The event, featuring a showcooking and various promotional activities, was a joint initiative by the sector and authorities to emphasize the gastronomic, economic, and environmental value of a product intrinsically linked to the region, especially as the campaign enters its busiest phase.
This year, the Delta mussel campaign is influenced by two factors: mid-February gales led to the loss of around 10,000 poles and destroyed several mussel rafts, with estimated losses of 2.5 million euros. Additionally, warming waters are forcing producers to shorten the harvest period.
The sector anticipates producing approximately three million kilograms of mussels this season, half a million less than the previous year. In response, there's a clear strategy to revalue the product through local sales, a direction echoed by today's event.
The event was attended by a broad institutional representation, including Santiago Tomàs (Vice-president of GALP Mar de l’Ebre and President of FEPROMODEL), Adam Tomàs (Mayor of Amposta), Iris Castell Cid (Delegate Councilor for Territorial Infrastructure and Vice-president of the Tourism Board of Tarragona Provincial Council Terres de l’Ebre), Sergi Guimerà (President of the Montsià Regional Council), and Joan Castor Gonell (Government Delegate in Terres de l’Ebre).
“"The producers of the two Delta bays make an effort and are committed to maintaining a high-quality, sustainable product rooted in the territory, especially in a campaign marked by the difficulties we have faced this year."
“"We must continue linking gastronomy, local product, and territorial promotion to strengthen the agri-food and maritime capital of Terres de l’Ebre."
“"The aquaculture sector is an essential piece of our identity and our economic future. Initiatives like today's demonstrate that when administrations, producers, and citizens work together, Terres de l’Ebre is a territory of opportunities that bets on quality, sustainability, and shared prosperity."
Delta mussels are known for their freshness, reaching markets just hours after extraction, a key differentiator from imported products. This quality underpins the sector's strategy: less quantity, higher perceived value, and a more direct relationship with the consumer.
Events like today's at the Amposta market aim to strengthen this connection, bringing the product to local consumers, explaining its origin, and highlighting its value through gastronomy. This action also acknowledges the work of a sector vital to the local economy and the maritime identity of Terres de l’Ebre.
This initiative is part of the promotional efforts for local fishing and aquaculture products driven by GALP Mar de l’Ebre under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF 2021-2027), with support from the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Tarragona Provincial Council, the Amposta City Council, and the European Union.
The event generated significant interest among visitors to the Amposta Municipal Market and has served to strengthen collaboration between institutions, producers, and local entities in promoting the recognition of the Delta de l’Ebre mussel.
