October 4, 2023

 

EU aquaculture industry sees 1.1 million tonnes of aquatic organisms farmed in 2021

 

In the year 2021, the European Union witnessed a thriving aquaculture industry with an estimated production of 1.1 million tonnes of aquatic organisms, amounting to a total value of EUR 4.2 billion (US$44.4 billion), Eurostat reported.

 

Aquaculture, the controlled cultivation of fish, molluscs, and crustaceans, proved to be a significant economic driver within the region,

 

Remarkably, the production landscape was dominated by four EU member states, collectively contributing to about 68% of the total production of farmed aquatic organisms in 2021. Spain led the pack, accounting for 25% of this share, followed closely by France at 17%. Italy and Greece also played pivotal roles, each contributing 13% to this thriving sector.

 

It is noteworthy that while the EU boasted substantial aquaculture production, it fell short of Norway, a prominent player in this industry. Norway's aquaculture sector yielded an impressive 1.6 million tonnes of aquatic organisms in 2021, primarily driven by the production of farmed salmon.

 

The EU's aquaculture production primarily focused on two key categories: finfish species and molluscs. These categories encompassed a diverse range of species, including trout, seabream, seabass, carp, tuna, salmon, mussels, oysters, and clams. In 2021, these species collectively represented most aquaculture production in terms of weight.

 

Notably, different aquatic organisms commanded varying prices in the market. Trout and seabass stood out in 2021, boasting higher production values compared to other species within the EU. Each of these species held a 14% share of the total value of the EU's aquatic farming in that year.

 

Within the EU, a high degree of specialisation was observed in the aquaculture sector. Spain emerged as a key player, contributing to a remarkable 70% of the EU's farmed Mediterranean mussels production in 2021. France, on the other hand, took the lead in farming Pacific cupped oysters, accounting for a staggering 88% of the total production. Additionally, France also served as the primary provider of the EU's farmed blue mussels, representing 45% of the total production.

 

Italy demonstrated its prowess in the farmed Japanese carpet shell category, producing an impressive 92% of the EU's supply. Greece played a pivotal role in farmed gilthead seabream and European seabass production, contributing 69% and 53%, respectively.

 

For farmed Atlantic bluefin tuna, Malta emerged as a dominant player, accounting for 72% of the EU's total production. Finally, Ireland took the lead in farmed salmon, with an impressive 96% share of the market in 2021.

 

-      Eurostat