Aquaculture plays a vital role in Europe’s blue economy – and nowhere is its impact more visible than in the Mediterranean. With rising demand for sustainable food sources, the aquaculture sector is adapting, innovating, and expanding its potential for the future.
🐟 Aquaculture in the EU: Growth in Value, Focus on Sustainability
The EU aquaculture sector produces around 1.1 million tonnes of aquatic products annually, valued at €4.8 billion. While production volume has remained stable over the past decade, the sector’s value has grown by 78%, driven by improved practices, rising prices, and stronger consumer demand.
Key producers include:
- Spain – 23% of EU production
- France – 18%
- Greece – 13%
- Italy – 12%
The most farmed species by volume is mussels, while rainbow trout leads in economic value, followed by seabream, seabass, and oysters. Organic aquaculture is gaining ground too – particularly in countries like Ireland, where 85% of production is organic.
🌊 Mediterranean Aquaculture: Local Knowledge, Global Relevance
In the Mediterranean region, aquaculture is a major source of income, food, and employment:
- ~1,500 businesses
- ~12,000 direct jobs
- ~330,000 tonnes produced annually
- ~€1.4 billion total market value
Greece is especially prominent, producing about 60% of seabass and seabream in the EU. Farming systems typically include marine cages for finfish and rafts for mussels, using well-adapted, site-specific techniques that respect local ecosystems.
Yet, despite its capacity, the region still faces a seafood supply gap – one that aquaculture can help close sustainably. With initiatives aligned with the EU Green Deal and Blue Growth strategy, the Mediterranean is emerging as a key region for low-carbon, resilient food systems.
🌱 Innovation and Policy Support
To support its transformation, the EU is investing heavily through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), which allocates €6.1 billion (2021–2027) for:
- Innovation and technology transfer
- Climate-neutral aquaculture
- Biodiversity and ecosystem protection
- Strengthening competitiveness
Aquaculture in the EU and Mediterranean is not only about production – it’s about innovation, sustainability, and local resilience. As the sector evolves, it continues to play a central role in delivering healthy food, creating green jobs, and protecting our marine environments.
Interested in diving deeper into EU aquaculture trends and Mediterranean insights? Read the latest Eurostat Aquaculture Report, visit the links below and join our LinkedIn community to stay informed about sustainable practices, innovations, and our achievements.
