The National Environment Agency begins scientific research on the rapa whelk population in the Black Sea
Aquaculture
The National Environment Agency of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, for the first time in the maritime space of Georgia, is launching a large-scale study of Black Sea veined Rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) spread in the Black Sea in the 40s of last century and multiplied in large numbers.
The coastal countries of the region have a great potential for exporting this product. Rapa whelk is a highly demanded product and is sold all over the world. To survey of Rapa whelk will be an important step forward for rational resource management in the region, based on which information will be provided on the Black Sea Rapa whelk population, their distribution, number, and size and age structure.
To survey of Rapa whelk is part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) General Commission for Mediterranean Fisheries (GFCM) and the ‘BlackSea4Fish’ project. Along with Georgia, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine will participate in the study.
The expedition, in which the specialists of the National Environment Agency will take part, will be carried out in the Gonio-Anaklia area of the Black Sea coast of Georgia and samples will be taken at 20 pre-selected stations. The study will be conducted using a modern equipment provided by the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Biodiversity Department of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
