August 5, 2024

EU fisheries dominate aquatic production despite global shift to aquaculture

In 2022, the European Union's aquatic animal production totalled 4.2 million tonnes with fisheries significantly contributing to this figure, as landings accounted for approximately 3.1 million tonnes, while aquaculture reached 1.1 million tonnes, Eurostat reported.

Fisheries continue to be the primary source of aquatic animals in the EU, making up 74% of total production. In terms of economic value, the catches from EU fisheries amounted to an estimated EUR 6.2 billion (US$6.7 billion), whereas aquaculture production was valued at EUR 4.9 billion (US$5.3 billion). The average price for fishery products stood at EUR 1.9 (US$2.08) per kg, compared to EUR 4.5 (US$4.93) per kg for aquaculture-produced aquatic animals.

This situation contrasts with the global trend reported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). In 2022, for the first time in history, aquaculture surpassed capture fisheries as the main producer of aquatic animals worldwide.

-      Eurostat