Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fisheries and for a world without hunger Aquaculture Department

Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles The Republic of

Part I Overview and main indicators 1. Country brief 2. General geographic and economic indicators 3. FAO Fisheries statistics

Part II Narrative (2017) 4. Production sector Marine sub-sector Inland sub-sector Aquaculture sub-sector - NASO

Recreational sub-sector Source of information United Nations Geospatial Information Section http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/english/htmain.htm 5. Post-harvest sector Imagery for continents and oceans reproduced from GEBCO, www.gebco.net Fish markets 6. Socio-economic contribution of the fishery sector Role of fisheries in the national economy Trade Employment Rural development 7. Trends, issues and development Constraints and opportunities Government and non-government sector policies and development strategies Research, education and training 8. Institutional framework 9. Legal framework 10. References

Additional information 11. FAO Thematic data bases 12. Publications 13. Meetings & News archive

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Part I Overview and main indicators

Part I of the Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profile is compiled using the most up-to-date information available from the FAO Country briefs and Statistics programmes at the time of publication. The Country Brief and the FAO Fisheries Statistics provided in Part I may, however, have been prepared at different times, which would explain any inconsistencies.

Country brief

Prepared: 03-05-2018

Bulgaria encompasses a geographic area of 110 912 km2 with a population of approximately 7.1 million people in 2016. Its eastern region is bordered by the and its northern region by the Danube River. The fisheries sector has three main sub-sectors, marine capture fisheries and mariculture, inland fisheries (freshwater aquaculture and fishing) and the Danube fisheries. Over 99 percent of capture fisheries production is from the Black Sea. The fishing industry in Bulgaria remains in a state of transition from a centralized to a market economy. In 2017, total 1 880 vessels were reported as Bulgarian fleet. A significant challenge for Bulgaria has been to align itself with the European Union’s requirements related to the fisheries sector. In 2017, 375 full-time and 1776 part-time fishers (all male) were reported.In 2016 the total catch from marine fisheries reached almost 8600tonnes, slightly decreasing from previous catch production around 10 000 tonnes. Marine fisheries in Bulgaria originate from the Black Sea. The species composition of catches during the period from 2001 to 2011 includes 36 species of fish, molluscs and crustaceans. The most important target pelagic fish species are European sprat, Mediterranean horse mackerel and anchovy. Demersal fish species with commercial importance are turbot, gobies and picked dogfish. Due to the increasing commercial value of molluscs in the last decade, rapa whelks can also be included in this list.Since August 2012, no commercial fishing has been executed in the inland waterbodies of the country, excluding the Danube River, due to an amendment in the national legislation. In 2016, the Danube River fishing fleet caught 52 tonnes of fish.Although production levels from inland fisheries are relatively low, they play an important role at the local level in less developed areas bordering the Danube River as a source of income and employment. Aquaculture in Bulgaria is reported to be 15 754 tonnes in 2016, which is 64.7 percent in the total fish production of 24 368 tonnes in the same year.Bulgaria is one of the lowest per capita consumers of fish and fishery products in the European Union. Consumption is increasing but continues to be comparatively low, reaching an amount of 7.0 kg per capita in 2013.Bulgaria is a net importer of fish and fishery products. Imports increased significantly during the last years and in 2017 reached more than USD 117 million.The majority of fish and fishery product imports are in frozen form, with the bulk being mackerel. Export values reached USD 88.2 million in 2017.

Membership in Regional Fishery Bodies European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission (EIFAAC) General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) International Whaling Commission (IWC)

General geographic and economic indicators

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Table 1 - General Geographic and Economic Data – Bulgaria Source Shelf area 11,902 km2 http://www.seaaroundus.org Length of continental coastline 354 km2 http://world.bymap.org Fisheries GDP (year) USD xxx*

Source Country area 111 000 km2 FAOSTAT. 2013 Land area 108 560 km2 FAOSTAT. 2013 Inland water area 2 440 km2 Computed. 2013 Population - Est. & Proj. 7.052 millions FAOSTAT. 2019 Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) area 34 685 km2 VLIZ GDP (current US$) 65 133 millions World Bank. 2018 GDP per capita (current US$) 9 273 US$ World Bank. 2018 Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added 3.65 % of GDP World Bank. 2018

FAO Fisheries statistics

Table 2 in this section is based on statistics prepared by the FAO Fishery Information, Data and Statistics Unit and disseminated in 2018. The charts are based on the same source but these are automatically updated every year with the most recent statistics.

Table 2 — FAO fisheries statistics - Bulgaria

1980 1990 2000 2010 2015 2016 2017 EMPLOYMENT (thousands) 1.15 1.50 0.00 5.42 2.58 2.64 2.15 Aquaculture … … … 0.46 0.78 1.04 … Capture 1.15 1.50 0.00 4.96 1.80 1.60 2.15 Inland … … … 1.50 … … … Marine 1.15 1.50 … 3.46 1.80 1.60 2.15

FLEET(thousands boats) … … 7.64 7.02 1.97 1.91 1.88 Source: FAO Fishery and Aquaculture Statistics 1) Due to roundings total may not sum up

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Part II Narrative Updated 2017

Part II of the Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profile provides supplementary information that is based on national and other sources and that is valid at the time of compilation (see update year above). References to these sources are provided as far as possible.

