Ambitious initiative to decarbonize seafood production in the Ebro Delta

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Government of Catalonia has presented a plan to address the main challenges facing the aquaculture sector in the Ebro Delta.

This strengthening and modernization plan, which will run from 2026 to 2029, will focus mainly on the areas of environment, energy, and competitiveness.

Les Terres de l’Ebre has 167 active mussel farms, with an annual production of more than 2,900 tonnes and first-sale revenues of around seven million euros. In addition, the area has high ecological value, with a Natural Park and inclusion in the Natura 2000 network.

The environmental quality of an area of high ecological value

Among the main lines of action is the decarbonization of the sector, with a gradual replacement of combustion engines in auxiliary vessels by electric motors. This includes installing charging points in the ports of La Pequeña Venecia and Isla de Mar.

In addition, solar panels will be installed to cover the activity’s energy consumption, estimated at around 165,000 kWh per year, and the use of photovoltaic systems on mussel farms will be promoted to replace current generators.

Finally, in response to rising sea temperatures and to prevent impacts on mussel production, measures will include collecting seed from colder waters outside the bays and strengthening health control systems to reduce mortality, especially in oysters.

The funding combines public and private resources, with an initial budget of €5,000,000

This project is financed through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), with 70% co-financing from the European Union and 30% from the Catalan Government. The initial budget amounts to five million euros, sourced from a tax on installations that impact the environment.

In addition, direct support of €30,000 per year (from 2026 to 2028) is planned for the Federation of Mollusc Producers of the Ebro Delta (FEPROMODEL) to coordinate the plan.

The Government will also allocate €1 million to address the effects of strong winds and the resulting loss of mussel and oyster production, along with financial support in the form of loans to facilitate new investments.