Mr Arias Cañete added that this sector, "has a greater capacity for growth and can take its rightful place in the market."
In his speech, Arias Cañete stressed that the inland aquaculture sector in Spain is made up of mostly small businesses, employing, directly and indirectly, nearly 5,000 people. Despite its small size, the Minister considers that it is a great social sector, as the activity creates many jobs in rural areas.
Mr Arias Cañete also pointed out that the rainbow trout is the most productive fish species in Spain, only behind mussel. However, the Minister has stated that its production has been decreasing steadily since 2002. In 2012, production stood at around 20,000 tonnes, with a turnover in of €100 million.
Mr Arias Cañete stated that one of the objectives of the Ministry of Agriculture is to encourage a change in the trend and foster a more dynamic sector.
To do this, Mr Arias Cañete referred to the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Innovation and Technological Development in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector.
Established at the national level, this aims to improve the sustainability and competitiveness of the fisheries sector in the coming years.
The Minister also announced that the Department works to improve consumer perception of the values and nutritional qualities of inland aquaculture products, through information and promotion actions.
At the European Union level, Mr Arias Cañete explained that the Common Fisheries Policy "provides a promising future for aquaculture, with a firm commitment to revitalization based on the highest standards of quality."
