National Strategic Plan for Fisheries 2007-2013 - Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development
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Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural
Development
National Strategic Plan for Fisheries
2007-2013
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
Acronyms
CFP Common Fisheries Policy
EARDF European Agricultural for Rural Development Fund
EC European Community
EEA Exclusive Economic Area
EEC European Economic Community
EFF European Fisheries Fund
EPA Environment Protection Agency
ERDF European Regional Development Fund
ESF European Social Fund
EU European Union
FVR Fishing Vessels Register
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GVA Gross Value Added
LG Local Groups
MAFRD Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development
MEWM Ministry of Environment and Waters Management
MS Member States
NAFA National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture
NDP National Development Plan
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NIS National Institute of Statistics
NMS New Member States
NSP National Strategic Plan
NSRF National Strategic Reference Framework
NUTS Nomenclature of Territorial Statistical Units
OP Operational Programme
SAPARD Special Accession Program for Agriculture and Rural Development
UN United Nations
VMS Vessels Monitoring System
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 2
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
Table of contents
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 5
A. ASSESSMENT OF THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION AND of THE
POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT ....................................................................................................... 6
A.1. Current macroeconomic context ............................................................................................. 6
A.2. Overview of the fisheries and aquaculture sector from a geographical, economic and
social point of view ........................................................................................................................... 6
A.2.1. General aspects ................................................................................................................... 6
A.2.2. Sea fishing............................................................................................................................ 8
A.2.3. Inland fishing ...................................................................................................................... 11
A.2.4. Aquaculture ........................................................................................................................ 12
A.2.5. Processing.......................................................................................................................... 13
A.2.6. Marketing............................................................................................................................ 14
A.2.7. Recreational fishing............................................................................................................ 14
A.2.8. Fishing Ports and shelters.................................................................................................. 15
A.2.9. Fisheries areas................................................................................................................... 15
A.2.10. Protected areas and species............................................................................................ 15
A.2.11. Research .......................................................................................................................... 16
A.2.12. Education and training...................................................................................................... 16
A.3. Current status of the administration ..................................................................................... 16
A.4. Legal framework ...................................................................................................................... 18
B. SWOT ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES ......................................................................................... 19
B.1. SWOT Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 19
B.2. Key constraints for the fisheries sector................................................................................ 20
B.3. Challenges ............................................................................................................................... 21
C. DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2007-2013........................................................................................ 23
C.1. Strategic vision........................................................................................................................ 23
C.1.1. Definition of the strategic vision ......................................................................................... 23
C.1.2. Key priorities of the NSP 2007 - 2013................................................................................ 24
C.2. OBJECTIVES FOR EACH AXIS .............................................................................................. 28
C.2.1. Strategy proposed for Axis 1.............................................................................................. 28
C.2.2. Strategy proposed for Axis 2.............................................................................................. 29
C.2.3. Strategy proposed for Axis 3.............................................................................................. 32
C.2.4. Strategy proposed for Axis 4.............................................................................................. 33
C.2.5. Strategy proposed for Axis 5.............................................................................................. 35
D. DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
STRATEGY ........................................................................................................................................... 36
E. PRELIMINARY INDICATORS FOR PROGRESS EVALUATION ................................................... 37
E.1. Sustainable development of the potential of fishing resources......................................... 37
E.2. Development and increase of the sector competitiveness ................................................. 37
E.3. Structure of the sector and the economic environment...................................................... 37
E.4. Development of fishing areas ................................................................................................ 37
E.5. Human capital and Community policies ............................................................................... 38
F. IMPLEMENTATION AND COORDINATION METHODS WITH THE EARDF, EFRD, ESF........... 39
F.1. Previous programs .................................................................................................................. 39
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 3NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
F.2. EFF Implementation................................................................................................................. 39
F.2.1. Managing Authority............................................................................................................. 39
F.2.2. Certifying Authority ............................................................................................................. 42
F.2.3. Audit Authority .................................................................................................................... 42
F.2.4. Paying Body........................................................................................................................ 43
F.3. Stakeholder involvement – Strategic Committee for the NSP – Monitoring Committee of
the Fisheries Operational Programme.......................................................................................... 43
F.4. Coordination with the other strategies................................................................................. 44
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 4NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA INTRODUCTION The National Strategic plan for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Romania was drafted according to Article 15 of the Council Regulation (EC) no. 1198/2006 of July 27, 2006 on the European Fisheries Fund (EFF), following a consultation process with the socio-economic stakeholders, with the national local government authorities, with the trade unions, with the NGOs and with the professional organizations. 3 meetings have been held with the Institutions and partners in order to draft this National Strategic Plan (NSP), with the contribution of the thematic workgroups created for this purpose. The NSP for the period between 2007 and 2013 covers all the aspects of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in Romania and the vision of the Romanian Government for its development shows the priority objectives and the public financial resources required for the implementation of the CFP in Romania. The NSP presents the strategic approach for the implementation of the EFF Operational Programme for the Romanian Fisheries sector. The EFF contributes in many aspects to the partial implementation of the CFP in Romania. To the highest extent possible, the NSP includes the basic and optional indicators proposed by the Commission in the working document on the National Strategic Plan. National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 5
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
A. ASSESSMENT OF THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION AND of THE POTENTIAL
FOR DEVELOPMENT
A.1. Current macroeconomic context
The transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy that began in
Romania in 1990, has implied radical changes in the institutional and legal framework.
