La pisciculture marine : un secteur industriel en émergence

In a general context of low progression, European aquaculture has been characterized by the development of intensive fish farming. The most notable fact is the recent increase in intensive salmonid farming, with a turnover of almost two million ECU. More recently, the intensive farming of sea bass and sea bream has increased very rapidly in the Mediterranean Basin, although on a more reduced extent. Although research has started as soon as the seventies with a strong public incentive both for salmon, sea bass and sea bream, the development of these different types of aquaculture has not been done at the same pace. Some elements of sectorial dynamics are analysed such as research planning and financing, organization of the production and public policy. For salmon and sea bass, aquacultural production now greatly exceeds the fishermen's catch. This rapid development has led to declining prices. Technological and biological innovations, marketing organization, product diversification and cooperation with public authorities may explain the success story of salmon farming, and could help southern European aquaculture to reach such a level of development. Economic constraints have influenced the industrial organization of the activity, and therefore have modified the role of fish farming in coastal management. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]