Aquafarming: Master switch to solve all the problems?

Remote controlled aquafarms?

 

As human population goes up, fish consumption follows the trend. One gets fish one of two ways these days: either by dragging a net throgh 93% of the ocean, which is what is happening now, or through aquafarming. Conventional fishing is no bridge to the future, as it will wipe out all commercial fish stocks by 2050. Farming on the other hand offers a great (and only) way to protect the wild stocks – without having to abstain from eating fish. Today up to 40% of worldwide fish consumption derives from aquafarms.

Unfortunately, fish farming has its environmental problems too. Fish waste could degrade seabeds, high concentration of fishes makes them more susceptible to deseases and weather storms challenge anchoring cages. But the main problem lies in the fish pellets, which is a by product of conventional (human) fishing. Therefore, aquafarming relies on the very same resource (fish stocks in the open sea) that it actually wants to protect. 

This is where scientist Cliff Goudey from the MIT steps in. He is researching in a remote controlled fish cage. Yes, that’s right. His vision: in the future will exist hundreds and thousands of floating fish cages that are equipped with a diesel engine, GPS receivers and route-planning software, so that the fish farmer can keep track of his fishes and perhaps programm the fish cage in a way, so that it steers itself back to shore when it is time for harvesting. Until then theses cages would never stay in one place long enough to damage local wildlife and could drift with storm waves to avoid feeling their full force.

The first tests of the wandering cages have just taken place in Puerto Rico. But before this project can set sail there are some challenges that needs to be solved, like communication with and control over the cages from big distances, providing protection of the fishes (‘kidnapping’), energy supply (diesel engines run out too) and ecological problems (diesel pollutes the sea). Solar technology could be a solution to the energy supply issue. But what happens when a storm arrives? Without the sun being able to load the solar cells, the sea would literally ‘kidnap’ its very own fruits…

 

Related articles/videos:

- NewScientist.com

- Spiegel.de (German article)

- Youtube

Second Patoro event in Olten

After the success story regarding the first caviar tasting event at Mr. Patrick Martin’s highly styled cigar lounge Patoro in Olten, Switzerland, we decided to play that tone again.

During this event we had a short visit of the Cash TV team aswell. The rumour has it, that the Swiss TV channel SF2 will bring a short coverage about the world of caviar in general to be aired somewhere in December. With fingers crossed, ZwyerCaviar will have its own little sequence in it.

Here I pass you some snapshots of this second luxurious gathering of Kings and Queens.

Meeting with the Master of Wine: The world of ZwyerCaviar through the backdoor

In some previous posts we opened the curtain to see behind the world of ZwyerCaviar. If its about major fotoshooting productions for our foto and ad campaign, witnessing the first caviar production for ZwyerCaviar or private tasting events with some high profilers and a meeting with a swiss michelin star chef, we keep things updated as news flash up.

On the 20th of October a ZwyerCaviar delegation (meaning my brother Alexander and myself) met with the swiss wine pope Philippe Schwander in a Restaurant in Zurich, Switzerland. Mr. Schwander receives not only high popularity within the swiss gastronomical scene due to his one-of-a-kind title ‘Master of Wine’ within the swiss border, but rather because of his amazing knowledge about wine in general. He deserves it. And without it he would still be recognized as the Swiss ’wine pope’. His reputation rockets high and steady.

This is why ZwyerCaviar is very proud to have Mr. Schwander convinced about our premium caviar – quality and brand. On this very evening we compared ZwyerCaviar with a caviar which originates from France. We came to the conclusion in unison, that the differences were remarkable and not justifying at all the small price range. One tin was emptied. The other one given to the waiter.

Anyhow, it’s not about bashing other products, but rather anouncing Mr. Schwander as a new fan of ZwyerCaviar.

Philippe, thanks again for this informative and very amusing dinner with you. Your selection of Austrian wine we tasted was a revelation to both of us. It was our big pleasure! May many more follow.

Our thanks to Mr. Mathias Zingg for wrapping up this like-minded reunion!

Caspian Sea is facing a dramatic natural catastrophe

 

The Caspian is an ecosystem under stress. Even in the eye of constant efforts in promoting environmental safeguards to protect the largest inland sea in the world and its resources, interests in the gas and oil sector keeps destroying the high diversity of sensitive marine habitats.