During 2000–2005, the annual GDP growth was on average higher than 5% and was
accompanied by a high level of macroeconomic stability. Nevertheless, the annual inflation
rate was about 8.6 % in 2005, higher than the annual inflation rate in the Euro area..
The occupation rate between 2003 and 2005 dropped slightly, while the International Labor
Office unemployment rate grew from 7% to 7.2%. However, the unemployment rate is still
low, as compared to other countries in the region (NMS-10 and EU-15).
Although important progress has been achieved over the past years, Romania is still lagging
behind the European competitors in terms of economic development; this situation is
reflected by the GDP level expressed by the standard purchasing power, which represents
only one third of the EU-25 average in 2005, about 40% of the least developed countries in
the EU (Greece, Portugal) and only 50% of the average GDP/capita in the new Member
States.
These low figures show that the structural changes and the bridging of the gap between
Romania and the EU have not yet been implemented at the actual potential. Moreover, the
poor synchronization of the economic cycle between Romania and EU-15 shows that the
true convergence process must be strongly sustained by means of structural reforms.
A.2. Overview of the fisheries and aquaculture sector from a
geographical, economic and social point of view
A.2.1. General aspects
Geographic aspects
Romania is the twelfth country of Europe from the geographical point of view, having an area
surface of 238,391 square km, of which 87% (207,372 square km) represent rural areas and
13% represent urban areas (31,018 square km). On July 1st, 2005, Romania had 21,623,849
inhabitants, or about 5% of EU-25.
Romania has a large diversity of landscapes and inland waters representing 3% of the total
surface. There are 400,000 ha of natural lakes and ponds, man-made reservoirs, including
the Danube Delta; 84,500 ha of fish farms; 15,000 ha of fish nursery areas; 66,000 km of
rivers of which 18,200 km are in the mountain area; 1,075 km are located in the lower part of
the Danube.
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 6NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
Romania has a coastline along the Black Sea of around 250 Km, while the exclusive
economic zone covers 25,000 square kilometers. However, most of the fisheries activities
are carried out within the 12 mile-zone and in inland waters.
Economic aspects
Although the share of the fisheries sector to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was of only
0.0054% in 2005, this sector is important for the national economy mostly due to its social
role, to its potential as a food-source, to its wetlands and to the biodiversity of the Romanian
waters.
The fisheries sector includes aquaculture, marine and inland fishing activities, as well as the
related processing and marketing activities. Romania’s main fishery production component is
represented by aquaculture, followed by the inland fisheries. The fisheries activities along the
coastline of the Black Sea remain limited compared to the inland fisheries.
Table no 1. Ratio of fishing and fish farming in the total GVA and GDP (in %)
INDICATORS 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Fishing and fish farming / GVA 0,0058 0,0061 0,0043 0,0049 0,0047 0,0080 0,0063 0,0062
Agriculture, hunting and forestry
16,21 15,15 12,51 14,97 12,75 13,02 13,89 9,58
/GVA
Fishing and fish farming / GDP 0,0051 0,0054 0,0038 0,0043 0,0042 0,0071 0,0056 0,0054
Agriculture, hunting and forestry
14,38 13,34 11,07 13,37 11,42 11,56 12,40 8,46
/GDP
*recalculated for 2005 actual prices
(Gross Value Added is the balancing item of the production account and measures the value newly
created within the production process – Romanian Statistical Yearbook, 2006)
Source: calculations based on the Statistic Yearbook of Romania
For the period 1998 - 2005, the gross value added (GVA) at national level varied between
33,154.76 billion lei (2,592.6 mil. ECU, calculated at NBR exchange rate on 31.12.1998,
1ECU= 12.788 lei), actual prices in 1998 and 254,388.80 mil. lei (69,181.6 mil. Eur,
calculated at NBR exchange rate on 31.12.2005, 1 Euro = 3.6771 lei) actual prices in 2005,
and the GDP between 373,798.20 billion lei (2,923.0 mil. ECU), actual prices in 1998 and
288,047.80 mil. lei (78,335.6 mil Euro), actual prices in 2005 (see table no. 1 and annex
no.1).
Compared with the average values at national level, the primary sector (agriculture, forestry
and fisheries) shows a relative decline, both in terms of the GVA – that decreased from
16.21% (1998) to 9.58% (2005)-, and in terms of the GDP - that decreased by 5.92% over
the analyzed period, i.e. from 14.38% to 8.46%-. The main reason for the decline is
explained by the weak rate of development of the primary sector as compared to the other
economic sectors of Romania.
The share of the fisheries sector to the GVA is very low, indicating values between 0.0058 %
in 1998 and 0.0062 % in 2005. As for the share of the fisheries sector in the GDP, the figures
range between 0.0051% in 1998 and 0.0054% in 2005 (see table no. 1 and annex no. 1 -
according to the data provided by the NIS 1998/2004 – national level).
