In the ports of Catalonia, more than 200 species of fish and seafood are commercialized, but many of these are not sufficiently known by consumers. The Government wants to change this situation and the fall in sales in recent years of a food that contains high-quality proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, essential in a healthy diet. For this reason, it has launched the campaign I tota la pesca which promotes the consumption of local fish in homes. Through a journey of anchovies from the sea to the plate, a spot illustrates the work behind the fishing sector, from when the fish is caught by fishermen, sold in the guild by wholesalers, and taken to the market, where fishmongers make them available to consumers.
The campaign is promoted by the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food, together with sector agents, with the aim of promoting the consumption of products from the Catalan fishing fleet, and in this way, guaranteeing a local and sustainable blue protein, and favoring the maintenance of the seafaring culture in our country.
Whiting, white sea bream and mackerel
However, in the market there are other local fish species, affordable, with excellent nutritional properties, and little known and valued by the consumer. These are, for example, whiting, white sea bream, bogue or mackerel.
Other prominent species that we can put on the table and that are a pleasure for the palate are frigate tuna and bonito, which are found mainly in the fish markets of Roses, Palamós and Arenys de Mar; the common squid, which is found in the fish markets of la Ràpita, l'Ametlla de Mar and Cambrils; the white shrimp, which is concentrated mainly in the fish market of l'Ametlla de Mar and surroundings; the white octopus, along the entire coast but mainly from the fish market of Vilanova i la Geltrú to Les Cases d'Alcanar, and the anchovy, distributed along the entire coast and especially emblematic in the fish markets of l'Escala and Blanes.
Prices for all budgets
There is a myth that fish is expensive, and this is one of the causes of the drop in its consumption in recent years. The reality, in terms of prices, is that there is something for all budgets. For example, the common squid in the fish market is €3.67/kg and the white octopus is €5.90/kg, prices quite a bit lower than the average of €10.19/kg for its biological group as a whole, which would also include rock octopus, squid and cuttlefish. Similarly, mackerel, with a fish market price of €3.58/kg, is much more affordable than very similar species such as tuna and bonito, with a price of €7.22/kg.
When choosing a fish at a good price, it is also important to know what is the best time to consume certain species, according to the fishing season. In December, for example, it is an ideal time to eat hake, bonito, squid, mantis shrimp, cuttlefish and sole.
Fish consumption falls
Fishing is the first sector of the country's blue economy after tourism (in occupation, turnover, and GDP), and the only one with continuous activity throughout the year. It is, therefore, a pillar of the blue economy of fishing communities. However, fish landings in Catalonia over the last 20 years show a clear downward trend. It has gone from more than 37,000 tons in 2006 to about 20,000 tons in recent years.
The drop in consumption of local fish has become especially remarkable in the last three years, with a 25% decrease in sales, especially due to rising inflation. Changes in family habits and routines and a lack of generational replacement among fish consumers also influence this, as they mistakenly believe that fish is expensive and complicated to prepare. The reality, however, is that fish can be cooked simply and quickly. Floured, fried, baked, grilled, or pickled, there are many quick and delicious recipes.