Food Industry
EAT MORE FISH –
SUPPORT FISH BREEDERS!
FAO and WHO experts jointly recommend that we should eat more fish, and this view is shared by scientists from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. We should double our current fish intake because, with as little as 12 kg consumed by the average Pole per year, we lag behind Europe. Unfortunately, a governmental food programme aimed at improving the state of health of Polish citizens through increased fish consumption, the greater availability of fish and improved supplies can hardly be found.
A
ll this reflects the lack of awareness of freshwater fish as a valuable sources of nutrients. Cardiologists and dieticians already know that, as they advise that fish contains important nutritious elements, such as well-tolerated protein with a high nutritious value, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. However, specialists also warn that, like other foodstuffs, fish can contain trace amounts of substances which are harmful to consumers due to environmental pollution. Our diet should, therefore, be diversified, and include different fish species coming from various sources ‒ mainly from traditional fish farms. Why is this type of fish safe for consumers' health? Agnieszka K. Andruszewska, Zarząd Dóbr Smolin [The Smolin Estate Managing Authority], a family-owned enterprise belonging to the Polish Ecology Association said: “Due to natural and cereal-based fodders, the meat obtained from fish bred in our ponds displays exceptional taste values, recognised by purchasers from all over the country. Our ponds are situated within the Natura 2000 area, on loamy-sandy soils, which significantly improves the taste of the fish. Our enterprise is a renowned fish farm, specialising in the production of royal carp, amur, bighead carp, silver carp, pike, European catfish, tench, pike perch and crucian carp. We are introducing new fish species, and are fathoming out their breeding secrets. We are willing to contract for certain species at our clients' special request.”
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Nonetheless, traditional fish farms are facing certain difficulties, as lower fish density as compared to intensive breeding models, more attention’s being paid to fish health, the avoidance of antibiotics, keeping water clean, the need to ensure fast transport, and regular inspections related to certification procedures, are all increasing overall production costs and, thus, the end-product prices. “It is extremely challenging to run a fish farm,” said Agnieszka K. Andruszewska. “Birds nesting near our ponds, including swans, cormorants, sea eagles and herons, to name a few, eat around 30 percent of our fish. They live at the breeder's expense, causing annual losses estimated at PLN 150,000. Let us not forget that, if they weren't caught by the birds, the fish could grow to full size, so the actual losses are greater. Moreover, there is an issue of dams destroyed by otters and beavers. Another problem is posed by theft. Our preventive measures are facilitated by mobile phones, photo-traps and the presence of watchmen. Basically speaking, we are left to ourselves when it comes to ponds; protection against poaching, since the State Fishing Guard hardly ever materialises.” It has turned out that in Smolin the undertaking of additional activities aimed at introducing innovations might bring an added value to fish breeding. Agnieszka Andruszewska: “We have already done so. Given the low profitability of fish production, breeders perceive the ability to process their own fish as a very favourable option. Establishing a small processing plant provides a chance to produce a wide array of
dishes and products, from raw fillets, smoked fish and jellied fish, to fish pâté, spreads and other delicacies. This variety of products is attractive both to stores and catering facilities, mainly on the local but also the national market. New products are environmentally friendly due to the traditional and extensive breeding styles. The good fishing practices which we employ in fish breeding, along with good agricultural practices, are also of essence. Finally, we are under constant veterinary supervision. Production-unrelated values form another important factor in our activities. Water retention in ponds provides universal benefits. The location of our farm within the Natura 2000 area, with its exceptional environment, pleases the eye and soul of every visitor.” Fish breeders' attention to aquaculture merits appreciation. Ponds contribute to water retention. The intake of water takes place when its amounts are extensive, i.e. in the spring. In the autumn, when there is a shortage of water, it is released into the fields. It should be noted that the cane growing around the ponds acts as the most efficient filter, absorbing all kinds of pollutants and heavy metals. The ponds also serve as watering holes and shelters for animals living in the surrounding forests. This is where you can encounter, elk, wild boar and foxes at any time of the day. It appears paradoxical that our fondness for fish is mainly reflected in the names of various events, e.g. the Trout Festival in the Kłodzkie County, the Bleak Festival, and the Vendace Blues, while fish consumption is still lagging very much behind. •