The structure of fisheries GVA for each development region shows a wide variety of ratios,
from 50.79% (South –East region), to 17.80% (North –East region), to 3.66% (Center region)
in 1998 and from 32.19% (South –East region), to 17.48% (North -East) and up to 15.13%
(Center) in 2003 (NIS-1998/2003 NUTS II annex no. 1). In 2003, the highest share of the
fisheries sector to the GVA was recorded in the South-East region (45.10 billion lei,
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 7NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA expressed in 2003 current prices), followed by the North-East region (24.50 billion lei expressed in 2003 current prices) and Center region (21.20 billion lei, expressed in 2003 current prices) (annex no. 1 - according to the data provided by the NIS 1998/2005 – national level). Romania’s fishery production dropped dramatically between 1995-2005, from 18,675 tons in 1998 to 13,352 tons in 2005 (see annex no. 3). The fishery production in 2005 was broken down as follows: aquaculture - 7,284 tons (54.55%), inland water fishing - 4,042 tons (30.27%), Black Sea fishing -2,026 tons (15.17%). This dramatic decrease of the production (both fresh and sea water fisheries) is mainly the consequence of the transition to the market economy (low investments in this sector) and of the unclear institutional and legal framework. The current domestic fisheries production cannot cover the internal market demand, which is continuously increasing. This is compensated by imports that represent an important share of the fish market in Romania - 80,161 tons in 2005, while exports were only 816 tons. The quantity marketed in Romania was 92,696.90 tons in 2005, 18.89 % higher than in 2004. Compared to the national consumption, the domestic production indicates a constant decrease, from 24.31% in 2003, to 16.86% in 2004 and to 14.40% in 2005. As for the fish consumption per capita, it grew from about 2 kg in 1990, to about 4.5 kg in 2005 (see annex no. 9). Social aspects Fisheries and aquaculture activities, as well as processing and marketing of fisheries products are activities carried-out in all the counties of Romania. In some remote areas, like the Danube Delta and other areas along the Danube, fishing is one of the main activities, providing jobs and income to the local population. In 2004, the gross average earning was around 130 euros/employee (the average net nominal monthly earnings in the fisheries sector was 110 euros/employee). There are discrepances between men and women salaries working in the fisheries sector. In 2005, the total number of employees in fishery sector was approximately 6,811, out of which 633 employees (9.29%) were involved in marine fishing, 2,531 (37.16%) in inland fishing, 2,781 (40.83%) in aquaculture and 866 (12.71%) in fish processing industry (annex no. 2). The total number of full-time permanent employees in the fisheries sector represents about 86 % of the total number of employees in the fishery sector, while the part-time employees represent 12.32% and the seasonal employees only 1.63% (see annex no. 2). As for the education level of the people involved in fisheries activities, the situation is as follows: from the total number of employees, the employees with a university degree represent 8.46%; the employees with college education represent 44.53%; the remaining 47.0% is represented by employees with primary education (see annex no. 2). A.2.2. Sea fishing In 1986, Romania declared an Exclusive Economic Area (EEA) of about 25,000 square km in the Black Sea. At present, Romania’s fishing area in the Black Sea, as stipulated by the UN Convention on sea rights, is not yet delineated. The Romanian fleet operates on up to 30–35 marine miles in the Black Sea. Before 1993, when the Romanian Fishing Company ended its activity, Romanian deep sea fleet was composed by 47 trawler vessels with processing facilities on board, 12 transport National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 8
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
cooling vessels and 2 fuel supply vessels. Nowadays, the entire deep-sea fleet ceased its
activity.
Black Sea landings dropped between 1998-2005, the lowest value being reached in 2003
(36.38% of the 1998 production). The main part of the catches was fished by vessels over 12
m. Regarding the small-scale fishing fleet operating in the Danube Delta, the catches are not
properly assessed due to the difficulties for recording the landings and due to the absence of
sales points.
In Romania, the active and passive fishing is conducted along the Romanian seaside in the
marine areas up to the isobath 60 m because of the caractheristics of the vessels and to their
limited authonomy. The trawl fishery has a seasonal feature and it is correlated to the
presence of fish in the respective areas. According to the data provided by the Ministry of
Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development (MAFRD) in annex no. 4, the majority of species
caught in the Black Sea from March to October were small-size species: sprat (73.39%),
anchovies (7.60%), gudgeon (4.67%) and witting (4.55%).
Currently, 27 coastal fishing vessels (6 are under construction) are registered, with a length
of 12 m and above. Some of them need to be modernised and are not fully operational. The
small-scale coastal fishing fleet is composed of 428 boats (12 are under construction) (see
table no. 2 and annex no. 5).
Table no. 2. Black Sea fleet
Type Number Total tonnage Total power (kW)
Vessels longer than 12 m 27 2,241.26 10,103.01
Vessels smaller than 12 m 428 568.615 3,150.36
TOTAL 454 2,809.875 13,253.37
(Source: Fishing Vessel Register, NAFA)
As there are no specialised fishing ports in Romania, the marine fishing vessels have
to use the commercial ports for landing purposes. The fishing vessels in the Black
Sea use the ports of Mangalia, Constanta and Sulina as landing ports. None of
these ports has specific facilities for landing, storage and sale of fishery products.
Facilities for vessel maintenance, water, fuel and ice supply are also lacking. The
existing installations no longer provide the needed on-board safety and do not meet
the consumption and food safety requirements. Infrastructure such as quays,
warehouses and locations for first sale is missing in Romania.
Black Sea fishing vessels use Mangalia, Constanta and Sulina as landing ports, but none of
these ports have specific facilities for landing, storage and sale of fishery products, neither
specific facilities for vessels’ maintenance and for supply of water, fuel and ice. Romanian
fishing vessels are endowed with obsolete equipments. The existing installations no longer
provide the needed on-board safety and do not meet the consumption and reliability
requirements. They need to be modernised.
Romania is using different types of fishing gears for the active and passive fisheries. The
fixed fishing gears include equipment especially for catching fish migrating for spawning and
feeding in shallow waters (longlines, bottom lines, gill nets). Active fishing is performed with
seine and pelagic trawl. The fishing gears used in the Black Sea are obsolete.
