KIMAGRO MEDITERRANEAN SEA FISH FARMING

Ideal Environmental and Climatic Conditions - This is a very positive factor for the Cypriot fish farming industry given the high temperatures and surrounding clean seawaters in comparison to other areas.

Exceptional Sea Conditions - The clean sea surrounding the island, coupled with strong currents, create ideal conditions for the farming of an exceptional fish quality.

High Caliber Man Power and Technology - The Cypriot fish farming companies excel in that they utilize specialized and experienced personnel as well as the latest fish cultivation technology and techniques in comparison to other areas.

One of the fundamental benefits of fish farming in Cyprus is the shorter time span that is required to breed the fish to a marketable size or quality. This of course is due to the hot climate and clean waters as mentioned above.

In addition, another advantage attributable to Cypriot fish farming companies is the lack of serious diseases or infections to fish, which complements the efficient operations and their locations off the southern coast of Cyprus.

Further validity is given to the argument for open-sea fish farming activity in Cyprus, given that the best possible oxygenisation of the seawater is utilized in comparison to oxygenisation that may take place in closed bays where there is a danger of bacteria and micro organisms being created, which in turn jeopardises the health of the fish.

Kimagro buys fingerlings/Fry from breeding stations in Cyprus and then places them in floating cage structures located approximately 1800 meters from the shore. The cultivation period for the fish, to become of marketable weight for sale is between 12 and 14 months, by which time the fish should reach approximately 350 grams.

It is important to consider that fingerlings are nurtured exclusively with feed made from other fish, thereby maintaining the required vitamins needed for their healthy cultivation. The source of the high percentage of proteins is 100% from fish meal(mainly from the north sea).

The 12 to 14 month nurturing period is a relatively short time span in comparison to other Mediterranean operations, such as in Greece, in Spain and in Italy, where 16 to 18 months of nurturing is required. This is mainly attributable to the warmer climate enjoyed in Cyprus, the warm sea temperature and its clarity, and the lack of heavy industries surrounding the coast of the island, which in turn means less pollution of the sea. Indeed this is a significant advantage the company has over its international competitors, which may have to deal with obstacles such as sea contamination.

Once the fish reach their marketable size, they are then fished according to the demand of the market. Next, the fish are segregated according to their weight and packed at the company's packing station (one of four in Cyprus which adhere to EU requirements - ER91/4/92/ECK) which is fully automated, thus eliminating any errors regarding the grading and/or weighting of the fish. The fish is then ready for distribution locally or for Export.

The whole fish farming operation is subject to regular inspections by the Health Department of the government, in order to ascertain that when the fish eventually is supplied to the consumer, it is free of any diseases. It is important to consider that in Cyprus there are no heavy industries lining the coast of the island.

The surrounding sea is therefore free of any pollutants or chemicals in Cyprus and thus the fish is found to be of extremely good health and quality. Nevertheless, health checks are undertaken on a regular basis to ascertain this. Tests undertaken are consistent with those of the EU and include microbiological tests and tests for heavy metals.

Kimagro's inhouse build tower is unique worldwide and contributes greatly to the proper and efficient feeding of the fish through its two separated automated feeding processes.