The Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras, met in Thessaloniki with representatives of mussel producers from the Agricultural, Fishery and Mussel Association of the Delta Municipality “Axios” and the Seafood Fishery Association “Poseidon”.
Mussel and shellfish producers face acute problem due to the climate crisis, since although temperatures of up to 25 degrees are required, this year they reached 32 degrees in the waters of Thermaikos. The result, as those who addressed the Minister of Rural Development and Food pointed out, was not only the loss of this year’s production, but also the creation for the following period.
Look for solutions
The minister stressed the need to examine in more depth whether mussel farming can be productive under the completely different conditions that are created. He said that “in the coming period we will seek solutions together with the scientific community and local communities”.
Mr Tsiaras stressed that cooperation with other European countries facing a similar problem is necessary, as well as the contribution of the scientific community with proposals on how to solve it. Among other things, he invited the representatives of the mussels in question to hold a new working meeting after 18 September 2024, so that, based on the proposals of the competent scientists, the requested and necessary measures can be taken.