Module 1. Bivalve mollusc aquaculture in Europe: a comparison between the countries involved in the OPTIMA project

Short description

This module will compare the situation of the bivalve farming sector among the five project partner countries, by describing for each country: the main farming techniques used, the main species farmed, the production processes, and the issues facing the sector.

Objectives of the module

• Understanding and recognizing the differences between the countries involved in the project in terms of: farmed species, farming techniques, production areas, and economic importance of the sector.
• Problems and solutions regarding the problems present in the countries involved in the project: diseases, predators, alien species, sea temperature etc...
• Bureaucratic aspects in different countries: obtaining and renewing quality labels or certifications.
• Understanding of national and European regulations, directives, and legal procedures relating to bivalve mollusc aquaculture: EU regulations, food safety directives, classification of aquaculture production areas.

Learning outcomes

Participants will be familiar with the bivalve mollusc production panorama in the 5 countries involved in the project and will recognize the differences in farming techniques, farmed species, and production areas.

Furthermore, participants will be able to understand the strengths and challenges of the sector in the 5 countries: presence and management of diseases/biotoxins, presence and management of predators, presence and management of alien species, presence of quality certifications and regulatory issues.