EUMOFA, European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products - Monthly highlights. No. 11/2017.
Date: 2017-02-18
Institutions: Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
Subjects: EU market, aquaculture, fisheries policy, fishery product, serial publication, trade policy

No. 11/2017 

MONTHLY 
HIGHLIGHTS 

In this issue 
In  January−October  2017,  first-sales  value  of  cod  increased  in 
Latvia,  Norway,  and  Italy,  whereas  it  decreased  in  rest  of  the 
countries  compared  to  the  previous  year.  France  and  Denmark 
experienced a higher first-sales price for hake and lower prices for 
plaice  and  herring.  The  first-sales  price  of  sardine  increased  in 
France and Italy, but decreased in Spain and Portugal. 

In the past three years, first-sales prices of ling ranged from 1,69 to 
3,02 EUR/kg in Denmark, from 0,66 to 1,87 EUR/kg in Norway, and 
from 1,18 EUR/kg to 2,83 EUR/kg in the UK. On average, the highest 
prices (2,14 EUR/kg) were registered in Denmark, 14% higher than 
in the UK. In a three-year period, the annual average first-sales price 
of albacore tuna in Italy was 3,46 EUR/kg, approximately 7% higher 
than in Spain (3,22 EUR/kg). 

The  EU  Member  States  reached  an  agreement  on 
fishing 
opportunities for 2018 in the Atlantic, North Sea and Black Sea after 
negotiations  at  the  Agriculture  and  Fisheries  Council  on  11−12 
December. 

Switzerland  is  an  important  trade  partner  for  EU  fish  and  seafood 
products. Because  domestic production remains limited (ca.  3.600 
tonnes in 2015), the Swiss fish market depends greatly on imports, 
mostly  from  EU  Member  States.  In  2016,  EU  exports  of  fish  and 
seafood to Switzerland reached EUR 437 million for 50.000 tonnes. 

The total volume of crab landed and imported to the EU was 67.500 
tonnes  in  2016.  The  intra-EU  trade  consists  mainly  of  fresh  and 
frozen  whole  crab,  while  the  extra-EU  imports  consists  mainly  of 
prepared and preserved crab products as well as frozen whole crab. 

In January–September 2017, the average retail prices of fresh plaice 
for household consumption  in Germany  and the Netherlands were 
14,69  EUR/kg  and  12,05  EUR/kg,  respectively.  In  the  UK,  the 
average price was 10,39 EUR/kg. 

1 

CONTENTS 

First sales in Europe 

Focus on albacore tuna (Italy, Spain)  
and ling (Denmark, Norway, the UK) 

Global Supply 

Case study: The Swiss Market for Fisheries 
and Aquaculture Products; Crab in the EU   

Consumption: Plaice in Denmark, the 
Netherlands, and the UK 

Macroeconomic context 

Find data, information, 
and more at: 
www.eumofa.eu 

Follow us on twitter: 
@EU_MARE #EUMOFA  

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

1.  First sales in Europe

In January–October 2017, nine EU Member States and 
Norway  reported  first-sales  data  for  11  commodity 
groups1.  First-sales  value  increased  over  the  previous 
year  (January–October  2016)  for  France,  Italy,  and 
Latvia. An opposite trend was experienced in Denmark, 
Estonia, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. 
First-sales value remained stable for Belgium. 

In  Belgium  in  January–October  2017,  first  sales 
remained  stable  in  value,  whereas  they  decreased  in 
volume (−3%) from the same period in the previous year. 
Compared  with  January–October  2016,  the  significant 
decrease  in  value  recorded  for  the  main  species,  sole 
(−11%) and shrimp Crangon spp (−9%), was more than 
offset by positive trends observed for some of the other 
major  species:  plaice  (+4%),  monk  (+21%),  and  turbot 
(+39%). In October 2017, first sales increased in value 
(+25%)  and  in  volume  (+18%).  For  the  top  species, 
value  and  volume  increases  for  cuttlefish  (+71%  and 
55%,  respectively),  sole  (+33%  and  +29%),  plaice 
(+25%  and  +4%),  turbot  (+54%  and  +76%)  and  ray 
(+26%  and  +31%).  The  average  price 
increased 
substantially  for  plaice  (+20%)  and  cuttlefish  (+10%), 
whereas  it  decreased for shrimp  Crangon spp. (−30%) 
and turbot (−13%). 

In Denmark in January–October 2017, first-sales value 
was  EUR  282  million,  a  7%  decrease  from  January–
October 2016, whereas volume increased slightly (+1%) 
to 211.960 tonnes. Lower prices of herring (−21%), cod 
(−5%), plaice (−9%), Norway lobster (−17%), and saithe 
(−11%)  contributed  to  the  decrease  in  value,  whereas 
larger  catches  of  herring  (+5%)  and  saithe  (+2%) 
contributed  to  the  positive  overall  volume.  In  October 
2017,  the  decrease  from  October  2016  in  first-sales 
value  was  caused  mainly  by  mackerel  (−1%),  herring 
(−56%),  and cod (−22%). Greater first-sales volume  of 
mackerel  (+24%)  and  mussel  Mytilus  spp.  (+11%)  did 
not offset the overall decrease in volume caused mainly 
by herring (−23%), plaice (−29%), and cod (−34%). 

In  January–October  2017,  Estonia saw decreases  in 
both  first-sales  value  and  volume  (−4%  and  −1%, 
respectively) from the same period a year before. Pike-
perch (−54% in both value and volume) and sprat (−7% 
in  value  and  −3%  in  volume),  were  the  cause  of  the 
decrease.  In  October  2017,  the  decrease  in  value 
(−3%)  from  October  2016  was  tied  to  herring  (−19%) 
and  European  perch  (−9%),  whereas  the  increase  in 
volume (+3%) was mainly the result of sprat (+16%). 

