Cod

The Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is a large fish species native to the North Atlantic Ocean. This species is commercially important and is raised through aquaculture in Iceland and Norway. Known for its delicious taste, the Atlantic cod is a significant source of food for people worldwide.

 



2. Strengths/Weaknesses/oportunity/Threats

 

Strengths:

 

  • Production technology has been developed for all stages.

 

  • The product is well-known in the European market and has substantial to almost unlimited demand.

 

 

Weaknesses:

 

  • The yield, or fillet percentage, of this fish is relatively low. Whole fish are produced, but only the fillet is sold. The fish has a larger head and belly compared to other farmed species within this family.

 

  • The selling price of this fish is highly variable, due to fluctuations in catch from wild fisheries, which can result in low prices that do not support viable farming.

 

  • The production temperature for this fish is relatively low, which makes it less suitable for Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) farming.

 

  • In cage systems, this fish tends to damage the nets, which increases the risk of escapes. Some solutions, such as using "knotless" nets with Dynemae line, have been developed to address this issue.

 

  • Cannibalism among mid-stage larvae to early juveniles can limit the possible rearing density.

 

  • Cage farming can also increase the susceptibility to various diseases, including viruses, Gram-negative bacteria, internal protozoans, cestodes, nematodes, and ectoparasitic copepods.

 

  • As with most other marine species, the production of juveniles is relatively complex and costly. The net cost of juveniles weighing 5 grams is likely to be around 1 EUR per piece.

 

 

Opportunities:

 

Wild Cod are hosts to many parasites. Producing parasite-free fish in a controlled environment using Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) facilities for specific market segments may be a potential, but likely limited, business strategy for this species. It should be noted that the cost per kilogram of fillet is likely to be relatively high.

 

 

Threats:

 

The fluctuation in market price has been a significant risk factor for aquaculture of this species. Market prices can sometimes drop below the operating costs, making the aquaculture unprofitable.

 


 

 

 

 

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