Production sector

The length of the Bulgarian coastline of the Black Sea is 378 km, and Varna Bay and Bay are among the largest bays. The territorial waters reach 12 nautical miles from the coast, the contiguous zone 24 nautical miles from the coast, and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) 200 nautical miles from the coast. More than 1 million people live in coastal areas, mainly Burgas, Varna and . The Bulgarian fisheries policy and sector management are subject to the rules and objectives of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (EU CFP). The main fish production in the country relies on commercial fishery in the Black Sea and the Danube as well as on fish and other aquatic organisms’ production in specialized aquacultures farms. The country’s fisheries can be placed into two categories.

Based on data of the Executive Agency of Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA), in 2016 the total catch of fish and other aquatic organisms from commercial fishery in the country decreased by 3,28 % compared to 2015. In August 2012, the commercial fishing in inland waters was banned, leading to an increase in the number of actively registered aquaculture producers.

Marine sub-sector

Catch profile

The majority of fishing activities are carried out in territorial waters (within the 12 nautical miles area). In general, the total catches by Bulgarian fishing vessels show a slight decrease compared to previous years, with a total of 8 614 tonnes in 2016, compared to 9 500 tonnes in 2012 and 2013. Traditionally, the European sprat fishery is one of the most important for the Bulgarian fishing sector, both for fresh and processed markets. In recent years catches of Rapana snail have overtaken those for sprat, due to high export demands. Since 2017, there has been growing economic interest in the white sand mussels (Chamelea gallina, Mya arenaria and Donax trunculus) catch due to the high market demands, mainly foreign.Compared to the previous year, there is an increase in catches and landings of some of the more economically important species, such a red mullet, gobies and migratory species like Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) and bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix).

Landing sites

Landings from commercial fisheries in the Black Sea are carried out at 74 landing sites. Some of the most important landing ports in Bulgaria are Varna, , Blachik, Byala, Burgas, , and , and . The fishing vessels flying the flag of third countries are authorized to land only in the ports of Varna and Burgas. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Table 3 - Quantities landed on the main landing sites for 2016.

Main landing sites TTL Landings[kg]

Balchik BGBAL 583642.63 Burgas BGBOJ 133521.3 Byala BGBYA 121828.6 Varna BGVAR 1046766.77 Kavarna BGKAV 644572.22 Nesebar BGNES 1099378.32 Pomorie BGPOM 617595.2 Sozopol BGSOS 1812206.6 Tzarevo BGTZA 148103.9 Shabla BGSHA 206145.6 Source: Executive Agency of Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA);

Fishing practices/systems

In 2017, the Bulgarian fishing fleet consisted of 1 897 registered vessels, of which 1 295 were active and the remaining 602 vessels were inactive. The active fleet had a combined gross tonnage (GT) of 5 thousand tonnes, engine power of 41.2 thousand kilowatts (kW) and an average age of 25 years. The majority of the fleet was less than 12 m length over all (LOA) and used passive gears. In 2016, the fishing fleet consisted of 1918 vessels (of which 710 inactive)There has been an increase in the number of active fishing vessels in two of five segments – LOA 0-6 m and LOA 6-12m. All vessles in segment LOA 24-40 m are active. A slight reduction is observed only in segments LOA 6-12 m and LOA 18-24 m.

The Bulgarian fishing fleet consists mainly of small fishing vessels (with length below 12 m). The number of active fishing vessels over 12 m in 2016 is 88. All vessels with length 12 m or above are equipped with Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). The main fishing gears used by the Bulgarian fishing fleet are gillnets, pelagic trawls, beam trawls and longlines. Some species (like mussels, rapa wealk and other bottom species) can be caught manually, without using fishing gear. Trap fisheries (pond nets) are also used. Most of the vessels smaller than 12 m are involved in small scale fisheries using gillnets. The vessels with length over 12 m are mainly pelagic trawlers. Fishing vessels are distributed into different fleet segments according to the fishing technique (métier) and fishing gear used (Table 4). Segmentation of vessels by fishing gear in the Black Sea waters is done in accordance with Decision 2010/93 / EU.

Table 4 - Segmentation of vessels by fishing gear and in the Black Sea and number of ships by Vessel length for the period 2016 year. Métier Vessel length No of vessels 2016 Drift and/or fixed nets VL0006 304 Purse seiners VL0006 19 Active and passive gears VL0006 53 Pot and traps VL0006 6

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Hooks VL0006 26 Passive gears VL0006 7 Total number 415 Average for segment Drift and/or fixed nets VL0612 430 Purse seiners VL0612 6 Pot and traps VL0612 42 Hooks VL0612 49 Polyvalent passive gears VL0612 13 Active and passive gears VL0612 154 Pelagic trawlers VL0612 6 Beam trawlers VL0612 3 Total number 703 Average for segment Drift and/or fixed nets VL1218 7 Polyvalent passive gears VL1218 14 Active and passive gears VL1218 2 Beam trawlers VL1218 4 Hooks VL1218 1 Pelagic trawlers VL1218 33 Total number 61 Average for segment Drift and/or fixed nets VL1824 1 Active and passive gears VL1824 4 Beam trawlers VL1824 1 Pelagic trawlers VL1824 9 Total number Average for segment Pelagic trawlers VL2440 12 Active and passive gears VL2440 - Total number 12 Average for segment Source: Executive Agency of Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA)

