When Artisanal Fishing Contributes to Science | green rubber

The University Institute for Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (IU-ECOAQUA) of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) relies on the artisanal fishers of Gran Canaria to increase the genetic diversity of the stock of amberjack or amberjack towers (Seriola dumerili ), within the framework of the National Plan for the Consolidation of Seriola cultivation (PLANASER 2.0).

According to the coordinator, Javier Roo, “Maintaining good genetic diversity of breeding samples is vital to starting the cultivation of any new aquaculture species,” so collaboration with local fishermen was essential to sustaining the research work.

This collaboration between the university and fishermen dates back to the 1990s, nothing more, nothing less. For this activity in which large specimens must be captured and kept alive until they are transported to ULPGC facilities, “there is nothing better than the involvement of the fishing professionals with whom we have maintained a close relationship since this and other aquaculture diversification programs began in ULPGC,” stated Rowe, who represents both ULPGC and the Canary Islands Research Agency. Innovation and Information Society (ACIISI).

In fact, the Group for Aquaculture Research (GIA) coordinating the project has been developing breeding programs for this species since 2005, with stable production of juveniles in a controlled manner. “We currently have a third-generation or third-generation broodstock, although we are interested in adding new genes to our stock with a view to starting breeding and genetic selection programs in the future, as with other farmed or cultured fish species,” Javier explained. Rowe, program coordinator.

Specifically, specimens of amberjack, also known as peninsular amberjack, come from the southwestern coast of Gran Canaria. In addition to Seriola dumerili, IU-ECOAQUA is currently working with other species such as Seriola rivoliana, Liza aurata, Chelon labrosus, and toothed mackerel (Pseudocaranx dentex), among other native species such as the Canary Islands clam (Haliotis) or sea bream and sea bass, which It is traditionally grown on the island.

Aquaculture in the Canary Islands as a means of promoting blue labour.

The Canary Islands is one of the Spanish regions with deep roots in the aquaculture sector. According to data from the Canary Islands government, the archipelago is the second national producer of bream and sea bass farming, providing more than 7,000 tons of fish annually. Aquaculture, in addition to being a sustainable source of food, has a significant impact on the economy of the archipelago. According to the Spanish Aquaculture Business Association, around 800 people work in this specialty, and they contribute to the islands more than 41 million euros per year in first sale value, which far exceeds the value of the rest of the local fishery’s products (at around 32 million).

However, currently in the Canary Islands only bream and sea bass are produced commercially. “By boosting amberjack production, it will increase the aquaculture production capacity in the areas identified on the islands in the Aquaculture Management Plan (PROAC) which currently indicates a maximum annual production capacity of 37,000 tonnes, increasing the number of companies in this sector and expanding,” said Rowe.

The initiative coordinated by the Canary Islands, with the participation of the University of Cádiz, the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the Technological Center for Aquaculture, will set Spain as the international benchmark in the cultivation of this species. Likewise, the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors and the transfer of knowledge to society is reflected in the participation of partners such as the AVRAMAR group or the company ACUIPALMA. Finally, the experience involving feeding with improved commercial diets in collaboration with Skretting Spain SA and Bedson Spain SA