No investment has been made in the Black Sea fishing fleet after 1990 (upgrading vessels,
quays etc). The Black Sea fishing fleet should be improved in terms of safety on board,
working conditions, hygiene, product quality, energy efficience and selectivity. An important
fishing area is the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, where the fishing activities are
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 9NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
forbidden for trawlers. In addition, the area near the Black Sea Coast up to the 20 m isobath
is also forbidden for fishing vessels using towed gears. The only fishing activity allowed is
fishing by fixed rods and nets.
The Black Sea is a semi-closed sea, with specific natural mutations, but its ecosystem is also
affected by important ecologic, economic and social issues, like sea-water pollution,
disturbance of the marine ecosystems and coastal erosion.
Employees in the marine fisheries sector represent about 633 or 9.29% of the total number
of employees in fishery sector, of which 97% are men and 3% are women (annex no. 2). The
age breakdown of marine fisheries employees was as follow: 37.44% persons between 40-
60 years, 58.93% persons between 20-40 years and 3.63% persons under 20 (annex no.2).
The average age of the fishing vessels is 20 years and their hull are mostly built in steel.
Since 2006, investors have shown interest in marine fishing activities and have started to
build new vessels (small-scale fishery).
The small-scale coastal fishing fleet is composed of 428 boats made of wood or
fibre, 200 of these being equipped with low power engines. This type of boats does
not use towed gears, but use stationary gears: long line, bottom line, gill nets and
traps. The average age of this small-scale fishing fleet is about 15 years.
This fleet is in poor condition and needs to be improved in terms of on-board safety,
working conditions and landing facilities. The main species targeted by this fleet are
small pelagic (sprat, anchovies and whiting). The number of the fishermen involved in
this activity is around 500.
The aim is to have 290 modernised and well-equipped boats. New engines and new
gears are needed to catch other types of fishe as well as to:
• Improve safety by covering vessels with a deck, which would allow fishing
further from the coast;
• Replace engines;
• Adjust the size of the small-scale fleet;
For this small-scale fishing fleet, the objective is to maintain and modernise it in order
to maintain the fishing activities and the fishing communities population. The
modernisation will mainly concern: improvement of safety and working conditions, of
hygiene and product quality; changing of engines and investments in selectivity.
Training activities for workers in the fisheries sector for adoption of new and more
sustainable fishing practices are also foreseen.
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 10NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
A.2.3. Inland fishing
Commercial inland fishing is practiced in natural public water bodies: the Danube, the
Danube Delta, the Razim-Sinoie lake complex, artificial lakes etc. The fishing activity is
performed under permits or licence.
There are 2,256 boats that perform fishing in the Danube and in the Danube Delta. They are
recorded in the Fishing Vessel Register. This Fishing Vessel Register is within the structure
of the National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture managed by a distinct unit (see table
no.3).
Table no 3. Boats in the Danube Delta and on the Danube
Added engine
Area Number Added tonnage
power (kW)
Danube 1,333 1,715.76 2,144.46
Danube Delta 923 670.25 2,882.94
TOTAL 2,256 2,386.01 5,027.40
* Data source: Fishing Vessel Register
Fishing is practised with fixed or towed gears, using small wooden boats. No mechanized
fishing is used in inland waters.
Final 2005 figures (see annex no. 6) show that the main species captured in the inland
waters were: cruccian carp (47.44%), bream (14.37%), Danube herring (11.55%), common
carp (5.05%), rudd (4.40%), catfish (2.50%), zander (2,82) and pike (2.60%).
In 2005, the inland fishing production was of 4,042 tons, representing only 44.67% of the
production recorded in 1995. However, this represents an increase of about 24.18% as
compared to the previous year (see annex no. 3).
In 2005, the ratio of people involved in commercial inland fishing of the total sector was of
37.16% (2,531 people), of which 97.98% men and 2.02% women.
Employees by age-groups involved in inland fishing were broken down as follows: 523
people (20.66%) between 40-60 years of age, 1937 people (76.53%) between 20-40 years of
age and 71 people (2.81%) under 20 (see annex no. 2).
Inland fishing is an important activity, but the landing sites in the Danube River and in
Danube Delta are scarce and not equipped. New storage and processing facilities were built
during the last years. Fishermen don’t have facilities to transport their catches. In
consequence, these services are performed by those who market the fisheries products.
The 2004 survey on the environment status showed that the water quality was
satisfactory, with a low percentage of degraded river corridor’s length. As compared
to the 1989 baseline, this survey showed a significant improvement of the water
quality.
The water quality in the Danube has an acceptable level, except for some pollution
accidents. In terms of water chemistry, the Danube water assessement carried-out in
2003 indicated a quality class II (“good state”), showing an improvement of all
indicators (oil products, organic-chlorinated pesticides, chemical oxygen demand).