Main resources

The main species targeted in the Black Sea are:-Pelagic species: European sprat (Sprattus sprattus), Mediterranean Horse Mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus ponticus), Flathead Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus), Bonito (Sarda sarda), Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix);-Demersal species: Red Mullet (Mullus barbatus), Piked Dogfish (Squalus acanthias), Thornback ray (Raja clavata), Turbot (Psetta maxima), Gobies (Gobiidae).- Rapana snail and White sand clam (Mya arenaria).Bulgaria has been applying TAC and quota regimes since 2007 only for Turbot (Psetta maxima; 43,2 tonnes) and European sprat (Sprattus sprattu; 8 032,5 tonnes) (Council Regulation 2016/73).According to the the results of the turbot stock assessment conducted in 2016 by the Institute of Fishery Resources the calculation of the turbot biomass in the Bulgarian Black Sea is estimated

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department to 840 692 tonnes. Turbot abundance in the assessed area is estimated to a number of 460 237. The recommendable MSY (maximum sustainable yield) for Bulgaria should not exceed 84 t. According to the last scientific reports the European sprat stock is exploited sustainalbly. Another factor which affects the biodiversity is the presence of invasive species from the Mediterranean Sea. One typical example of this is the invasion of the Rapana snail, which has successfully adapted to the conditions of the Black Sea ecosystem in the 1950s. Apart from the Rapana snail, which also has commercial value, an interest in other non-fish resources has recently begun. An example are all three species of white mussels - the white sand mussel Chamelea gallina, Mya arenaria and Donax trunculus, which have different habitats. The common characteristic of these three species of mussels is that they form great clusters in shallower waters. Manual harvest is the only method permitted by law for these species.

Management applied to main fisheries

The main conditions of fisheries management in Bulgaria are defined by the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act provides the legal basis for the management, exploitation and conservation of fishery resources and for the placing on the market of fishery products and other aquatic organisms.

Different management strategies have been developed in Bulgaria to control fishing effort and promote the recovery and conservation of water resources and ecosystems. The following restrictions are applicable for the Bulgarian waters of the Black sea:

Closure periods:

Permanent closures (industrial vessels):

Commercial fishing with gillnets 300 m from the river’s mouths;Commercial fishing in port areas within 1 miles from the coast;Trawling activities within 3-miles from the coasts, excluding vessels applying for derogation from Recommendation GFCM 36/2012/3.

Closure during spawning periods (as stated in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act):Turbot – from 15th April to 15th June. During this period the fishing of common stingray and thornback ray shall be also prohibited.Gillnets targeting gobies – from 15th April to 15th May

Forbidden gear (9 art.35. from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act ): Explosives, poisonous and anesthetic substances;Electricity and means with electric current;Bottom trawls and dredges, excluding beam trawls;Firearms.

Technical measures for the gears used in Black Sea:Minimum mesh size for bottom-set gillnets used in turbot fisheries – 400 mm; Minimum mesh size for gillnets used for gobies – 22 mm;

The catch of cetaceans is prohibited. Release of cetacean by-catches is required.

Minimum landing sizes of the main commercially landed species:

3 - alpha Minimum Speces Scientific name Legal reference code size

Council Regulation

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department 850/98 Turbot Psetta maxima TUR 45 cm 850/98 Annex 2 of LFA

Europan sprat Sprattus sprattus SPR 7 cm Annex 2 of LFA Shad Alosa pontica SHC 22 cm Annex 2 of LFA Piked dogfish Squalus acanthias DGS 90 cm Annex 2 of LFA Engraulis encrasicholus Anchovy ANE 8 cm Annex 2 of LFA ponticus Garfish Belone belone GAR 25 cm Annex 2 of LFA Merlangius merlangus Whiting WHG 8 cm Annex 2 of LFA euxinus Flathead grey Mugil cephalus MIF 25 cm Annex 2 of LFA mullet Golden grey Liza aurata 25 cm Annex 2 of LFA mullet Leaping mullet Liza saliens LZS 22 cm Annex 2 of LFA Gobies nei Atherina spp SIL 10 cm Annex 2 of LFA Trachurus mediterraneus Horse mackerel HMM 12 cm Annex 2 of LFA ponticus Red mullet Mullus barbatus ponticus MUT 8 cm Annex 2 of LFA Bonito Sarda sarda BON 28 cm Annex 2 of LFA European Platichthys flesus luscus FLE 20 cm Annex 2 of LFA flounder Black mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis MSM 7 cm Annex 2 of LFA

The following measures are specific to the management of turbot fisheries:

