Although our country is one of the largest producers and exporters of aquaculture products in the EU, Spain and the EU remain dependent on fish importsparticularly from third countries such as Turkey, China or Morocco, countries with quality and control standards lower than ours.
In 2022, this dependence on imports reached 67% last year. However, national and European aquaculture products have clear advantages over imported productsparticularly in terms of traceability, respect for the environment and production quality.
On the other hand, it is literally impossible to control either the form of production or the supply of this fish imported from third countries. What makes us the best option for consumershence the need to continue developing Spanish aquaculture and ensuring the availability of nutritious, quality and sustainable fish.
Import dependence
Despite the obvious advantages of Spanish and European aquaculture products, Spain and Europe still depend, to a large extent, on imports of aquacultured fish.
According to the most recent data on foreign trade in fishery and aquaculture products from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in 2023, Spain imported a total of 1,573,367 tonnes of products such as fish, from fishing and aquaculture.for a value of 7,815 million euros, while exports amounted to 1,068,707 tons, with a value of 5,096 million euros.
These data highlight the importance of increasing local and European aquaculture and fisheries production to reduce this dependence, particularly taking into account that Aquacultured fish already represents half of global consumptionaccording to the latest FAO data.
European Green Deal
In order to address this dependency, the European Green Deal and Strategy have been extended From farm to table to aquaculture, which materialized in May 2021 with the publication of the Strategic Orientations for a more sustainable European aquaculture and competitive for the period 2021-2030.
These guidelines aim to develop a competitive, resilient and sustainable European aquaculture, capable of guaranteeing a constant supply of healthy feed, reducing dependence on imports and generate economic opportunities. This regulation reinforces the need to promote sustainable aquaculture in our country.
It is important to emphasize that one of the main factors for identifying aquaculture products of Spanish and European origin is the strict regulations which regulates its production.
The EU applies some of the highest food safety standards in the world, ensuring that aquaculture products meet health requirements very strict before reaching the consumer.
Third-party imports
On the other hand, products imported to third countries are often not subject to these strict origin control regulations, which can compromise its impact on the environment and its food quality.
In this sense, traceability becomes a fundamental factor. In the EU, every step of the aquaculture production process is controlled, from the origin of the feed to the fish at the point of sale, enabling detailed monitoring of products and identification of any potential food safety risksensuring that consumer confidence in the quality of fish consumed is met.
Imported products, particularly from countries outside the EU, lack of this level of controlwhich often raises questions about its origin, its production methods and its compliance with regulations.
Sustainable and responsible
Sustainable aquaculture is a priority for both Spain and the EU. Spanish producers andThey are required to comply with strict environmental regulationswhich guarantees that its activity has a minimal impact on marine and inland ecosystems.
Furthermore, European standards promote responsible productionwhich means that the natural cycles of the species are respected and that their well-being is guaranteed throughout the production process.
On the other hand, Spanish producers are obliged to comply with strict environmental regulations which minimize and control the impact on marine and inland water ecosystems. Furthermore, European standards promote responsible production, respecting the natural cycles of species and guaranteeing their well-being.
Opt for Spanish products
Conversely, in many exporting countries, aquaculture practices may be less regulated, which may result in greater exploitation of natural resources or even become a poor quality diet. This difference in production standards is essential when opting for aquaculture products of Spanish origin.
Choosing Spanish aquaculture feed not only guarantees quality, but also a commitment to sustainability and the respect for the environmentbecause they are distinguished by the quality of the food that the fish and shellfish receive during their cultivation.
In Spain and the EU, feeds used in aquaculture meet very strict regulations that guarantee a balanced and quality diet, which results in a more nutritious, healthy and safe final product.
More control and traceability
In short, aquaculture products of Spanish and European Union origin represent a better option compared to those imported from third countriesthanks to its better control of traceability, food safety, sustainability and nutritional quality.
Sustainable aquaculture is presented as a viable solution to ensure fish for all, and that it is healthy and safe fish. Focus on national and community aquaculture products Not only does this benefit the consumer, but it also boosts the local economy and protects natural resources for future generations.
Javier Ojeda is director of APROMAR
