Eureka! Institutional Repository

Greece is one of the most important European countries actively taking part in the aquaculture business, which also contains shellfish farming, being an important branch of employment for our country as the majority of mussel production is exported abroad, and therefore contributes significantly in the national economy. This diploma thesis deals with the issue of shellfish farming in Greece, and especially in the prefecture of Thessaloniki, with the practical part focusing on the area of Chalastra. The paper presents an overview of shellfish farming in the world (especially on the EU) and then it focuses more thoroughly on the Greek situation, in order to show where Greece and the area of Thessaloniki stand, regarding the mussel production. In the first part of the thesis, the theoretical one, general information will be presented on the nature and biology of shellfish, focusing on the mussel and the oyster. Then, there is a historical retrospection of shellfish farming in Greece and the European countries as well. Following, there’s information about the most popular farmed species, and statistics are presented about their production, giving a general picture of comparison. Then, the work deepens into the farming methods which are used today, both in Greece and abroad, describing the process in shellfish farming. The theoretical part closes with reference both to the general problems that arise during shellfish farming, as well as to the specific problems that occur in Greece, especially in Thermaikos Gulf. The practical part of the thesis follows, describing the method which was followed for the collection of the presented data, eventually leading to the conclusions that occur from the whole picture of shellfish farming in Greece, and more specifically in Thermaikos Gulf.Finally, an appendix has been included at the end of the paper, presenting an official published document which refers to the new conditions that apply to the conduct of insolvency administrators code, and the lease of marine and lake water areas.