Special fishing authorization – vessels targeting turbot shal be provided with turbot fishing authorization in addition to their license; Designated landing ports – landing of turbot is allowed only at the following 7 ports: Shabla, Kavarna, , Varna, Nesebar, Pomorie, Sozopol and Tsarevo;Minimum size limit for cought turbot– 45 cm.Minimum mesh size for bottom-set gillnets used in turbot fisheries – 400 mm;Recording of all catches – in accordance with national legislation, all quantities of catches must be registered in a fishing register, including those weighing less than 50kg; Prior notification – at least 2 hours before mooring, the captains of the ships which take part in turbot fishing are obliged to send a prior notification to the Fisheries Monitoring Centre; Vessel monitoring – All fishing vessels fishing turbot must be connected with the FMC tracking device. Fishing vessels measuring 12 meters or more must be equipped with a satellite tracking device (VMS) whilst the smaller vessels may operate with a GPRS tracking device; Port inspection – all turbot landings must be carried out only in the presence of an EAFA inspector and are subject to an obligatory inspection;Closure period for turbot fisheries – according to Regulation (EC) 2016/2372 the ban on turbot catch is applied from 15th April to 15th June.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Act laid down rules for withdrawal of the vessels that have been inactive for two consecutive years. The released capacity shall be allocated to other fishing vessels, which will guarantee the rejuvenation and modernization of the fishing fleet and more effective usage of fishing capacity.The fishing licenses and authorizations system is functioning in a matter to grant fishing authorization for all species (excluding turbot, which is a subject of a separate authorization system) giving possibility to the fishermen to target all allowed species, which could compensate the yearly fluctuations of migrating species.The system of certification and verification of the engine power allows monitoring of the real propulsion engine power and

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department not exceeding the engine power recorded in the license. The Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Executive Agency Maritime Administration will continue their joint activities for the implementation of the Sampling Plan for identification of fishing vessels with a risk of under-declaration of propulsion engine power, approved in 2014 and revised in 2016. At national level the use of trawling gears is prohibited within 3 nautical miles from the coast, with the exception of some fishing vessels using derogation in the area between 1 and 3 nautical miles. That allows to the small fishing vessels, which have restricted navigation area to deploy their fishing gears in the coastal area and to avoid point of contact with the bigger fishing vessels using active fishing gears.

Management objectives

All management measures described, aim to: 1. Better control fishing and aquaculture activities and the first sale of fishery products; 2. Provide sustainable development of the sector thanks to responsible fishing and fish species preservation;3. Long-term provision to the market and the processing industry of quality fish and fishery products at prices affordable for the consumers;4. Provide a better life standard to people employed in fishing activities. In order to implement all management objectives each year Bulgarian authorities set and implement a National Fisheries Control Plan. The content of this plan is in line with the rules of the EU and it is based on risk assessments. In order to ensure the proper cooperation between different authorities, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Executive Agency Maritime Administration, Bulgarian Food Safety Agency and has been signed in September 2014.

Inland sub-sector

Catch profile According to Bulgarian legislation commercial fishing in inland waters is allowed only in the Danube river. For the last years, the annual catch in the Danube river has varied between 86 and 135 tonnes, compared to 52 tonnes in 2016.

Fishing practices/systems According to the Informational-statistical system of the Executive Agency of Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA) the fishing fleet of Danube river consists of 1330 fishing vessels. The total length of most of them is under 10 meters. The main fishing gear used in Danube river is gillnets.

Main resources The catches in Danube river most commonly include: freshwater bream (Abramis brama), barbell (Barbus barbus), carp (Cyprinus carpio), crucian carp (Carassius auratus), redfish (Scardinius erythrophthalmus).

Sturgeons (Acipenseridae) are one of the most valuable species worldwide. As their stock in the Danube river is not in good condition the fishing of sturgeons in Bulgaria is prohibited. In the Bulgarian waters of the Danube river there are a number of existing restrictions related to the minimum allowable size and the spring- summer breeding period. In accordance with Bulgarian legislation, the minimum mesh size is 40 mm. For Chalcalburnus chalcoides, minimum mesh size is 16 mm, 36 mm for Percidae, Vimba vimba, Chondrostoma nasus, 60 mm for Esox lucius and Sander lucioperca, 65 mm for Cyprinus carpio and other herbivorous species (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Ctenopharyngodon idella, Mylopharyngodon piceus), and 70 mm for the Silurus glanis.

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Aquaculture sub-sector Aquaculture has emerged as a new activity in Bulgaria, although the rearing of different aquatic species dates back many years. The aquaculture sector began to develop at the end of the 18th century, a period marked by the start of the construction of the first state fish farms for rearing rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The first carp farms were built in the 1940s. The 1990s marked the beginning of the transition of ownership in the freshwater aquaculture from public to private, the private sector formed on the basis of the existing as well as newly built aquaculture production capacities.The total number of fish farms at the end of 2016 was 683 (out of which 33 are mariculture farms), compared to 611 – a year earlier. In connection with the ban on commercial fishing in the inland waters of the country, in force from August 2012 and related with the new registration, the number of active registered producers of aquacultures increased. In 2016, the total aquacultures production was 15 754 tones, there was an increase of the total fish stocking material, as well as in the fish for consumption.

More information at: National Aquaculture Sector Overview (NASO)

Recreational sub-sector

Recreational fishing in Bulgaria can only be carried with a permit. This type of fishing can be carried out in Black Sea and in inland waters (rivers, lakes, dams etc). Some specific provisions are in force in order to regulate the recreational fisheries, namely:

Recreational fishing authorization is required except in cases of recreational fishing in the Black Sea; Recreational fishing shall be carried out only with fishing rods and with harpoons; It is forbidden to sell the catch from recreational fisheries; There is a maximum quantity that can be kept per day (2 kg per day for trout and 3 kg for carp and other warmwater species, excluding single individuals with greater size).

