The initiative comes during a particularly challenging year for the aquaculture sector. Strong winds in mid-February caused severe damage in the Fangar bay, uprooting approximately 10,000 poles and affecting several mussel farms, resulting in estimated economic losses of around 2.5 million euros. This situation is compounded by the progressive increase in water temperature in the bays, which forces an earlier end to the harvest, reducing the production margin.
The sector anticipates obtaining around three million kilos of mussels this year, approximately half a million less than the previous season. Faced with this scenario, producers have decided to reinforce a strategy based on proximity and product differentiation. The event held in Amposta, which included a live cooking show and various educational activities, was part of this effort to increase the added value of the Delta mussel.
The event brought together representatives from the sector and various administrations, including the Vice-president of GALP Mar de l’Ebre and President of FEPROMODEL, Santiago Tomàs; the Mayor of Amposta, Adam Tomàs; the Deputy Delegate for Tourism of the Provincial Council of Tarragona, Iris Castell, the President of the Montsià Regional Council, Sergi Guimerà, and the Government Delegate in Terres de l’Ebre, Joan Castro Gonell.
“"The producers from both bays of the Delta make an effort and are committed to maintaining a high-quality, sustainable product rooted in the territory, especially in a season marked by the difficulties we have faced this year."
“"We must continue linking gastronomy, local product, and territorial promotion to strengthen the agro-food and maritime capital status 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 opts for quality, sustainability, and shared prosperity."
Proximity is precisely one of the main arguments for differentiating the Delta mussel, which reaches markets and fishmongers in the region just hours after being extracted from the bays. This characteristic distinguishes it from imported products and allows for a level of freshness that is difficult to match. The Amposta event served to explain the product's origin, promote its gastronomic qualities, and strengthen the bond between the sector and the public.
The event attracted considerable interest from users of the Amposta Municipal Market and highlighted the shared desire of producers and institutions to enhance the recognition of the Delta del Ebro mussel during a particularly delicate time for the sector.
