The blue revolution comes to the table

Mussels, sea bass, sole, clams, sea bass, trout and sea bream have something in common: they are rich in protein, essential oils, vitamins and minerals, but especially they offer a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for health and balance nutritional.

In addition, this type of fish in particular is part of the "aquatic livestock" of the Aquaculture of Spain, which is responsible for supplying markets and supermarkets so that these products arrive from the "farms" of the sea or river to the plate.

According to the Report on Aquaculture in Spain 2020, prepared by the Association of producers in the sector (APROMAR), we are the European country with the largest aquaculture harvest (25.5% of the total in the European Union), with a production close to the 350,000 tons of fish, sea and river, mollusks and algae.

However, according to a study carried out by APROMAR, more than a third of the Spanish population (33.8%) have never heard of “aquaculture” and when it is described they state that they do not know it.

What is Aquaculture in Spain?

At the end of the 1960s, our country stood out in the world production of aquatic products, especially from extractive fishing in national and international waters.

And it was at that same time, when the possibilities of this type of fishing were reduced, when the first steps in aquaculture were taken: nurseries where fish such as croaker, sea bass or sea bream are raised, mussel rafts or farms on the banks of the rivers where they grow rainbow trout and sturgeon, or on beaches, intertidal areas or estuaries for the production of oysters and clams.

Aquaculture fish are raised in a controlled manner and comply with demanding regulations, which ensures that their animal welfare is ensured and that it is also done in a way that is respectful of the environment that surrounds them.

In addition, it can be ensured that they contain the same nutrients as fish from extractive fishing.

Aquaculture is a method of producing fish, molluscs and algae, which allows to feed the growing population in a sustainable way and which generates employment in rural and coastal areas.

It is an activity that generates some 19,000 direct jobs and more than 46,000 indirect jobs a year in Spain

“The world is changing, the pandemic is accelerating many changes, possibly in diet as well.

Our environment is increasingly concerned about what it buys and is clear about what it expects from its food.

We want to be there and accompany society: ensure that the Aquaculture of Spain is known and valued as a method of obtaining aquatic species, both animals and algae, which have a high value by themselves, and continue to improve our work with the elaboration of a Sustainability Report ”, concludes Javier Ojeda, manager of APROMAR.