Seriola, lettuce, amberjack, lemon fish, or greens—it’s the same fish, just with different names across the Mediterranean basin. From Alicante to Andalusia, through the Balearic Islands, and even extending to Japan within a few months, this fish ranks as the second most admired after bluefin tuna. The Ministry of Ecological Transition has approved a project by Alicante Aquacultura for captive breeding aboard a ship anchored at the port of Alicante. The plan envisions 600 tons of fish, with operations on a vessel occupying 9,000 square feet at the 11th quay, beside the Marine Fisheries Polytechnic Institute and the updated MOE amphibious equipment site. Port Authority sources indicate the aim is to raise fry and later export them to Japan, a major consumer and admirer of the species after bluefin tuna. A second container terminal for the port, operated by JSV, is also planned on this quay.
The company informed the port that the investment amounts to two million euros, promising 20 permanent jobs and reclamation work within the ship’s pools. Water drawn from the sea would undergo microfiltration to remove residual particles.
Amberjack, or Seriola, has remained something of an enigma in recent years. The scientific name Seriola dumerili signals its biology, while in practice the species is widely valued gastronomically in the region. In Spain it is commonly called lemon fish, though the name shifts across the country.
In Andalusia it is known as lecha or amberjack. In the Balearic Islands it bears names such as cirvia, sirviola, or greens. In the Canary Islands it is called amberjack or lemon. Other regions refer to it as lily, blanquilla, coronado, or machiamarillo. This saltwater treasure has a strong aquaculture appeal, often described as a bluefish of high culinary quality with a sashimi-like reputation. Its distinctive amber line from the snout to the dorsal fin marks its identity and underpins the citrus nickname.
Yellowtail attracts attention for its meat, which is similar to corvina and closely related to tuna. It offers notable nutritional benefits, providing protein, carbohydrates and Omega-3 fatty acids, along with minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, sodium and zinc and vitamins E, A, B, B9, B12 and B3. The adoption of aquaculture for this species reflects years of research and hands-on work to deepen understanding and improve production outcomes.
Aquaculture and sustainability
The interest in fast-growing amberjack for meat production stems from its rapid growth and high market value. Its growth rate can be ten times higher than many other species, reaching around 2.75 kilograms per year. Factors such as good farm adaptability and strong commercial demand also support its suitability for aquaculture.
In 2021 the Spanish aquaculture sector produced about 48,000 kilograms of amberjack and helped create jobs and new growth opportunities across autonomous communities focused on its cultivation, notably Andalusia, the Canary Islands and the Valencian Community. Regarding farming methods, two main technologies are used: Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), which purify and reuse water with only a small daily replenishment, and nursery farms floating in productive sea zones that support ongoing cultivation.
In this process, breeding and fry production are central. Amberjack breeders, among others, have developed and implemented traditional feeding and weaning methods tailored to their life cycle.
The second approach involves not halting the larval diet during early stages, but instead identifying the most effective feeding strategy once larvae develop a functional stomach and can wean from live prey. Weaning remains the most crucial step for achieving optimal production outcomes, according to Spain Fisheries.
A changed Mediterranean
Commitment to aquaculture is rising as a practical alternative to protecting fisheries areas. The Mediterranean faces rising water temperatures, with this week recording about 28 degrees and peaks around 30 on the coast during late summer. Such warming pressures can displace non-native species, affecting local marine fauna as seen when zebra mussels appeared years ago. By century’s end the basin may experience further climate shifts, faster salinization, and increased acidification, compounded by droughts and heatwaves that outpace global averages.
Spanish aquaculture industry, ally of healthy and sustainable food
Climate change impacts on the Mediterranean are pronounced because the region is relatively isolated. Despite the connection to the Atlantic via the Strait of Gibraltar, the basin concentrates evaporation, and urbanization along the coast raises pollution levels. Researchers note these dynamics influence growth, survival, fertility, migration, and the timing of pelagic and bottom-dwelling species. Some species migrate more slowly, like bluefin tuna, while others move into the Mediterranean, such as the zebra bream. For some, heat and new conditions are challenging, driving gradual declines in certain species.
These shifts affect the entire food web—from phytoplankton and marine vegetation to invertebrates and vertebrates. Fisheries see varied responses, with some species delaying migration and others seeking new habitats in the warmer waters. The evolving climate underscores the importance of sustainable aquaculture as a viable option to meet demand while limiting pressure on wild stocks.