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 11NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA Despite the fact that navigation can be very difficult, landing sites on the Danube and in the Danube Delta are scarce and not adequately equipped. The total number of landing sites is 83 located as follows: 36 in the Danube Delta and 47 along the Danube River. Only 16 landing sites in the Danube Delta and 5 along the Danube River comply with the veterinary standards. All the other 62 need to be modernized and equipped. Over the last years, new storage and processing facilities were built; however fishermen lack the facilities required to transport their catches to these facilities; such added-value services are being provided by entities involved in the marketing of fishery products. A.2.4. Aquaculture The area used for aquaculture activities in Romania is of 100,000 ha,, structured as follows: 84,500 ha of fish farms, 15,500 hatcheries, and 25 ha of trout farms. Part of the total aquaculture surfaces is unsuitable for aquaculture use. The production structure by species in Romania is dominated by the cyprinids representing about 85% of the total number of species, followed by trout, zander, pike, catfish, fresh water sturgeon (15%). The aquaculture enterprises are recorded in the Fish Farms Register within the National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture, which issues an aquaculture licence. 381 entreprises performing aquaculture activities were registered, of which 166 have hatcheries. Annex no. 11 shows a map with the location of the aquaculture entreprises in Romania. At the end of 2005, the aquaculture production was of 7,248 tons and represented 54.55% of the total fish production. The production in 2005 represents 36.73% of the production registered in 1995. Over the past years, aquaculture production has been decreasing, from 9,042 tons in 2003, to 8,056 tons in 2004 and up to 7,284 tons in 2005 (see annexes no. 3 and 8). Due to the privatization process and to the uncertain legal status of the land, few investments have been made. The fishponds with large surfaces are faced with high maintenance, operational and upgrading costs. Currently, there is not marine aquaculture in Romania. One isolated private company is active on mussel's culture. In order to implement the Directive 79/923/EEC on the shellfish water quality, four areas along the Romanian Black Sea coast were identified by the Romanian Marine Research Institute as being suitable for mussel's culture. The best area for aquaculture is the one situated between South Agigea and Mangalia. One can find here plots of land on the coast, suitable to build aquaculture facilities with easy access to clean water that can be used in aquaculture. At the end of 2005, the ratio of aquaculture employees in the overall number of fishery employees was of 40.83% (2,781 people), of which 89.72% men and 10.28% women. As for occupation by age groups in aquaculture, at the end of 2005, there were 601 people (21.61%) between 40-60 years of age, 2161 people (77.71%) between 20-40 years of age and 19 people (0.68%) under 20 (see annex no. 2). Some enterprises that perform aquaculture activities leased agricultural lands to produce fish fodder. National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 12
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
Romania intends to support the development of aquaculture in order to cope with the
demand on the domestic market and to increase the export in an increasingly
competitive international environment.
In relative terms, the share of trout has increased; in 2005, it reached 14%, in
quantitative terms, and 24% of the value of the overall aquaculture production. The
share of other species - as that of sturgeon - is also increasing.
As regards the intensive aquaculture of sturgeon (a species with a high added
market value), the development potential looks promising due to appropriate
production and weather conditions and to the good market prospects. At the moment,
5 producers are active in this sector and the production is estimated at around 500
tons per year. The intensive aquaculture of sturgeon, trout, turbot and of other local
species has a potential to increase.
A.2.5. Processing
Currently, there are 56 enterprises in the fish processing industry, and 33 supermarkets
providing primary fish processing.
Table no. 5. Development of the canned and semi-prepared products between 1996- 2005 (tonnes)
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Canned products 2149 1368 648 690 1114 1230 1316 1702 925 908
Semi-prepared 2269 1785 890 623 370 3295 1801 3051 8040 7860
products
TOTAL 4418 3153 1538 1313 1484 4525 3117 4753 8965 8768
* Data source: National Statistics Institute
The figures in table no. 5 show a decrease of processed fish production until 2000, and a
high increase in the period between 2004 - 2005. Starting with 2004, the processed fish
production increased up to 8965 tonnes, representing two times the production obtained in
1996 and almost 7 times the minimum production obtained in 1999. This increase of
production was mostly due to the new units built after 2000 and to the modernisation of some
of the old ones through the SAPARD Program.
The main species for processing are imported sea species, especially mackerel and herring.
Imports consist mostly of frozen fish (mackerel, herring, sprat, Alaska cod, whiting, sardines
and anchovies). Local species that are processed are carp (90% of the local fish processed),
trout, zander, pike, European catfish and perch.
The fish used as raw material in the processing industry is frozen or fresh, conditioned with
ice or salted. More than 90 % of the total imports is made of frozen fish, prepared or canned
fish, caviar, fillets or fish meat, even ground meat (see annex no. 10).
At the end of 2005, the ratio of employees acting in the processing sector out of the overall
number of employees in the fisheries sector was of 12.71% (866 people), of which 42.15%
were men and 57.85% were women.
New processing units were financed through the SAPARD Programme. Their production
capacity cannot meet the market demand. The diversity of processed fish products is still
limited.