In  France 
first  sales 
in  January–October  2017, 
experienced  a  small  increase  (+1%)  in  value  but 
remained  stable  in  volume  compared  with  January–
October  2016.  In  October  2017,  first  sales  increased 
slightly in both value (+4%) and volume (+3%) owing to 
sole  (+8%  and  +20%,  respectively),  cuttlefish  (+32% 
and +21%), and hake (+29% and +24%). The other top 
species  of  the  month,  monk  and  scallop,  recorded 
variations of low amplitude or remained stable in value, 
compared with October 2016. The greatest decrease in 
average  price  was  recorded  for  sole  at  10,86  EUR/kg 
(−10%), whereas squid experienced the opposite trend, 
reaching  6,37  EUR/kg  in  October  2017  over  5,71 
EUR/kg (+12%) registered a year before in relation with 
a strong decrease of volumes (−23%). 

and 

+15%), 

3,6  million, 

In Italy in January–October 2017, first sales increased 
in  both  value  and  volume  (both  +3%)  over  the  same 
period  in  2016.  The  increase  was  mainly  the  result  of 
deep-water  rose  shrimp  (EUR  1  million,  +3%),  clam 
swordfish  
(EUR 
(EUR 2,9 million,  +23%). Other species contributing to 
the  increase  in  value  were  cuttlefish  (EUR  0,2  million, 
+2%) and octopus (EUR 1,5 million, +14%). In October 
2017,  a  negative  trend  was  recorded  in  value  and 
from  October  2016, 
volume 
respectively). This was  mainly  the result  of deep-water 
rose  shrimp  (EUR  0,74  million,  −21%),  anchovy  
(EUR 0,17 million, −6%), as well as clam (EUR 1 million, 
−46%)  and  squid  (EUR  0,32  million,  −27%).  The 
increase  in the  average price  of  octopus (+10%), hake 
(+7%),  and  sole  (+19%)  did  not  prevent  the  overall 
decrease  in  value.  Volume  fell  because  of  anchovy 
(−2%), sardine (−5%), and clam (−58%). 

(−3%  and  −6% 

Latvia  experienced  increases  in  both  first-sales  value 
(+6%)  and  volume  (+12%)  in January–October  2017, 
over January–October 2016. This was caused mainly by 
sprat  (+12%  in  value  and  +24%  in  volume),  which 
accounted  for  approximately  half  of  the  landings.  In 
October 2017, significantly lower first-sales value of cod 
(−2%), herring (−36%),  and European flounder (−57%) 
contributed to the decrease  in first-sales  value (−14%) 
from  October  2016.  The  same  species  experienced  a 
decrease  in  catches  that  contributed  to  an  overall 
decrease  in  volume  (−11%).  The  highest  average 
decrease in price was recorded for smelt (0,12 EUR/kg, 
−42%). 

In Norway in January–October 2017, first-sales value 
decreased (−6%) to EUR 1,78 billion, while the volume 
increased  5%  to  2,28  million  tonnes.  The  decrease  in 
value,  despite  an  increase  in  volume,  was  caused 
mainly  by  lower  first-sales  prices  for  herring  (−17%  in 
value, +16% in volume), mackerel (−10% in value, +6% 
in  volume),  and  blue  whiting  (−41%  in  value,  +17%  in 
volume).  In  October  2017, first-sales value  decreased 
18%,  whereas  volume  increased  3%.  This  was  mainly 
caused by a lower first-sales price for mackerel (−17%) 
and  cod  (−24%).  Among  the  top  species,  herring 
experienced  the  greatest  decrease  in  average  price: 
from  0,80  EUR/kg  in  October  2016  to  0,39  EUR/kg  in 
October 2017 (−52%). 

In Portugal, first sales decreased in January–October 
2017  in  value  (−1%)  and  in  volume  (−6%),  from  the 
same  period  in  2016.  That  was  caused  mainly  by 
sardine, octopus, and horse mackerel. In October 2017, 
first  sales  increased  in  value  (+4%)  but  decreased  in 
volume  (−7%)  compared  with  October  2016.  The  top 
species in  value, sardine (17% of total first-sales value 
in  October  2016),  recorded  a  significant  increase  in 
value, from EUR 2,2 million in October 2016 to EUR 2,8 
million  in  October  2017.  Among  the  main  species  in 
volume,  mackerel  (15%  of  total  first-sales  volume  in 
October  2017),  experienced  a  66%  decrease  in  first-
sales  volume  from  October  2016.  The  average  price 
increase  for  octopus  (+58%)  contributed  to  the  overall 
increase in the prices (+12%). 

In Sweden, in January–October 2017, first-sales value 
and  volume  decreased  from  January–October  2016, 
ending  at EUR  54,92 million (−26%)  and  70.74 tonnes 

2 

 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

(−23%). The strong decrease was mainly the result of a 
decrease  in  value  and  volume  of  herring  (−15%  and 
−16%,  respectively)  and  sprat  (−43%  and  −36%).  In 
October  2017,  the  first-sales  value  decreased  44%, 
while volume increased 3%, ending at EUR 4,48 million 
and  7.500  tonnes.  This  was  caused  by  the  decreased 
value  of  herring  (−45%),  whereas  volume  increased 
because of sprat (+72%). 

In the UK in January–October 2017, first-sales in both 
value and volume decreased 31% to EUR 457,73 million 
corresponding 
tonnes,  compared  with 
January–October 2016.  

to  253.545 

The decreases were mainly the result of the lower prices 
and  catches  of  cod,  crab,  haddock,  monk,  mackerel, 

scallop,  and  Norway  lobster,  among  other  species.  In 
October 2017, first-sales value and volume were EUR 
42  million  and  25.510  tonnes.  This  was  a  decrease  in 
both value and volume from October 2016 of 50% and 
49%, respectively, caused mainly by the lower value of 
mackerel  (−46%),  scallop  (−50%),  Norway  lobster 
(−51%),  haddock  (−30%),  and cod (−32%). In October 
2017, total average prices decreased mostly because of 
the  average  prices  of  mackerel  (−14%)  and  Norway 
lobster (−8%).

The most recent first-sales data for November 
2017 available on EUMOFA can be accessed here. 

Table 1. 