Post-harvest sector

Registration and control of processing plants are carried out by the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency. The number of processing enterprises has been relatively steady in recent years – between 43 and 46 enterprises were active each year.After Bulgaria became a member of the European Union, more focus was placed on working conditions and improvement of safety measures; improvement and monitoring of human health and hygiene conditions or quality of products; production of high quality products to satisfy and suit the market niches; decrease of the negative impact on the environment; improvement in the use of the least used species, supplementary products or waste; production and marketing of new products from local fisheries and aquacultures mainly. This assistance and contribution is directed in two main directions – to build and modernize post-harvest enterprises and to build and modernize the existing market structures.

Source: Executive Agency of Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA)

Fish markets

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Frozen/deep-frozen and canned products make up the majority of the post-harvest sector. A relatively small part of this sector is taken up by fresh products, smoked, salted or dried products. Among the main species in the post-harvest sector are mollusks (rapana and clams) and sprat. Some fish and aquacultures producers utilize post-harvest equipment and devices situated near the fish farms, which helps improve the quality of the final product. All EU requirements in the field of veterinary and sanitary control, quality and food safety standards are applied in this sector.

Table 5: Fish and fishery products consumption on average per capita

Fish and fishery products consumption 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 on average per capita

Fish and fishery products 5.3 kg 5.4 kg 5.4 kg 6.7 kg 5.2 kg 5.4 kg 5.0 kg Source: National Statistical Institute (NSI)

The consumption of fish in Bulgaria is traditionally lower compared to neighboring countries. In 2013 there was an increase in trends of fish consumption in Bulgaria, however since 2014 fish consumption has started to decrease, reaching 5 kg per capita. Several factors contribute to this fact: the lack of traditional fish consumption; the seasonal character of the fishing activities due to the climate conditions in different regions of the country; the lack of a well-organized market structure and the lack of advertisement of fish products; the high prices of imported fish and fishery products in comparison to the average income of the population. It is necessary to improve the quality of the market analyses and to present market data in order to define the volume of real sales of fish and fishery products, the structure of sales and the real consumption. At the same time, the consumers’ requirements about the quality of fish and fishery products have become bigger, as well as the demand for ready-made fish products on the market. According to the Information and Statistics System (ISS) of EAFA, cost of seafood has been increasing (retail and wholesale) on the domestic market, a negative factor for consumers, leading to a drop in demand and consumption.

Socio-economic contribution of the fishery sector

The fisheries and aquaculture sectors constitute a significant part of the domestic economy and provide high levels of employment in the coastal regions, also by contributing to the development of the tourism industry. National Legislation closely follows the EU Common Fisheries Policy, including in the consideration of ecosystem impacts, bycatch and sustainability. Between 2014 and 2020 the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund will finance a number of projects oriented to:

Introduction of innovative fishing techniques, Creation of new fishery products markets, Improvement of life quality in coastal areas.

In recent years there has been a gradual increase of the total aquaculture production in specialized fishing farms due the financial assistance of European Structural Funds.

Role of fisheries in the national economy

The fisheries and aquaculture sector has a specific position and role in the national economy. The sector is

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department relatively small, with a share of around 0.05% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but it provides employment at a regional level, especially in coastal areas, where it has a significant impact on the local economies. The advantages of the sector are related to the availability of aquaculture production potential in freshwater and marine waters, the presence of unexploited natural resources, combined with low labor costs and market opportunities.

Trade

The adoption of regulations concerning the sale of fish and other aquatic organisms has been included within the Law on Fishery and Aquaculture adopted in 2001. The institution responsible for the introduction and control of market standards for fish and fish products in Bulgaria is the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry through the Executive Agency of Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA).

ImportAccording to preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI), in 2016 a total of 37 724 tonnes of fish and fish products were imported in the country, including 32 866 tonnes of fish, fillets, crabs and mollusks (live, fresh, cooled, frozen, dried) and 4 838 tonnes of processed fish products. The total import of fish and fish products has increased by about 8% on an annual basis, while there is an increase in the import not only of fish, but of fillet, crabs and mollusks, as well as of processed products. More than 74% of the total imported quantities of fish and fish products in 2016 were from EU member states. The supply from the EU increased by about 7% compared to the previous year, amounting to 28 046 tonnes. The most significant quantities were supplied by (4.8 thousand tonnes), (4.6 thousand tonnes), the Netherlands (3.5 thousand tonnes), Denmark (2.4 thousand tonnes), (1.7 thousand tonnes), Poland (1.7 thousand tonnes) and the UK (1.6 thousand tonnes). The import of fish and fish products by third countries marks a growth of 12% on an annual basis, to 9 678 tonnes. During the year, the most significant was the import from Canada (1.6 thousand tonnes), Morocco (1.1 thousand tonnes), Vietnam (0.9 thousand tonnes), and China (0.8 thousand tonnes). The total import of fish, fillet, crab and increased in 2016 by 6.2% reaching 32 886 tonnes, compared to the previous year. Traditionally, frozen fish represents more than the half of the total import of fish and fish products. In 2016 the import of frozen fish, with the exception of the fillets, remained at about the level of the previous year (+0,1%) and amounted to 18 896 tonnes. Similar to previous years, the most significant was the import of frozen mackerel, which decreased by 5.1% compared to 2015, to 11 338 tonnes. Relatively great quantities of frozen fish were imported from thefollowing species: salmon – 660 tonnes, sardines – 1 130 tonnes, herring -535 tonnes, hake – 923 tonnes, shark – 273 tonnes, trouts – 200 tonnes, horse mackerel – 306 tonnes.

