Diversification of farmed species

Abstract

The drafting of this guide on diversification in aquaculture shows that sustainability in aquaculture is linked to its level of diversification. The Mediterranean has a large number of resources that will facilitate diversification in its aquaculture activities, in terms of not only the species cultivated but the diversification of cultivation densities, types of companies and markets. Diversification seeks to: Distribute the risks, Access new market opportunities, Occupy wider geographic areas or their hydrological resources, Complement the existing supply, Contribute to allowing aquaculture to expand through cultivating new species with the potential to be converted into activities that are economically sustainable, Diversify aquaculture production through cultivating hydro-biological resources that are easy to implement and handle in technical terms, creating new investment alternatives for both the industrial and the traditional fishing sectors, Effectively concentrating funds for R+D on aquaculture diversification, Developing and strengthening the scientific and technological, management, logistics and other capacities related to aquaculture. Through the diversification of aquaculture, improvements can be made in the supply of raw materials for the processing industry, and in addition, lead to the consolidation of existing external markets and the opening of new markets, based on a continuous supply in terms of volumes and product quality with a high international demand. This guide is intended as a tool for providing decision-takers and fish farmers with practical suggestions for achieving sustainable aquaculture development process adapted to the reality of the Mediterranean, based on current technical and scientific knowledge.