JANUARY–OCTOBER FIRST-SALES OVERVIEW OF THE REPORTING COUNTRIES (volume in tonnes and 
value in million EUR) 

Country 

January–October 
2015 

January–October 
2016 

January–October 
2017 

Change from 
January–October 
2016 

Belgium 

Denmark 

Estonia 

France 

Italy 

Latvia 

Norway 

Portugal 

Sweden 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

14.544 

54,71 

13.392 

52,52 

12.995 

52,53 

228.930 

270,86 

209.692 

302,64 

211.962 

282,33 

43.310 

9,92 

37.226 

8,97 

36.671 

8,66 

166.289 

544,66 

161.435 

541,88 

160.634 

545,82 

74.183 

265,61 

71.416 

263,98 

73.570 

271,39 

44.758 

11,05 

41.848 

8,92 

46.684 

9,41 

2.376.509 

1.803,81  2.166.385 

1.889,71  2.284.331 

1.784,92 

99.019 

159,59 

89.274 

166,56 

84.024 

165,23 

−3% 

1% 

−1% 

0% 

3% 

12% 

5% 

−6% 

0% 

−7% 

−4% 

1% 

3% 

6% 

−6% 

−1% 

137.964 

81,80 

91.990 

73,83 

70.743 

54,92 

−23% 

−26% 

United Kingdom 

344.021 

602,25 

367.653 

665,28 

253.545 

457,73 

−31% 

−31% 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 12.12.2017); volume data is reported in net weight. 
*Partial data. First-sales data for Italy covers 229 ports (approximately 50% of the total landings). 

Table 2.  OCTOBER FIRST-SALES OVERVIEW OF THE REPORTING COUNTRIES (volume in tonnes and value in million 

EUR) 

Country 

Belgium 

Denmark 

Estonia 

France 

Italy 

Latvia 

Norway 

Portugal 

Sweden 

October 2015 

October 2016 

October 2017 

Change from 
October 2016 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

1.872 

6,21 

1.200 

4,97 

1.419 

6,20 

35.521 

41,22 

30.521 

39,00 

28.019 

32,73 

5.268 

1,31 

3.268 

0,85 

3.379 

0,82 

19.217 

58,54 

17.338 

59,31 

17.849 

61,45 

18% 

−8% 

3% 

3% 

8.563 

7.734 

24,91 

1,88 

7.936 

5.568 

25,11 

1,09 

7.458 

4.979 

24,44 

−6% 

0,94 

−11% 

−14% 

248.999 

243,17 

230.540 

266,74 

236.929 

217,74 

3% 

−18% 

12.427 

14,05 

10.684 

15,48 

6.598 

7,19 

7.298 

7,97 

9.954 

7.491 

16,11 

−7% 

4% 

4,48 

3% 

−44% 

25% 

−16% 

−3% 

4% 

−3% 

United Kingdom 

52.614 

78,37 

49.545 

85,62 

25.514 

42,50 

−49% 

−50% 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 12.12.2017); volume data is reported in net weight. 
*Partial data. First-sales data for Italy covers 229 ports (approximately 50% of the total landings). 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

1.1.  FOCUS ON ALBACORE TUNA 
AND LING IN SELECTED 
COUNTRIES 

1.1.1.  ALBACORE TUNA 

including 

important 

Albacore 
tuna 
(Thunnus alalunga) is a 
cosmopolitan  species 
found  in  tropical  and 
temperate  waters  of  all 
the 
oceans, 
Mediterranean  Sea. Albacore is  a smaller tuna species 
and  economically 
in  commercial  and 
recreational  fisheries.  There  are  three  separate  stocks 
in the Atlantic Ocean: the north and south stocks and a 
Mediterranean stock. It has a dark-blue back and a silver 
belly, and long pectoral fins. Its flesh is firm and dense. 
It is fast growing and matures at approximately 6 years, 
with  a  lifespan  of  10–12  years.  Albacore  are  top 
carnivores, and they prey opportunistically on schooling 
stocks of sardine, anchovy, mackerel, and squid. It has 
a common size of 60–80 cm. Albacore tuna is abundant 
in  surface  waters  at  15–19  °C.  The  abundance  of 
albacore tuna fluctuates during the year, and the fishing 
season  takes  place  from  July  to  October,  when  starts 
closure  period  which  applies  to  longline  vessels  until 
30th November each year2. 

in 

fleets  catch  albacore 

Greece,  Italy  and  Spain  are  the  countries  mainly 
involved  in  the  Mediterranean  albacore  fisheries.  The 
Spanish 
the  western 
Mediterranean in autumn, after the season in the Bay of 
Biscay ends. In the North Atlantic, the stocks of albacore 
are exploited by Spanish (Gulf of Gascony, the Canary 
Islands), French and Irish pair trawlers (Bay of Biscay). 
To  a  smaller  extent,  albacore 
is  also  fished  by 
Portuguese  (the  Azores)  longliners  and  pole-and-line 
vessels3. 

is  regulated  by  the 
North  Atlantic  albacore  tuna 
International  Commission 
the  Conservation  of 
for 
Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), to which the EU is a Contracting 
Party. The species is subject to total allowable catches 
(TACs). The EU’s share of the annual quota for northern 
albacore  tuna  is  set  out  in  ICCAT  recommendations, 
which  are  then  transposed  into  European  law  at  the 
annual  Fishing  Opportunities  Regulations 4.  TACs  for 
North  Atlantic  albacore  for  2017  and  2018  are  21.551 
tonnes  for  the  EU’s  fleet5.  There  are  also  technical 
measures where the EU Member States have to set up 
a  limit  for  a  maximum  number  of  vessels  fishing  for 
northern albacore as a target species at the EU level6. 

Albacore, pale flesh tuna can be mainly found in cans, 
but also as fresh or frozen. Albacore tuna is the second, 
most  imported  tuna-like  species  in  terms  of  extra-EU 
imports7. 

In  Italy  in  January–September  2017,  first  sales  of 
albacore tuna decreased in both value and volume (−5% 
and  −11%,  respectively) 
from  January–September 
2016,  and  totalled  EUR  3,1  million,  corresponding  to 
tonnes.  Compared  with  January–September 
1.040 
2015,  the  trend  was  maintained  in  both  value  (−16%) 
and  volume  (−18%).  Low  catch  in  November−January 
period was due to fisheries restrictions. 