Source: Annual report on the situation and development of agriculture(AGRARIAN REPORT 2017) on Ministry of agriculture, food and forestry

Export

Under preliminary data of NSI, the total export of fish, aquatic organisms and fish products in 2016 amounted to 12 096 tonnes –27.6% increase from the the previous year, which is explained with the increase of production of fish and other aquatic organisms in the country, as well as with the practice of re-export of imported fish. Compared to 2015, exports increased by 20.3%, up to 7 110 tonnes, while the one of processed fish products (ready-made food and cans of fish, including caviar, canned crabs and mollusks) – by 39.6 % to 4 985 tonnes. In 2016, the export of fish and fish products for the EU marked a growth of 26.2% on an annual basis and reached 9 461 tonnes, comprising about 74% of the total export of such products. The most significant were exports to Romania (4.8 thousand tonnes), Sweden (2 thousand tonnes), Greece (1.5 thousand tonnes), Spain (0.7 thousand tonnes) and (0.3 thousand tonnes).In the case of export of fish and fish products for third countries a significant increase was reported compared to 2015 – by about 33% up to 2 634 tonnes. The greatest quantities were directed to South Korea (1.2 thousand tonnes) and Japan (0.7 thousand tonnes), followed by Serbia (0.4 thousand tonnes) and China (0.2 thousand tonnes).A significant increase on FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department annual basis was reported in the export of mollusks (more than two fold), followed by the fresh and chilled fish (by 66.1%) and crabs (64.2%).At the same time, a significant decrease was observed in the export of dried, salted and smoked fish (by 48.8%) and of frozen fish, with the exception of fillets (by 39.5%), and significantly lower, of the one of live fish (by 4.4%) and of fillets (by 1.2%). In 2016, the export of mollusks (38%) took a leading place amounting to 2 668 tonnes, directed mostly to Greece (1 thousand tonnes), South Korea (0.6 thousand tonnes), Spain (0.4 thousand tonnes) and Japan (0.3 thousand tonnes). About 63% of the export of frozen fish was covered by frozen sprats – 725 tonnes, which is a decrease of 17% compared to previous figures. The export of frozen anchovies increased almost two fold compared to the previous year, reaching 201 tonnes. Traditionally, the greatest quantities of frozen fish are directed to Romania (0.8 thousand tonnes). Compared to the previous year a significant increase was observed in the export of processed fish products – by about 40%, up to 4 985 tonnes. The export of ready-made food, canned fish and caviar, marked a growth of 55.6%, while canned crabs and mollusks of 30%. Basic destinations of the processed fish products in 2016 remained Sweden (1.9 thousand tonnes) and Romania (1.4 thousand tonnes), followed by South Korea (0.5 thousand tonnes), Japan (0.4 thousand tonnes) and Greece (0.1 thousand tonnes).

Source: Annual report on the situation and development of agriculture(AGRARIAN REPORT 2017) on Ministry of agriculture, food and forestry

Employment

In 2017, 1776 part-time fishers were reported. Total employment in 2016 was estimated at 1 603 jobs, corresponding to 580 FTEs with an average of 0.5 FTE per active vessel. In 2015, there were 1 807 fishing enterprises, a significant increase compared to 2008, due to the fact that in 2012 all Bulgarian fishers were obliged to become ‘enterprises’. The total employment in 2015 was estimated at 1 728 jobs, corresponding to 608 FTEs with an average of 0.5 FTE per active vessel. The level of employment increased between 2014 and 2015 by 14%, and the total employed for 2015 increased by 33%, compared to the average total employed for the period 2008-2014. The total employment in 2014 was estimated at 1 517 jobs, corresponding to 532 Full- time-equivalents (FTEs) with an average of 0.5 FTE per active vessel. The level of employment increased between 2013 and 2014 by 16%, but the total employed for 2014 decreased by 48%, compared to the average FTEs for the period 2008-2013. In 2014, Bulgaria had 318 active aquaculture enterprises with 5 or fewer employees, 30 enterprises with 6-10 employees and 6 enterprises with more than 10 employees. Total employment in 2014 was 924 jobs, corresponding to 679 FTEs. The level of employment decreased between 2009 and 2012, but increased in 2013 and 2014.

Source: Executive Agency of Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA)

Rural development

The Executive Agency of Fisheries and Aquaculture is the Managing Authority (MA) of Operational Programme for the development of the fisheries sector 2007-2013. During the programme period 2007-2013 the Bulgarian government provided for the first time its support to the local development of fisheries and aquaculture, including sustainbale use of resources and improvement in the quality of life of fishing communities, also thanks to the European fishery funds. Six local initiatives were created and operate to cover the territories of 17 municipalities. More than 4 053 sq. km are situated within the scope of the Local Initiative of Fishing groups, covering a population of more than 104 467 people, new working places were created. Port technical equipment and infrastructure was improved(ice production, sanitary zones and safety areas provision,

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department surface for transport organization, etc.) in particular in the small along the coast, contributing to the local economy and employment, as well as indirectly improving sustainable use of fishing reosurces.