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 13NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA A.2.6. Marketing Currently, there are 80 associations active in fishing, aquaculture and processing sectors that are recognized by the National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture. The trade in fish and fish products on the domestic market is mainly conducted by fish farms, processing plants, importers, wholesalers and retailers. Until 1990, fish consumption was about 8 kg per capita. This consumption level dropped down to 2 kg/capita/year during 1990 – 2000, to rise up again to 4.5 kg/capita/year in 2005. The increased consumption is linked to imported products (see annex no. 9 and annex no. 10). A wider range of products is available on the Romanian market. A change in the consumer’s preferences towards new species and new forms of presentation (fillets, headless, eviscerated), determines also an increasing demand for fisheries products. Domestic market is supplied with fish coming from sea fishing, fresh water fisheries (catch or aquaculture) and from imports. The Romanian market offers the following forms of fishery products: live fish, full fish (fresh, refrigerated or frozen), primary processed fish (eviscerated, beheaded, filleted, cut), semi-prepared (marinated, pasted, fish roe, salted, smoked fish), canned fish (in oil, in tomato sauce, other types). The available quantities for the domestic market reached 92,696.90 tons in 2005, representing an increase by 48.19% as compred to 2001 and by 18.89% as compared to 2004, and were mostly covered by imports. The demand coverage ration by domestic products decreased every year, reaching 14.40% in 2005 (annex no. 9). As for the foreign trade in fish and fish products, the exports have decreased continuously from 1989 on, mostly because of the low range of fishing products on the market. The figures in annex no. 9 and annex no. 10 indicate a negative annual balance of trade, due to the imports, that are higher than the exports in net values. Thus, during 2001-2005, the average volume of exports was of 693.37 tons/year, as compared to imports of 60,336.40 tons/year. According to the data provided by MAFRD, imports increased by 22.19 %, from 65,604 tons in 2004, to 80,160.60 tons in 2005, while exports increased by 4.60%, from 779.80 tons in 2004, to 815.70 tons in 2005. (annexes no. 9 and 10). The promotion of fishery products is carried-out by the processing enterprises through mass media and exhibitions, together with agricultural products. There are no first sales points and the distribution channels are not developed. Fishery products are mainly delivered through producers and importers, and to a lesser extent through specialized intermediaries. Fishery products reach final consumers through super – markets and specialized shops. A.2.7. Recreational fishing Given the landscape diversity, there are suitable conditions in Romania for performing recreational fishing activities in mountain or plain waters. Members of recreational fishermen associations reach a number of 200,000 in Romania. They practice fishing as a leisure-time activity or sport, and their number is increasing every year. This kind of fishing activity is dependant upon the issue of a special permit, released by the association. National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 14
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA The success of this activity is evidenced by the development of the recreative fishing industry that includes: networks of fishing gear shops, fishing gear plants, boat plants, lure plants, fishing magazines and fishing TV shows. A.2.8. Fishing Ports and shelters There are no specialized fishing ports in Romania. Therefore, marine fishing vessels have to use commercial ports for landing purposes. At present, the Black Sea fishing vessels use the ports of Mangalia, Constanţa and Sulina but none of these ports have adequate facilities and equipment for the fishing vessels (download, storage, selling, maintenance and repairs for ships, fuel, water and ice supply). Infrastructure such as quays, warehouses and locations for first sale are missing in Romania. The needed investments for building a fishing port in Midia have been approved recently. There are no suitable landing facilities to supply the market with fisheries products fished by small coastal fishery or inland fishery. Due to the specificity of the inland fishing, shelters and landing sites are needed for fisheries activities. A.2.9. Fisheries areas Up to the middle of the last century, because of the large water surfaces in the Danube river and the Danube Delta, the capture fishery in inland waters was the main activity for the inhabitans of these areas. After 1950, this kind of fisheries started to decline and the catches and employment rate decreased dramatically, because of the important investments along the Danube river aiming to transform the wetlands into lands for agriculture. A.2.10. Protected areas and species The responsibility for protected areas belongs to the Ministry of Environment and Waters Management (MEWM) and to its Environmental Protection Agencies (EPAs) operating at county level. The Commission of Natural Monuments of the Romanian Academy is the legal scientific authority responsible for nature protected areas preservation. The total surface of protected areas is 1,866,705 km2, covering about 7.83% of the country (1 Biosphere Reserve – 576,216 ha, 13 National Parks – 318,116 ha and 13 Natural Parks – 772,128 ha, 981 Nature Reserves– 179,193 ha and 28 Special protection Areas for Birds and Fauna – 21,052 ha). The Danube Delta is located at the the mouth of the Danube River before it reaches the Black Sea and is one of the largest wetlands in the world holding a triple international protection status: since 1970, the Danube Delta has been designated as a World Heritage Site and Wetland of International Importance (according to The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971). Due to its international importance, the Danube Delta was listed (1990) among the worldwide network of biosphere reserves under the “Man and Biosphere” Programme. Three categories of functional zones can be distinguished in the Danube Delta: the core areas (506.0 square km), the buffer areas (2,233 square km), the economic areas including their localities (3,061 square km). The biosphere reserve concept does not exclude human National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 15
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA activity provided it is integrated with the environment and therefore the economic actions are compatible with the preservation and protection measures. Fishing is the main source of living, being followed by sheep and cattle breeding and by traditional agriculture. As far as Vama Veche - 2 Mai Marine Reserve is concerned, it has a surface of about 5000 ha and a length of 7 km along the coast between 2 Mai and the Bulgarian border and it was proposed to be included as a site in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Other important aquatic protected areas in Romania are: Iron Gates Natural Park, with an area of 117,855 ha of which 9,250 ha of waters area (dam and artificial lake) and the Brăila Small Island Natural Park with 17,523 ha, of which 5,756 ha of water area. The Brăila Small Island is also a RAMSAR site. In 1993, Romania ratified the Bern Convention on the conservation of wild life and natural habitats in Europe. A.2.11. Research Most of the research activities in the Black Sea area are carried-out by the National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”, in Constanţa. The research activities in the Danube Delta area and in the Danube River are carried-out by the National Danube Delta Research Development Institute in Tulcea. The research activities in aquaculture are performed mainly by the Fisheries Institute in Galaţi and by the Fish Culture Research Centre in Nucet. These institutes need funds to upgrade their equipments, to encourage technological transfer, to enhance innovation and to give incentives in order to meet the demands of the private sector and of the market. A.2.12. Education and training “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galati, through its Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, provides higher education in fisheries. This University also performs research activities. The University, with its Department for Fisheries and Aquaculture, could provide professional training for the fishermen and for other persons involved in the sector. A vocational training program for fishermen was undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, through the county Office for Agricultural Advice. A.3. Current status of the administration In Romania, the overall responsibility for the design and for the implementation of the fisheries policy falls under the auspices of the National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture (NAFA), which is a public institution entirely financed from the state budget. The NAFA is part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Rural Development. NAFA delegates a part of its duties related to the management of fisheries resources in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, to the Administration of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve; part of the duties related to mountain waters are delegated to the National Authority for Forests and part of the duties related to other areas are delegated to the National Company for Fisheries Resources Administration. National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 16
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
The NAFA draws-up the strategy and the legal framework for fisheries in Romania. NAFA is
also responsible for the technical implementation of measures and for the control of
regulations and activities in fisheries and aquaculture.
