A Fish Production Problem Probably Related to Free Market Competition

Opinion

In this short note, I highlight a discrepancy which in my opinion exists between fingerling production and the fattening phase: a problem probably related to free market competition. I am most familiar with fish production in Mediterranean countries, where sea-bass and sea-bream are farmed, but the fact to which I refer also applies to salmonids and northern countries. Market logic aims at high production at the lowest cost in the shortest possible time. This applies to fry production and fattening. These two sectors are often separate and totally independent, each in competition with rival companies and endeavouring to make a profit, even at the expense of quality. But as we all know, the two sectors are closely linked: the success of fattening depends on the quality of the fry, while the demand for fingerlings and the survival of commercial hatcheries themselves depend on the marketing success of the stock bred. In industrial production, the growth of fry is forced in order to obtain large numbers in a short time, in any period. This means that the fish are more susceptible to disease due to liver stress from an early age. Stock is therefore more vulnerable, subject to viral and bacterial attack. Medication is more often necessary, and the hatchery suffers high mortality, health costs, and ultimately sells an inferior product. Even in the case of Opinion