Source: Executive Agency of Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA)

Trends, issues and development

Constraints and opportunities According to national legislation, all fishing vessels carrying out commercial fishing shall be included in the Ship register kept by the Executive Agency “Maritime Administration” (the Bulgarian institution responsible for the technical characteristics and condition of the vessels) and in the Fishing Fleet Register kept by the Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (the Bulgarian institution responsible for the control of fishing activities).One of the main principles in the management of the fishing fleet is the fishing capacity, that could not exceed the levels of 2007 (year of the accession of Bulgaria in EU). In order to ensure conformity with this rule, new fishing vessels can be included in the Fishing Fleet Register and licenced only in case of withdrawal of at least the same level of capacity from the register. This rule is also applicable in case of increase of the fishing capacity of registered vessel. Weaknesses:- Lack of conditions for direct sale from vessel to end user (customer), due to insufficiency of first sale auctions;- Extended age of the fishing fleet and limited investment in the replacement of fishing gears with more selective ones, insufficient safety and working conditions;- High average age of employees in the sector;- Dependence of fisheries from the seasonal catches of some valuable species;

Strengths:- Existence of Informational-Statistical system, where data from fishing fleet and catch reporting are recorded;- Enhancing the awareness of sector, through informational campaigns, regular meetings and publishing of information of EAFA’s website;- Permanent monitoring of fishing vessels targeting turbot. According to the rules established at national level, each vessel that intends to target turbot shall be equipped with Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) depending on the length of vessel;- Cooperation with other national authorities regarding the technical parameters of fishing vessels (Executive Agency “Maritime Administration”) and fight against Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing (Border Police, Bulgarian Food Safety Agency), including temporary suspensions or permanent withdrawal of fishing license;- Enhanced monitoring and control system, that allows reliable management of fisheries;

Building of a new first sale auction facility and modernization of two fishing ports ( and Pomorie) started in 2015 and was completed in 2016. In 2017, contracts for modernization of two more fishing ports (Varna and Burgas) were expected to be signed, but the process till needs to be finalized. That will facilitate direct sale of fisheries products to end users. Modernization of the fish ports and building of new ones with the appropriate infrastructure will have further positive impact on facilitation of the process of direct sale of fish and other aquatic organisms.

Government and non-government sector policies and development strategies

The Bulgarian membership in the EU has opened new opportunities for the development of the Fisheries and Aquaculture sector. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA) work together to implement the basic objectives and principles of the Common Fisheries Policy. The activities and the structure of EAFA are defined in the rules of procedure adopted by the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Council of Ministers.

The Agency applies fisheries legislation and coordinates the development of fisheries and aquaculture, the management and control of fishery resources, the issuing of permits and the regime of registration for fishing and fish breeding and control of the rules for recreational fisheries. The main tasks for EAFA are:- to develop strategies for fisheries, aquaculture and processing in line with the government's economic policies;- to respect structural policies in the fisheries and aquaculture sector,- to regulate the specific legal framework;- to ensure control and surveillance of fisheries.

In 2015, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Program 2014-2020 (MAFP) was approved with a Decision of the European Commission from 13th of November 2015. The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Department of the MAF has been defined to implement the functions of a Managing Authority of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Program, funded by the European Fund for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, while the function of the intermediate body for MAFP is performed by the State Fund “Agriculture” – Paying Agency.The approval of MAFP guarantees the contribution of the European Fund for the EU's Maritime and Fisheries Policies for the achievement of the goals in the common policy in the Fisheries Sector, of the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) and the Europe 2020 Strategy and the basic priorities, connected with the promotion of ecologically sustainable, and based on knowledge fishery and aquaculture, in which the application of the Fishery Common Policy is promoted, the increase of employment and the territorial inclusion, the promotion of the marketing and the processing, as well as the application of the IMP.The Program contributes to the achievement of the six priorities for the fishery and aquaculture of the EFMF:- Priority 1: Promotion of sustainable in ecological terms, innovative, competitive and based onknowledge fishery, characterized by effective use of the resources;- Priority 2: Promotion of sustainable in ecological terms, innovative, competitive and based onknowledge aquacultures, characterized by effective use of the resources;- Priority 3: Promotion of the implementation of the Common policy in the Fisheries Sector;- Priority 4: Growth of the employment and the territorial proximity;- Priority 5: Promotion of the demand on the market and the processing;- Priority 6. Promotion of the implementation of the integrated maritime policy;In terms of the fishery, a significant financial resource will be directed for the improvement of the infrastructure of fishery ports, unloading sites, fish markets and boat shelters. Besides, a measure for adding to the value and increasing of the quality of the products is provided. Another important emphasis is the support of the innovation and the diversification of the activities outside the commercial fishery.