Risposto, Acitrezza, and Siracusa are the main ports on 
the  Mediterranean  where  76%  of  value  and  80%  of 
volume of albacore landings were registered in 2017. 

Figure 1.  ALBACORE TUNA: FIRST SALES IN ITALY 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 12.12.2017).  

respectively) 

In  Spain  in  January–September  2017,  first  sales  of 
albacore  tuna  decreased  in  both  value  and  volume 
(−14%  and  −24%, 
from  January–
September  2016,  and  totalled  EUR  48  million  and 
12.620  tonnes.  Compared  with  January–September 
2015, the same trend was the opposite for value (+9%), 
and it maintained  a negative trend in volume (−1%). In 
2017,  Spanish  landings  occurred  on  the  coasts  of  the 
Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Coast (88% in value, 82% 
in  volume),  Mediterranean  (1%  in  both  value  and 
volume),  and  the  Outermost  Regions  (11%  in  value, 
17%  in  volume).  The  main  ports  on  those  coasts  are 
Getaria in the Bay of Biscay (22% in value), Carboneras 
in  the  Mediterranean  Sea  (26%  in  value),  and  Santa 
Cruz de Tenerife (58% in value). 

Figure 2.  ALBACORE TUNA: FIRST SALES IN SPAIN 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 12.12.2017). 

In  the  past  three  years,  the  annual  average  first  sales 
price  of  albacore  tuna  in  Italy  was  3,46  EUR/kg  and 
approximately  7%  higher than  in Spain (3,22  EUR/kg). 
Average prices increased in both countries surveyed. 

4 

0,02,04,06,08,010,012,014,016,018,020,001.0002.0003.0004.0005.0006.0007.000FebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct201520162017ValueVolumeVolume (tonnes)Value (million EUR)02004006008001.0001.2001.4000100200300400500600DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2014201520162017ValueVolumeVolume (tonnes)Value (1000 EUR) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO. 11/2017 

In  Italy  in  January–September  2017,  the  average  unit 
price  of  albacore  tuna  was  3,03  EUR/kg,  a  slight 
increase  over  January–September  2016 
(+7%), 
whereas  it was 3%  higher than  in  January–September 
2015. Usually, prices were higher in January–March with 
the  highest  off-season  prices  registered  in  June  2017 
(5,06  EUR/kg)  and  March  2017  (4,62  EUR/kg)  when 
catches were small (3 and 15 tonnes, respectively). 

In Spain in January–September, average albacore tuna 
prices  were  approximately  3,20  EUR/kg  and,  in  the 
period  observed,  they  peaked  at  5,55  EUR/kg  (326 
tonnes)  in June  2017, whereas the  lowest prices  were 
2,14  EUR/kg  in  April  2014,  corresponding  to  1.022 
tonnes.  In  January–September  2017,  the  average  unit 
price was 3,79 EUR/kg, a 13% increase over January–
September  2016  and  an  11%  increase  over  the  same 
period in 2015. 

Figure 3.  ALBACORE TUNA: FIRST-SALES PRICE IN 

SELECTED COUNTRIES 

Source: EUMOFA  (updated 12.12.2017). 

We  have  covered  albacore  tuna  in  previous  Monthly 
Highlights: 

First sales: France (1/2016) 

Trade: 9/2015 

1.1.2. 

LING 

in 

Ling  is  commonly 
found 
the 
Barents Sea and in 
waters from Iceland 
to  Morocco,  but  also  in  the  Mediterranean  Sea  and  in 
waters surrounding Greenland. Ling is the largest fish of 
the cod family, reaching 200 cm in length and 30 kg in 
weight. Ling has a lifespan of 20 years or more and is a 
fast-growing fish with a life history similar to other large 
neritic gadids8. 

Ling  is  a  demersal  species  located  on  rocky  bottoms 
from 10 to 600 m. In the first couple of years of its life, 
ling  is  found  mainly  in  shallow,  coastal  waters  and 
pelagic  waters  before  migrating  to  deeper  waters.  The 
species feeds mainly on fish such as cod, herring, and 
flatfish,  and  on  crustaceans,  cephalopods,  and 
echinoderms (starfish). 

The  spawning  period  for  ling  occurs  from  March  to 
August, and the eggs are pelagic. Spawning takes place 
commonly in deep water (200 m) from outside the Bay 
of Biscay to the coast of Norway, including Lofoten in the 
north,  and  in  waters  south  of  Iceland  and  in  the 
Mediterranean Sea. 

In  general,  bottom  trawls,  longlines,  gillnets,  and 
handlines are used to catch ling. EU vessels catch ling 
mainly  with  longlines  or  nets  in  open  sea,  in  mixed 
fisheries, with  other groundfish species,  or  as  bycatch, 
typically when the main target is Atlantic cod. 

The ling stocks are managed by the EU alone and/or in 
cooperation  with  third  countries,  such  as  Norway. 
Management 
fishing 
quotas based on independent scientific advice received 
from the International Council for the Exploration of the 
Sea. 

includes  yearly  precautionary 

Ling TACs for the EU fleet in 2017: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

36  tonnes  in  zone  Union  and  international 
waters of I and II (Includes/1/2); 
87 tonnes in zone  IIIa; Union waters  of IIIbcd 
(Includes/3A/BCD); 
3.494  tonnes  in  zone  Union  waters  of  IV 
(Includes/04-C); 
33  tonnes  in  zone  Union  and  international 
waters of V (Includes/05EI); 
13.696 tonnes in zone Union and international 
waters  of  VI,  VII,  VIII,  IX,  X,  XII,  and  XIV 
(Includes/6X14). 

The fishing  opportunities for  ling  in  2017,  applicable  in 
Union  waters  and,  for  Union  fishing  vessels,  in  certain 
non-Union waters  are  regulated by  Council Regulation 
(EU) 2017/1279. 

Ling  is  marketed  and  sold  frozen,  as  fresh  fillets,  and 
dried and salted10. 

