterinarians, breeders, aquaculture engineers and quality technicians with more managerial profiles or experts in the field of digitalization and information technology.
Another great step that science has taken regarding children’s health is that in recent years the risk factors that underlie disease outbreaks have been identified.
“The application of biosecurity measures on farms has significantly reduced the impact of diseases. The implementation of vaccines and improvement of production systems has also succeeded in reducing the use of drugs on farms, by up to 0.3% of cases,” says the CSIC researcher.
Spain’s labor and wealth were evacuated
Aquaculture activity also has an important social and economic impact in the country. One consequence of establishing aquaculture facilities in vacant rural areas of Spain was the creation of workspaces in areas that were practically unoccupied. We talk about areas where the industry is transforming in general on many occasions.
The knowledge that this is what agricultural activity does translates into wealth and the creation of stable, quality work in areas that were previously unseen. As Javier Ojeda, director of Abromar, explains, “There are many small regions (some with less than 30 inhabitants) that have one of their main sources of employment and economy in aquaculture. We are talking about places like Valderepolo (Guadalajara), Riofrio (Granada), Villaverde del Monte (Soria), Riopar (Albacete), Ruente (Cantabria) and Uña (Cuenca). Among many others.”
In coastal areas or where rivers are present, small aquaculture companies use their location to generate business activity, which translates into economic outcomes and social benefits for rural people.
There are many small towns (some with less than 30 inhabitants) that have one of their main sources of employment and economics in aquaculture.”
Javier Ojeda, Director of Abromar
Each of these professionals is responsible for the democratization of fish. And the same thing: that one of the most healthy and nutritious foods that exist is not within the reach of a few privileged people, but that there is food for everyone and that this demand is solvable, preserving the biodiversity of the oceans. Sustainability, security and quality define aquaculture, an activity that today celebrates its great day. For much more!
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