In order to achieve its objectives, NAFA has the following main tasks:
• to draw-up the strategy for the development of the fisheries, aquaculture and
marketing operations, according to the Government’s economic policies;
• to act as a Managing Authority for the structural policies in the field of fisheries and
aquaculture;
• to regulate the specific legal framework;
• to control and inspect.
NAFA's organisational chart is provided in annex 12.
In order to implement its functions, NAFA has 2 Directorates - the Strategy, Regulation and
Structural Policy Directorate and the Control and Inspection Directorate - and 9 regional
branches. The Strategy, Regulation and Structural Policy Directorate has the following main
duties:
• to draft laws,
• to draft development programs including the EFF OP,
• to collect data on the fishing, aquaculture and fish processing activities,
• to provide the database and statistical reports for internal and international
institutions,
• to manage the Fishing Vessel Register,
• to manage the Aquaculture Production Units Register,
• to manage the Processing Units Register,
• to maintain the satellite VMS to strengthen the control system conducted by the
territorial inspectors within the Control and Inspection Directorate within the NAFA’s.
The Control and Inspection Directorate has the following main duties:
• to draft the framework-program for the preparation, implementation and finalisation of
control and inspection activities;
• to coordinate the inspection and control activities performed by the regional
branches,
• to issues fishing permits for the fishing vessels,
• to issue aquaculture permits,
• to issue fishing permits,
• to issue manufacturing licenses for processing units.
The control and inspection activities performed by the 9 branches are mainly focused on:
• identifying companies working in the fishing sector;
• checking and endorsing documentations for the recording of aquaculture companies
in the Register and issuing permits;
• inventory of processing units and advising them in order to get the manufacturing
licenses;
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 17NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
• collecting statistical data;
• checking the lawful issuance of fishing permits;
• advising professional fishermen to set up producer/fishermen organizations.
• monitoring commercial fishing, the legality of the existing documents in
downloading/first sale points, regarding fish circulation and processing.
Annex no. 14 shows the situation of the control and inspection activities carried-out in 2005.
The National Sanitary-Veterinary and Food Safety Authority provides the legal framework
and the development of specific regulations for the activities in the veterinary and food safety
field. This authority supervises and controls the implementation and compliance with the
sanitary-veterinary and food safety norms.
The Ministry of Environment and Waters Management draws-up specific legal acts regarding
environment protection, waters management as well as authorization procedures for all
activities, including fisheries enterprises.
Licensing
All fishing vessels have to be recorded in the Fishing Vessels Register (FVR), as a
prerequisite for obtaining a fishing licence issued by the NAFA through the FVR unit. The
ones intending to perform fishing activities need an authorization issued by NAFA and
permits issued by the National Company for Fishery Resources Management.
A.4. Legal framework
The basic law for the fisheries sector in Romania is Law no. 192/ 2001 on live aquatic
resources, fishing and aquaculture. This law regulates the conservation, management and
exploitation of live aquatic resources, as well as the processing and trade of fishing and
aquaculture products and it is in line with the acquis communautaire for fisheries.
The secondary legislation is made of Ministerial Orders and also regulates some more
technical areas such as:
• the organization and operation of the Fishing Vessels Register,
• the organization and operation of the Aquaculture Company Register,
• the setting- up of the Satellite Monitoring Center for Fishing Vessels,
• the licensing and authorization procedures,
• the prohibition periods.
The legal framework for fisheries is presented in annex no. 13.
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 18NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
B. SWOT ANALYSIS AND CHALLENGES
B.1. SWOT Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses
1) Niche market for local species; 1) Insufficient equipment and obsolete technologies;
2) Significant potential for developing the 2) Poor organization of the producers and the sector;
domestic market;
3) Inadequate work conditions and low labor
3) Availability of fishing resources; productivity;
4) Available surfaces for aquaculture; 4) Low competitiveness of the sector;
5) Low cost of workforce; 5) Low added value of the fishery products;
6) Significant hydrographic network; 6) Insufficiently developed administrative capacity for
an efficient implementation of the CFP;
7) Existence of research centers in the fishery
sector; 7)Limited access to credit and cumbersome
procedures in accessing funds;
8) Biodiversity;
8) Poorly developed infrastructure;
9) Low diversity of the fishing products;
10) Insufficient training and weak management skills;
11) Poor implementation of research results.
