CETMAR and CIMA - Recovery of cockle fisheries

CETMAR and CIMA - Recovery of cockle fisheries

Project Description

It is important to have companies that finance the development of aquaculture, the establishment of the bases to be able to produce resistant strains, the recovery of stocks, the optimization of management and the capacities of the actors interested in the species.

Currently, the project “”COCKLES – Cooperation for the recovery of cockle fisheries and their environmental services in the Atlantic Area”” is financed by the Atlantic Area Programme and aims to recover the production of cockles and the services provided by this resource, which is threatened by pathologies and inefficient management.

The companies that bet on financing the continuity of the project will be able to contribute to the revaluation of the ecosystem services it provides and to the development of the coastal economies in the Atlantic area.

Description of the Area of Activity / Technology

• To assess the health, diversity and interrelationships of cockle populations, characterizing population dynamics, genetic diversity and larval transport, disease threats, pollution, invasive species and climate;

• Quantify the economic, social and cultural benefits of the ecosystem services provided by cockles (fisheries, aquaculture, biodiversity, bird food, tourism, cultural services), through surveys, interviews and social-economic analysis;

• To provide new techniques for cockle management by developing new technologies and procedures for cockle hatchery restoration, incubation for seed production, selective breeding programmes to produce disease-resistant and fast-growing strains, and conservation of genetic structure/diversity;

• Provide guidance on best practices for producers, administrations, environmental agencies and NGOs, evaluating and sharing best practices among the countries of the Atlantic Area and optimizing their management through mutual learning.