In addition to many other segments of the Romanian economy, when we talk about aquaculture, this is a segment that in the past brought important incomes. But, as in other segments of agriculture, this segment too did not benefit from major subsidies from the state, or if there were, they were too few. According to new decisions taken in today’s government meeting, we can talk about breaking news for these Romanians. Read on and see what it’s all about.
The fishing sector in Romania, decreasing compared to other years
Since ancient times, fishing has been one of the basic occupations of the Romanians, living near the Danube and on the shores of the Black Sea. As in the past, if we refer to marine fishing, it is carried out exclusively in the Romanian territorial waters of the Black Sea.
According to some statistical data of recent years, in 2020, marine catches and landings totaled 4,465 tons, almost 40% less than the previous year. Fishing activity is seasonal and depends on weather conditions in the Black Sea, where there are large temperature differences between winter and summer, as well as strong winds.
See also: Fishermen, outraged after the ban on fishing in the Delta: “80% of tourists will not come this year”
All fish landed are used for human consumption. The main ports used by fishermen to land their catch are Mangalia, Olimp, Costinești, Mamaia and Capul Midia. Fishing and aquaculture are particularly important in remote areas, where they are the main source of income for the local population.
The Romanian aquaculture sector
Aquaculture is predominantly freshwater, and the land resources and availability of inland waters provide excellent conditions for fish farming. The number of cultivated species is over 30, and in 2019, the aquaculture sector produced 15,124 tons worth 34.2 thousand euros.
See also: Up to 75,000 euros are given for Romanians. How you can get money to open a business
The increase in aquaculture production can be attributed to the extensive production of common carp in polyculture, extensively or semi-intensively. In 2018, there were approximately 504 production units in Romania, with a total number of 2,231 full-time equivalent employees, and almost all farms produced freshwater fish. The production of new species for Romanian aquaculture, such as sturgeon, is still low.
Romanian aquaculture receives subsidies from the state
Until today’s meeting, most of those who work in this segment did not receive substantial subsidies from the state, nor a lower tax rate on the fuel used, in this case diesel.
see and: 120,000 euros are given from the state in 2022. What condition must Romanians meet to receive them
But, in the Government meeting, according to Agrointel, it was decided to lower the tax rate for those active in aquaculture when purchasing diesel. Specifically, it is about reducing the excise tax on used diesel, the total amount in this case being 3 million lei for the period 2023-2025, and the money will be supported from the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture. In the GD, the beneficiaries of this excise duty reduction are also specified, as follows:
“a) authorized natural persons, individual businesses and family businesses, established according to the provisions of Government Emergency Ordinance no. 44/2008 regarding the conduct of economic activities by authorized natural persons, individual businesses and family businesses, approved with amendments and additions by Law no. 182/2016 with subsequent amendments and additions;
b) legal entities”, it is specified in the GD approved today by the Government.
The high production costs and the intention to further stimulate this segment, say the representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, is one of the reasons why it was decided to introduce this facility for those in Romanian aquaculture.