In Denmark in January–October 2017, first sales of ling 
were  EUR  2,57  million  and  1.193  tonnes.  They  were 
greater in both value (+53%) and volume (+41%) than in 
January–October  2016.  Compared  with  January–
October  2015,  the  trend  was  maintained:  first-sales 
value  and  volume  increased  significantly,  103%  and 
90%, respectively. 

5 

0,001,002,003,004,005,006,00DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2014201520162017EUR/kgItalySpain 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO. 11/2017 

Most  of  the  ling  was  caught  during  March–May  and 
September–October,  and  it  is  mostly  landed  on  the 
coast of the North Sea (in 2017, ports of Hanstholm and 
Thyborøn  accounted  for  96%  of  landings  in  value, 
corresponding  to  1.100  tonnes),  whereas  a  small 
volume  of  2,7  tonnes  was  landed  on  the  coast  of  the 
Baltic Sea (port of Haderslev). 

Landings occurred on the coasts of the Celtic Sea (45% 
in value)  and North Sea (55%  in value).  Kinlochbervie, 
Lochinver,  and  Ullapool  are  the  main  ports  along  the 
Celtic  Sea  where  91%  in  value  and  89%  in  volume  of 
ling  were  landed  in  2017.  In  the  North  Sea,  the  main 
landing  ports  were  Peterhead,  Lerwick,  and  Scrabster 
(76% in both value and volume). 

Figure 4.  LING: FIRST SALES IN DENMARK 

Figure 6.  LING: FIRST SALES IN THE UK 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 12.12.2017). 

In Norway in January–October 2017, first sales reached 
EUR  25,94  million  and  18.382 tonnes. They  increased 
in  value  (+50%),  whereas  they  remained  stable  in 
volume  compared  with  January–October  2016.  They 
increased in both value (+34%) and volume (+4%) over 
January–October  2015.  In  October  2017,  value  and 
volume increased (+116% and +50%, respectively) over 
the same month in 2016. On average, landings peaked 
between May–September. 

Figure 5.  LING: FIRST SALES IN NORWAY 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 12.12.2017). 

In the UK in January–October 2017, first sales reached 
EUR 6,68 million and 3.692 tonnes. They decreased in 
both  value  (−24%)  and  volume  (−26%)  from  January–
October  2016.  Compared  with  January–October  2015, 
they  decreased  in  both  value  (−12%)  and  volume 
(−14%). On average, landings peaked between March–
June. 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 12.12.2017). 

In the past three years, first-sales prices of ling ranged 
from 1,69 EUR/kg to 3,02 EUR/kg in Denmark, from 0,66 
EUR/kg  to  1,87  EUR/kg  in  Norway,  and  from  1,18 
EUR/kg  to  2,83  EUR/kg  in  the  UK.  On  average,  the 
in 
highest  prices  (2,14  EUR/kg)  were  registered 
Denmark,  92%  higher  than  Norway,  and  14%  higher 
than 
In  all  countries  surveyed,  prices 
experienced an increasing trend in the three-year period 
observed. 

the  UK. 

In Denmark in January–October 2017, the average unit 
price  of  ling  was  2,16  EUR/kg,  a  9%  increase  over 
January–October  2016  and  a  7% 
increase  over 
January–October  2015.  Prices  followed  a  seasonal 
pattern.  The  highest  price  was  3,02  EUR/kg  (January 
2017), corresponding to 88 tonnes. 

Average prices in Norway are the lowest of the countries 
surveyed. They reached the  highest values  in  August–
October 2017. The highest average price was registered 
in  September  2017,  i.e.  1,87  EUR/kg,  when  3.340 
tonnes  were  landed.  In  January–October  2017,  the 
average  price  was  1,41  EUR/kg,  50%  higher  than 
January–October 2016, and 29% higher than the same 
period in 2015. 

In the UK, average ling prices were approximately 1,90 
EUR/kg and, in the period observed, they reached 2,83 
EUR/kg  (397  tonnes)  in  January  2017  and  fell  to  1,18 
EUR/kg (586 tonnes) in April 2016. In January–October 
2017, 
the  average  unit  price  was  1,81  EUR/kg, 
displaying a slight increase of 3% over January–October 
2016 and 4% over January–October 2015. 

6 

010020030040050004080120160200DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2014201520162017ValueVolumeVolume (tonnes)Value (1000 EUR)0246810121405001.0001.5002.0002.5003.0003.5004.000DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2014201520162017ValueVolumeVolume (tonnes)Value (million EUR)0,00,20,40,60,81,01,21,402004006008001.000DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2014201520162017ValueVolumeVolume (tonnes)Value (million EUR) 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO. 11/2017 

Figure 7.  LING: FIRST-SALES PRICE IN SELECTED 

COUNTRIES 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 12.12.2017). 

We have covered ling in previous Monthly Highlights: 

First sales: Norway (10/2016). 

7 

0,000,501,001,502,002,503,003,50DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2014201520162017EUR/kgDenmarkNorwayUK 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO. 11/2017 

2.  Global Supply 

Fishing opportunities / EU /  Atlantic / North Sea: EU 
ministers reached an agreement on fishing opportunities 
for  2018  in  the  Atlantic,  North  Sea  and  Black  Sea  after 
negotiations  at the Agriculture  and Fisheries Council  on 
11−12  December.  The  negotiations  were  based  on  the 
Commission's  proposal  for  Total  Allowable  Catches 
(TAC). The agreement will bring 53 species to Maximum 
Sustainable Yield (MSY) levels in 2018, nine more than 
in 2017. Agreement on fishing opportunities is worth over 
€5 billion, benefiting more than 50,000 fishermen 11. 