Opportunities Threats
1) Good perspective of internal market for 1) Weak public administration;
fishery products;
2) Demand of local species does not increase or
2) Important public financial support; decreases unevenly;
3) New species introduced; 3) Competition on the EU market for aquaculture
products;
4) Potential for rural tourism, ecotourism and
other related activities; 4) Non-satisfactory absorption of funds;
5) Niche markets for local species; 5) Environmental pollution;
6) Improved image of the sector; 6) Lack of interest in the processing of domestic
products.
7) Increase in the level of living.
7) Lack of interest of the new investors in the sector;
8)Population migration to more economically
developed areas.
This SWOT analysis confirms the currently identified issues and potential risks in the fishing
sector and also presents the strengths and opportunities that Romania may exploit. Pursuing
maximum advantages from the identified strengths and opportunities shall be a permanent
objective.
Annexes no 15 – 18 show the SWOT analyses, in various areas of concern.
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 19NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA B.2. Key constraints for the fisheries sector As seen in the SWOT analysis, the key issues that the fisheries sector is confronted with are: The decrease of catches, both in fresh and sea waters, mainly due to: the transition to the market economy (low investments in the sector), the over-exploitation of the fresh waters, water pollution, destruction of habitats and lack of hatching material, inadequate technical infrastructure. The lack of investment, the degradation of fishery facilities, the increase of production costs, the rythm of privatizations and the uncertain legal status of the lands, have all led to a decrease of the production in aquaculture that currently represents only 36.73% as compared to 1995 . Low productivity and poor quality of products mainly influenced by: limited acces to credit, insufficient and inefficient use of existing resources, obsolete infrastructures and equipments, energy intensive technologies, insufficient training of the staff, lack of or inefficient management and marketing knowledge (most domestic companies still base their strategies on cost reduction and not on productivity increase). Important gap between imports and exports – the main cause is a poor diversity of valuable aquaculture species, as well as a narrow range of processed products. Poor organization of the market. Due to the lack of first-sale facilities and to the lack of producers’ organizations, the production-processing-trading chain has been up to now badly organized and there is a lack of transparency on the market. The administrative capacity is not enough developed in terms of resources management and implementation of an efficient control system, to enable the implementation of CFP. The main problems consist in the weak training of staff members and in the insufficient endowment of institutions. Lack of specific infrastructure and environmental protection determined significant problems, after decades of insufficient investments. As for the infrastructure of fishing ports, with specialized quays, warehouses and locations for first- sale, it is completely missing. Scientific research has many problems, due to a long period of under- funding and insufficient technological transfers. Taking into account the current status of the fisheries sector, there is a need to upgrade and to support financially the restructuring of fishing, aquaculture and fish processing activities in order to ensure a sustainable fishing policy in Romania. Moreover, in order to maintain a sustainable fishing and to increase the sector competitiveness, a number of other activities are also envisaged: diversification of fishing products in line with the consumers’ demands and with the quality and food safety standards, market transparency and consumer information. Quality of training activities should be ensured and new skills should also be developed in order to increase the employement and the competitiveness of the sector. Given the social and economic importance attached to the fisheries sector, these actions are needed both to meet the domestic needs and also to support the domestic production, in the light of the impact generated by the single market . National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 20
NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA
B.3. Challenges
Economic changes in the fishing sector
− The development of fisheries and aquaculture may provide an opportunity for
development of related activities.
− The development of the processing sub-sector creates an opportunity for increased
value added, for new employment and for a better balance of trade.
Civil society development
Once Romania accedes to the European Union, there will be better hopes for higher living
standards. The demands on quality, safety and diversity of the products will also increase
accordingly, labor conditions in the sector will improve, and the the fishermen’s
awareness/accountability and the man/resource relations will get a new meaning.
Environmental changes
The large dams built on the most important rivers and on the Danube have led to a change in
the water flows. Valuable hatching habitats have been lost and biological diversity is
threatened in certain areas. Eutrophy has led to the increase of plants numbers in water
habitats.
Because of the altered ecosystems and of the uncontrolled exploitation, the quantity of
various fresh and sea- water species has decreased. Nevertheless, the tendency is showing
signs of infringements over the past years in the main biotic components of the aquatic
ecosystems.
During the last decades, the natural conditions and landscapes in Romania have been
influenced by economic activities leading to an excessive exploitation of natural resources.
Under these conditions, many species of flora and fauna are in danger and the landscape
changes are the most visible sign of environmental alterations.
The implementation of the NATURA 2000 network aims to ensure the conservation and an
efficient and balanced use of renewable resources (water, flora and fauna).
The National Development Plan constitutes a tool for a more active participation of the public
in the decision-making process for environmental protection, at various levels.
The strategic framework of the NDP is focused on the following directions:
• sustainable development of natural resources and improved environmental quality;
• integration of the environmental protection policy into regional and other sectoral policies;
• protection and conservation of the natural heritage, conservation of biodiversity;
• minimizing the gaps between the regions and an improved access of the population to
public services;
• promoting education for environmental protection and information.
The objectives are:
• strengthening environmental protection,
• mitigating the negative impact onto the environment.
National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 21NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN ROMANIA Territorial and social diversity Romania is interested in the conservation of traditional fishermen communities and of their social and economic development, in order to stabilize the population in rural and coastal areas. Moreover, there is an interest in the development of local fishermen communities and in their involvement in the management of living aquatic resources. Fishing and aquaculture activities will be focused on the conservation, management and sustainable exploitation of live aquatic resources, as well as on the development of the aquaculture, processing and trading in fish and fish products. National Agency for Fishing and Aquaculture 22
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