Expectations for the Cockle Campaign 2023: A Conversation with the Noia Cockle Fishing Cooperative

Culinary excellence is found in the details, and one of the most cherished ingredients in Spanish gastronomy is the cockle. At Real Conservera Española, we are proud to collaborate with the Noia Cockle Fishing Cooperative, known for its artisanal fishing and unparalleled product quality. This year, we approached the Fishing Cooperative to learn about their expectations and outlook for the 2023 cockle campaign.

We chose Noia Cockle for its commitment to the authenticity of Galician products and the quality of our estuaries. Artisanal fishing, genetic traceability, and meticulous control of environmental conditions are just some of the practices that make this cockle worthy of admiration and tasting.

Through the Berberecho de Noia brand, we strive to provide our customers with the opportunity to enjoy an authentic marine treasure and contribute to the legacy of quality that has been recognized with the “Galicia Calidade” seal. Each canned cockle carries with it the story of an exceptional culinary tradition and the promise of an unparalleled gastronomic experience.

Noia Cockle Fishing Cooperative: Guardians of Tradition and Sustainability

The Noia Cockle Fishing Cooperative, located in the beautiful Galician town of Noia, plays a fundamental role in preserving tradition and sustainability in the cockle fishing industry. Founded decades ago, this organization has become a pillar of the community and a symbol of quality in Galician gastronomy. In this article, we talk to them to discover the challenges and expectations of the Cockle Campaign 2023.

Traditional Artisanal Fishing:

The Fishing Cooperative takes pride in its focus on traditional artisanal fishing, a technique that has been passed down through generations, environmentally friendly, and allows for precise catch control.

Genetic Traceability for Authenticity:

Preserving the authenticity of Noia Cockle is a priority for the Fishing Cooperative, even in this 2023 campaign. To achieve this, they have implemented a genetic traceability system that allows tracking each batch of cockles back to their place of origin in the waters of Noia.

Commitment to Sustainability:

Sustainability is a central concern for the Fishing Cooperative. They work closely with experts in marine conservation to ensure that cockle fishing has no negative impact on local ecosystems. Furthermore, the Fishing Cooperative implements fishing breaks from May to September to allow the cockles to grow and reach the first category.

Hatcheries that promote survival and quality.

In addition to their commitment to tradition and sustainability, the Noia Cockle Fishing Cooperative has taken a crucial step towards the preservation of this species: the creation of their own nurseries, a key factor in the Cockle Campaign 2023.

Cockles are a species that produce a large amount of offspring in the natural environment but are subject to a high mortality rate due to external factors such as weather conditions and salinity. The hatcheries are a response to this challenge, as they allow for precise control of environmental conditions to minimize mortality.

Once the cockles have reached a critical stage of their development in the hatcheries, a strategic decision is made: to transfer them to the natural environment. This final stage is essential for the cockles to reach maturity and be ready to face the conditions of the environment. The experts from the Noia Cockle Fishing Cooperative collaborate with nature to increase the survival of individuals and preserve this cherished species in the long term.

Thanks to the combination of traditional methods and innovative techniques, the Fishing Cooperative ensures that it continues to offer authentic, high-quality Noia Cockle in the market.

Expectations for the Cockle Campaign 2023

In an exclusive conversation with Liliana Solís, a biologist from the Noia Cockle Fishing Cooperative, we have obtained valuable information about the expectations for the Cockle Campaign 2023. Despite the challenges experienced during the winter, Solís shares an optimistic outlook regarding the future of this cherished marine species.

Challenges in the Cockle Campaign 2023:

The year 2023 is shaping up to be an atypical period in the history of the Noia banks due to the challenges the cockle population has faced during the winter. External factors, such as unusually high rainfall and the management of the Tambre River hydroelectric dam, have had a significant impact on the cockle population. This has resulted in high mortality and slower growth than expected, directly affecting the availability of cockles.

Key Factors:

To understand the magnitude of these challenges, it’s important to consider the optimal values that should exist in key factors for the well-being of the cockle, according to the Noia Cockle Fishing Cooperative:

• Water Turbidity: It is expected that water turbidity remains above 87.68 mg/L for a suitable environment.
• Suspended Solids: The levels of suspended solids should be below 300 mg/L to ensure a favorable environment for the cockle.
• Salinity: Optimal conditions are within the range of 20-35 ppt (parts per thousand) of salinity.
• Water Temperature: The ideal temperature ranges from 5-20°C.

The outlook for the Cockle Campaign 2023 is one of limited supply due to the challenges mentioned. As a result, the price of cockles is likely to be higher compared to previous years. This situation underscores the importance of appreciating and making the most of this culinary delicacy when it is available, as well as understanding the conservation and sustainability efforts that support its production.

A Promising Future if Challenges Are Managed:

Despite the obstacles, what shines with hope is the abundance of cockle offspring that was born this year. Solís emphasizes that if significant mortalities are avoided during the next two winters and optimal values in environmental factors are maintained, there is the possibility of obtaining exceptionally high-quality cockles in terms of size and flavor in the coming years.