through 

including 

fisheries, 

Sustainable  fisheries  /  High  Seas  /  UN:  The  UN 
General  Assembly  adopted  a  draft  resolution  titled 
the  1995 
“Sustainable 
Agreement  for  the  Implementation  of  the  Provisions  of 
the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 
10  December  1982  relating  to  the  Conservation  and 
Management  of  Straddling  Fish  Stocks  and  Highly 
Migratory Fish Stocks.” The resolution sets modalities to 
negotiate  a 
the 
conservation  and sustainable  use  of marine biodiversity 
in areas beyond national jurisdiction, better known as the 
high seas. The UN General Assembly  also adopted two 
other  important  resolutions  concerning  the  oceans,  one 
on oceans and the law of the sea, and one on sustainable 
fisheries12. 

legally  binding 

instrument 

for 

Sustainable fisheries / Seafood: The High Level Group 
of  the  Commission’s  Scientific  Advice  Mechanism  has 
published  a  new  scientific  opinion  on  “Food  from  the 
Oceans.” They investigated how more food and biomass 
can  be  obtained  from  the  oceans  so  as  not  to  deprive 
future  generations  of  their  benefits.  The  aim  of  this 
Opinion is to answer the question in terms of where  the 
potential  increase  lies,  how  feasible  is  its  exploitation, 
over  what  timescale  and  what  factors  could  influence 
potential  use.  Furthermore,  the  Opinion  presents  the 
number of policy recommendations, bringing on the best 
available  scientific  and  technical  evidence,  knowledge 
and expertise in the area13.  

Fishing opportunities / EU / Arctic High Seas: The EU, 
together  with  partners  engaged 
in  Arctic  matters 
(Canada, the People’s Republic of China, the Kingdom of 
Denmark in its relationship with Greenland and the Faroe 
Islands, Iceland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Norway, 
the  Russian  Federation,  and  the  USA),  reached  an 
international  agreement 
to  prevent  unregulated 
commercial fishing  on the  Arctic  high seas.  The  parties 
committed  to  conducting  joint  scientific  research  and 
monitoring 
to  better  understand  Arctic  Ocean 
ecosystems  and  to  determine  if  the  region  can  support 
commercial fisheries in future14. 

Global production / Fisheries: Global production of fish 
and  fishery  products  is  expected  to  expand  by  2,3%  in 
2017, a slightly faster growth rate than last year, reports 
Globefish in its report “Analysis and information on world 
fish trade.” This acceleration is primarily attributable to a 
recovery  in  catches  of  anchoveta  in  South  America 
following  the  end  of  El  Niño,  while  world  aquaculture 
production continues to rise 4–5% a year. With increasing 
supply and high price levels worldwide, the total value of 
world  seafood  exports  is  expected  to  rise  8%  in  2017, 
building on a similar increase in 201615. 

Supply  /  USA:  National  Oceanic  and  Atmospheric 
Administration’s  (NOAA)  annual  Fisheries  of  the  United 
States 2016 report released in December reveals stable 
national fisheries in both volume and value, with several 
ports in the region ranked highly. Overall, the USA landed 
fish for a total value of EUR 4.5 billion. The port of Dutch 
Harbor  ranked  second  in  landing  value,  at  EUR  168 
million. Alaskan ports took five out of the Top-10 rankings 
in  landings.  For  the  17th year,  the  port  of  New  Bedford 
ranked  highest  in  value  of  catch  landed,  at  EUR  277 
million in landings, up EUR 4,2 million over 2015,  owing 
largely  to  the  high-value  sea  scallop  fishery.  Total  New 
Bedford landings in 2016 were 48.500 tonnes16. 

Supply / Serbia: In 2016, Serbia had 8.290 hectares of 
ponds  for  freshwater  fish  production,  (mainly  common 
carp),  although  the  potential  is  25-fold  greater,  at 
approximately  200.000  hectares.  Of  total  production, 
Serbia  produced  6.878  tonnes  of  freshwater  fish  for 
human  consumption.  The  total  volume  of  fisheries  and 
aquaculture  products  was  8.947  tonnes  (including  581 
tonnes  from  industrial  fisheries  and  1.488  tonnes  of 
registered  catch  by  recreational  fishermen).  In  2016, 
Serbia  experienced  a  deficit  in  trade  of  fisheries  and 
aquaculture  requiring  the  import  of  34.918  tonnes  in 
volume, and EUR 75 million in value. On the other hand, 
exports accounted for 2.853 tonnes in volume, and EUR 
13 million in value. Imports come from Norway, Thailand, 
Croatia,  Spain,  and  Vietnam.  The  main  export 
destinations  are 
Italy,  Bosnia  and  Herzegovina, 
Denmark, Montenegro, and France17. 

Supply / Denmark: In January–November 2017, Danish 
fishery  production  decreased  8%  in  value  (EUR  460 
million)  and  increased  37%  in  volume  (1.128  million 
tonnes) compared with the same period in 2016. Of that, 
67%  of the catch was for human consumption; the rest 
was for industrial (non-food) use18. 

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European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO. 11/2017 

3.  Case studies 

3.1.1.  SWISS PRODUCTION 

3.1.  THE SWISS MARKET FOR 

FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE 
PRODUCTS 

Source:  Geographic  Division  of  the  Archives  Directorate  of  the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Switzerland is an important trade partner for EU fish and 
seafood products. Because domestic production remains 
limited (ca. 3.600 tonnes in 2015), the Swiss fish market 
depends  greatly  on  imports,  mostly  from  EU  Member 
States; the trade deficit reached EUR 711 million in 2016. 
At  the  consumption  level,  more  than  half  of  the  fish  is 
consumed in the foodservice sector. The main products 
purchased at the retail stage are salmon, fish fingers, and 
shrimp. 

CATCH 
Switzerland  is  a  landlocked  country,  geographically 
divided among the Alps, the Swiss Plateau, and the Jura. 
The hydrographic network includes several of the largest 
bodies  of  freshwater  in  central  and  western  Europe, 
including  Lake  Geneva,  Lake  Neuchatel,  Lake 
Constance, and Lake Zurich, which are the main lakes for 
commercial fisheries19. 

Switzerland's  large  lakes,  mountain  tarns,  and  many 
rivers  provide  habitat  for  cold-water  fish,  especially 
coregonids and salmonids, and for both commercial and 
recreational fishing. Because of the country's subdivision 
into  autonomous  cantons,  the  management  of  fisheries 
differs  according  to  region,  but  coordination  by  the 
Federal  authority  serves  to  promote  their  development. 
Fisheries are mostly active in the lakes. Most are carried 
out using small vessels and several types of gear, such 
as nets and fish traps. 