 

Petrochemical and refining complexes are the major sources of pollution. Discharges and spills from oil and gas drilling in the Sea have serious impacts on the environment and the human health. The untreated waste from the Volga River – into which half the population of Russia and most of its heavy industry drains its sewage – empties into the Caspian Sea. The Ural, Kura and Emba Rivers also empty contaminations into the Caspian from industrial pollution, municipal wastes and agricultural runoff. The air pollution from Tehran due to the old cars that lack catalytic converters falls out in the Caspian when the wind blows the smog north from Iran, contributing to pollution in the Caspian problem.

 

In Kazakhstan the cases of blood disease, tuberculosis and other diseases are four times more common in the Caspian area than the rest of the country’s average. Water, which has been contaminated by oil products in Kazakhstan, is still used for drinking water. This contamination is cited as a reason for intestinal infections in Kazakhstan’s coastal areas. Swimming in most areas of the Sea is hazardous. The higher rate of cancer is recorded in the whole area. A dramatic rise in stillbirths and miscarriages are being witnessed.

 

The chemicals and pesticides are threats as well to the flora and fauna. Contamination by DDT used in agriculture could be a factor contributing to the disappearance of the Caspian sturgeon because it could be a cause of infertility. The Caspian sturgeon and Caspian seal have been dying in large numbers. The heavy pollution, combined with illegal overfishing, public indifference, weak environmental laws and regulation and a territorial dissension from the 5 caspian states, hinders any attempt to permit a future for the home of 75% of the world’s sturgeon population and over 400 species that are only to be found in the Caspian Sea.

 

 

The challenge of protecting the Caspian’s environment will remain a highly difficult task.

 

 

Crossed fingers will not be enough…

 

 

Patoro: A luxurious gathering of Kings and Queens

Yesterday, on the 15th of october, my brother, sister and me had the pleasure to test our premium Flor de Sal Malassol caviar: the ZwyerCaviar.

 

It was held in the worlds biggest cigar lounge to date. In the holy rooms of Patoro in Olten, which had its grand opening on the 1st of october, 2008. For all the cigar aficionados living in or visiting Switzerland, definitely a worthwhile visit! Its owner, Patrick Martin, will give you a warm welcome. By the way: make sure to taste their own premium cigar brand: Patoro. Surely a name to remember!

 

Here some insights into this great evening with the Kings ‘Caviar & Champagne’ and their Queen, the cigars.

 

 

 

FISCHERZUNFT: To be received in audience from legendary chef André Jaeger

Dear caviarists,

 

 

Last week I had the delight to meet André Jaeger, the legendary Swiss chef behind the Fischerzunft in Schaffhausen and proud brand ambassador of ZwyerCaviar.

We chatted about illegal caviar trades and the future of sturgeon aquafarms. And mostly about how to implement ZwyerCaviar into the realm of the Fischerzunft, which will feature very soon a special package which includes ZwyerCaviar!

Mr. André Jaeger striked me as a very likable and open minded person. His thoughts and anecdotes about wild vs. breeded caviar showed an intellect that is both ambitious and modern.

ZwyerCaviar invites all to take this opportunity to end their own quest for caviar-happiness. Check in at the Fischerzunft, loose your senses through the seducing pieces of a master and enjoy the highly exclusive indulgence that only ZwyerCaviar can deliver.

FISCHERZUNFT: Explore ZwyerCaviar in a highly prestigious Michelin restaurant!

Dear connoisseur,

 

If eating ZwyerCaviar at your own place - at night, hiding your exclusive ‘friend’ from the already sleeping partner – is not really your style and you look for a more sharing gourmet event, where each menu reaches perfection and harmony, then we highly suggest the Fischerzunft in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.

 

We are proud to announce, that le chef André Jaeger and Jana Zwesper were very impressed about ZwyerCaviar’s Oscietra Flor de Sal Malassol Caviar. As a matter of fact they were so convinced of it, that they agreed to implement and present ZwyerCaviar within their very own kingdom of exclusive indulgences.

 

So, if you head for the Fischerzunft sometime during the Advent season, make sure to get a reservation previously. Because, the place gets crowded very often…!

And if you – or your company – prefer not to drive back due to any reason at all, why don’t you just stay over at their hotel?

Honeymooners: Champagne & Caviar

Honeymooners: Champagne & Caviar

When inviting the boss for dinner, Ralph and Alice are having an argument over champagne and caviar.

A funny TV show that was popular back in the 50’s.

Honeymooners: Champagne & Caviar