Research, education and training

Research

The Bulgarian Fisheries Research and Education Centres are:• Faculty of Biology, Department of Hydrobiology and Ichthyology at the University "St. Kliment Ohridski " (the main structure for higher education in the field of fisheries);• Institute of Fish Resources - Varna;• Institute of Oceanology in Varna;• Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture in - specialized in researchin the field of aquaculture;• Institute of Zoology with a Natural History Museum in Sofia, Department of Hydrobiologyand Ichthyology;• Central Laboratory of General Ecology in Sofia;• Thracian University, ;• National Diagnostic Research Veterinary Medicine Institute which is part of the National Veterinary Service at Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

These research institutes support the activities of EAFA on the organisation and management of the fisheries sector in Bulgaria. EAFA also organises and/or participates in educational and training activities for its administration, professional organisations and people working in the sector. The Institute of Fish Resources and the Institute of Oceanology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (both located in Varna) carry out scientific research and give recommendations for the sustainable exploitation of the fish and other aquatic

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department resources in the Black Sea. Research into the dynamics of fish populations in inland waters (in particular of commercially important species and endangered/protected species in rivers and natural or artificial lakes) is carried out at the Institute of Zoology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences at the Faculty of Biology at Sofia University, as well as at the Central Laboratory of General Ecology in Sofia.The Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Plovdiv is mainly engaged in scientific and research activities in the field of aquaculture and mainly in the development of technologies for breeding of commercially important species.

Institutional framework

The Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry is the state institution applying a unified state policy in the agricultural sector, managing, coordinating and controlling the state policy in the field of agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry and hunting. The Executive Agency of Fishery and Aquaculture (EAFA) under the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry is an executive body of the central administration for both implementation of the National policy of fishery and aquaculture and for the application of the Law of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The Agency is financed by the national budget, fees from licensing and registration regimes and the collection of compensation for damage caused to fish and other water organisms. There are 4 territorial units of EAFA across the country.

In addition there are other structures of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, that support the basic activities of the Agency. Two main associations operate in the sector, Association “Black Sea Sunrise” and the “Association of the fish products producers”(BG FISH), which represent the fish producers and protect the commercial, social and all other professional rights of its members.

Legal framework

The Law on Fisheries and Aquaculture (LFA), (published in State Journal No 41 from 21.04.2001, last amendment – State Journal No 91 from 2.11.2018), regulates the legal foundation for the management, conservation and utilization of fish resources, policy and resource storage programmes, and the structural and marketing organisation of the sector. The Law also regulates the liabilities for the overall management of the fishery sector, defines the obligations of EAFA, specifies the restrictions on controlling the fishing and angling by means of a system of licenses, as well as through the requirement for registration of aquaculture producers. The Law is currently in the process of being supplemented and modified. The Law on Fisheries and Aquaculture is generally consistent and harmonised with the main requirements of the European Union fisheries legislation. The Law of stock exchanges and market places (published in State Journal No 93 from 1.11.1996, last amendment in State Journal No 7 from 19.01.2018) regulates the required information and accounting documents, which include data on the origin of products, their complete description, certification and qualitative characteristics that aquaculture producers must complete when selling the products. The Law of waters (published in State Journal No 67 from 27.07.1999, last amendment in State Journal No 55 from 3.07.2018), provides the ownership and management of waters on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria as an over-national inseparable natural resource, governing also the ownership of aquatic economic systems and equipment. Тhe Law of veterinary-medical activities (published in State Journal No 87 from 1.11.2005, last amendment in State Journal No 17 from 23.02.2018), aims to provide conditions for supplying the market with high quality and safe raw materials and foods of animal origin, as well as to introduce the principles and requirements of veterinary legislation of the European Union. Regulations on preventive measures and control of contagious diseases took effect in 2001 and set measures for safeguarding, restricting and eradicating the spread of infectious and viral diseases among trout and carp. The requirements on water quality for fishery and FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department for breeding shell organisms are regulated by regulations from 2000 from the Ministry of Environment and Waters, the Ministry of Agriculture, food and Forestry and the Ministry of Health. 9.1 Regional and international legal frameworkAnnexes

More information at: FAOLEX legislative database

References

Most important Internet links to the national fisheries and aquaculture:. Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture ( “ http://iara.government.bg/”). Ministry of agriculture, food and forestry ( “http://mzh.government.bg/”. Republic of Bulgaria National statistical institute (“https://infostat.nsi.bg/infostat/pages/module”). Executive Agency “Maritime Administration (“ http://marad.bg “). Ministry of agriculture, food and forestry (“http://mzh.government.bg/mzh/Documents/reports.aspx “). National Statistical Institute (NSI) (“https://infostat.nsi.bg/infostat/pages/module “).

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Additional information

FAO Thematic data bases

FAO Country Profile Marine Resources reports (FIRMS) Marine resources - Mediterranean and Black Sea Porbeagle - Northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sharks - Global Squid - Global Tuna and tuna-like species - Global Fishery reports (FIRMS) European union : Mediterranean and Black Sea fishing fleet : 2010 World : Deep-sea fisheries : 2009 World : Global Tuna Fisheries : 2009 National Aquaculture Sector Overview (NASO) FAOLEX legislative database Database on Introductions of Aquatic Species Regional Fishery Bodies (RFB) European Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Advisory Commission (EIFAAC) General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) International Whaling Commission (IWC) FAO Fishing Vessels Finder (FVF)

Publications

List of relevant FAO publications

Meetings & News archive

Meetings archive News archive

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department