According  to  FAO,  total  capture  fishery  production 
reached  more  than  2.000  tonnes  in  2015,  exclusively 
from inland resources. The volume of Swiss catches has 
stayed relatively stable since 2010, slightly above 2.000 
tonnes.  Moreover,  according  to  the  Federal  Statistical 
Office, catches from recreational fisheries in Swiss lakes 
amounted to 279 tonnes in 2014. 

In 2015, whitefishes (Coregonus spp) accounted for 56% 
of  total  catches  with  1.092 
tonnes  caught.  Other 
important species were European perch (18%), northern 
pike (7%), roach (6%), and sea trout (6%). 

Table 3. 

TOP SPECIES CAUGHT IN THE SWISS INLAND FISHERIES (tonnes) 

Species groups 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

Whitefishes  

1.130 

1.068 

1.032 

1.064 

1.087 

1.092 

European perch 

Northern pike 

Roach 

Sea trout 

Other 

Total 

Source: FAO-Fishstat.

371 

134 

160 

131 

175 

453 

119 

147 

129 

182 

399 

131 

154 

119 

168 

377 

135 

118 

118 

195 

350 

129 

121 

115 

181 

359 

141 

122 

119 

190 

2.101 

2.098 

2.003 

2.007 

1.983 

2.023 

AQUACULTURE 
According to the FAO, total Swiss aquaculture production 
in 2015 was 1.593 tonnes. Rainbow trout was by far the 
main species grown, with 1.300 tonnes produced in 2015, 
accounting for 82% of total aquaculture production. Other 
farmed species included European perch (10%), tilapia  

(4%), sea trout (3%), sturgeon, and char. However, in the 
context  of  increasing  domestic  demand  for  high-range 
and  sustainable  species,  several  projects  are  aiming  to 
develop new farmed species (tropical shrimp, salmon) in 
Switzerland. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO. 11/2017 

Table 4. 

SWISS AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION: BREAKDOWN BY SPECIES (tonnes) 

Species 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

Rainbow trout 

1.100 

1.300 

1.300 

1.300 

1.300 

1.300 

European perch 

Nile tilapia 

Sea trout 

Sturgeons  

Chars  

Total 

Source: FAO-Fishstat.

50 

60 

40 

5 

6 

50 

60 

40 

10 

6 

50 

60 

40 

15 

6 

165 

165 

165 

60 

40 

22 

6 

60 

40 

22 

6 

60 

40 

22 

6 

1.261 

1.466 

1.471 

1.593 

1.593 

1.593 

Fish processing in Switzerland is limited, although a few 
artisanal  smokeries  produce  high-value  products 
(salmon,  fera  whitefish20,  perch,  etc.)  for  the  domestic 
market and export. 

3.1.2.  TRADE 

SWISS GLOBAL FISH TRADE 

The Swiss fish  and seafood market depends greatly  on 
imports.  The  trade  deficit  reached  711  million  EUR  in 
2016,  increasing  the  market’s  dependence  on  imported 
products. 

Table 5. 

SWISS TRADE  BALANCE  FOR SEAFOOD 
(million EUR) 

Trade flow 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

Exports 

Imports 

20 

17 

18 

17 

620 

644 

689 

728 

Balance 

−600 

−627 

−671 

−711 

Source: AFD (Administration Fédérale des Douanes). 

Swiss  exports  are  small.  According  to  the  Federal 
Customs Administration, in 2016, Swiss fish and seafood 
exports reached EUR 17 million of which 59% were fish 
oil, likely to be used as pharmaceutical fish oil capsules. 
The  remaining  export  value  included  fresh  and  frozen 
fish,  crustaceans  and  molluscs  (29%),  prepared  and 
preserved  fish  (6%),  prepared  and  preserved  molluscs 
and crustaceans (6%). 

The main destination countries were by far EU Member 
States 
important  destinations  were 
Indonesia (12%), Turkey (5%), and the Philippines (5%). 

(64%).  Other 

Table 6.  MAIN 

IMPORTING  COUNTRIES  FROM 

SWITZERLAND (2016) 

Countries 

EU 

Indonesia 

Turkey 

Philippines 

Others 

Total 

Volume 
(tonnes) 

Value  
(1000 EUR) 

524 

104 

23 

44 

157 

852 

10.822 

1.961 

841 

812 

2.481 

16.918 

Source: AFD (Administration Fédérale des Douanes). 

In  2016,  Swiss  fish  and  seafood  imports  reached  EUR 
728  million  and  76.216  tonnes.  The  main  products 
imported were fish fillets (30% of import value), prepared 
and  preserved  fish  (18%),  dried,  smoked,  and  salted 
products (12%), fresh whole fish (11%), and crustaceans 
(10%). In 2016, the main origin of Swiss imports was EU 
Member States, with 45.120 tonnes of seafood and fish 
products  imported,  accounting  for  62%  of  total  Swiss 
imports.  Other  important  exporters  to  the  Swiss  market 
were Vietnam (10%), Norway (5%),  Thailand (5%),  and 
the USA (2%). 

Table 7. 

SWISS IMPORTS BY MAIN ORIGIN (2016) 

Countries 

EU 

Vietnam 

Norway 

Thailand 

USA 

Others 

Total 

Volume 
(tonnes) 

45.120 

9.125 

3.813 

7.009 

1.298 

9.851 

76.216 

Value (million 
euros) 

454 

76 

40 

34 

17 

107 

728 

Source: AFD (Administration Fédérale des Douanes). 

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European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO. 11/2017 

SWITZERLAND AND THE EU 

In  2016,  EU  exports  of  fish  and  seafood  to  Switzerland 
reached  EUR  437  million  for  50.000  tonnes.  The  most 
important main commercial species 21 exported were the 
other marine fish (27%  of  export  value, mostly  battered 
fillets  and  prepared  and/or  preserved  marine 
fish 
products)  and  salmon  (21%).  Other  important  main 
commercial species were other freshwater fish (fish fillets 
including the European perch, much appreciated in the 

 food service sector) and other products (both 5%), trout 
and  other  groundfish (both  4%).  EU seafood  exports to 
Switzerland  were  mostly  fresh  (40%)  and  prepared  or 
preserved  (25%).  Most  of  the  rest  was  exported  dried, 
salted, or smoked (17%), or frozen (17%). The main EU 
Member States  exporting to Switzerland  were  Germany 
(24%), the Netherlands (21%), and France (21%). Other 
important exporters were Denmark (7%), Italy (7%), and 
Spain (4%). 

Table 8. 

TOP EU EXPORTERS FOR SEAFOOD TO SWITZERLAND (million EUR and tonnes) 

Country 

Germany 

Netherlands 

France 

Denmark 

Italy 

Spain 

Other 

Totals 

Source: EUMOFA. 

2014 

2015 

2016 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

84 

56 

66 

35 

29 

14 

68 

12.800 

7.905 

7.275 

4.493 

3.975 

1.765 

8.934 

91 

64 

84 

37 

32 

16 

67 

13.008 

107 

13.489 

7.282 

8.037 

4.792 

4.105 

1.951 

8.978 

92 

90 

32 

31 

19 

66 

9.166 

8.264 

3.499 

4.124 

2.112 

9.095 

352 

47.147 

392 

48.153 

437 

49.749 

Table 9. 

TOP MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES EXPORTED FROM EU TO SWITZERLAND (million EUR and tonnes) 

Species 

Other marine fish 

Salmon 

Other freshwater fish 

Other products 

Trout 

Other groundfish 

Other 

Totals 

Source: EUMOFA.

2014 

2015 

2016 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

86 

60 

20 

19 

12 

17 

138 

352 

12.846 

4.666 

1.774 

4.277 

1.428 

2.764 

19.393 

47.147 

98 

76 

22 

20 

15 

13 

147 

392 

12.652 

117 

13.729 

5.590 

1.817 

4.321 

1.605 

2.212 

19.956 

48.153 

90 

21 

20 

19 

17 

152 

437 

5.900 

1.762 

4.411 

1.929 

2.849 

19.170 

49.749 

In 2016, EU imports of seafood from Switzerland totalled 
EUR  53  million  and  10.435  tonnes.  The  significant 
discrepancy between these EU import figures and Swiss 
exports  to  the  EU  may  be  explained  by  the  fact  that 
EUMOFA data include non-food use fish products. The  

most important main commercial species22 imported from 
Switzerland  to  the  EU  in  value  were  the  other  products 
unspecified 
(87%, 
prepared/preserved/cooked 
or 
crustaceans), fish oil (5%), and salmon (5%). 

mostly 
fish, 

including 

molluscs 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
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In 2016, the main EU importer from Switzerland was 
Germany (41% of EU import value). Other important 

importers were the UK (18%), Sweden (11%), and the 
Netherlands (8%).

Table 10.  TOP EU IMPORTERS FROM SWITZERLAND (million EUR and tonnes) 

Species 

Germany 

United Kingdom 

Sweden 

Netherlands 

Other 

Totals 

Source: EUMOFA. 

2014 

2015 

2016 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

15 

9 

6 

6 

11 

48 

2.882 

1.645 

1.132 

747 

2.338 

8.742 

18 

10 

6 

2 

11 

48 

3.792 

1.698 

1.225 

211 

2.304 

9.230 

22 

10 

6 

4 

11 

53 

4.849 

1.667 

1.092 

621 

2.206 

10.435 

Table 11.  TOP MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IMPORTED FROM SWITZERLAND TO EU (1000 EUR and tonnes) 

Species 

2014 

2015 

2016 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Other products 

39.195 

7.543 

42.968 

8.558 

46.327 

9.692 

Fish oil 

Salmon 

Other non-food use 

Other salmonids 

Other MCS* 

4.921 

2.251 

462 

643 

600 

500 

76 

554 

19 

51 

423 

2.494 

594 

671 

654 

40 

39 

511 

16 

66 

2.684 

2.452 

820 

653 

545 

304 

38 

354 

16 

31 

Totals 

48.071 

8.742 

47.805 

9.230 

53.481 

10.435 

Source: EUMOFA. 
*Other Main Commercial Species (EUMOFA classification) than those mentioned above. 

CONSUMPTION 

Switzerland has a population of 8,1 million in 26 cantons, 
four official languages, and very different habits towards 
fish  and  seafood  consumption.  For  instance,  French-
speaking  Swiss  account  only  for  20%  of  the  national 
population  but  represent  60%  of  the  national  fish  and 
seafood  consumption.  The  Swiss  fish  consumption 
market  is  estimated  at  around  70.000  tonnes,  the 
average annual consumption per capita is 9 kg, and it is 
estimated  that  55%  of  fish  and  seafood  products  are 
consumed in the foodservice sector. Only 2% originated 
from domestic production.  

to 

from  2015 

The  Swiss  fish  consumption  has  increased  in  recent 
to  2016)  and  especially 
years  (+1% 
concerning  marine  species 
the  detriment  of 
freshwater  species23.  Sustainable  labels  and  organic 
products  (EU  organic  label  but  also  BioSuisse),  from 
diverse origins, are much appreciated. For instance, the 
share of the organic fish market is estimated at 14% in 
the  retail  sector24.  In  the  retail  sector,  the  main 
consumed products are salmon, fish fingers (white fish, 
mostly Alaska pollock, cod, etc.), and shrimp. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO. 11/2017 

Table 12.  TOP SALES IN RETAIL SECTOR (2016) 

Products 

Salmon 

Fish fingers 

Shrimp 

Frozen meals 

Pangasius 

Trout 

Mussel 

Salted Cod  

Cod  

Plaice  

Sales (in tonnes) 

3.333 

2.716 

2.498 

1.598 

1.384 

1.354 

1.169 

856 

619 

591 

Source: Nielsen Switzerland, OFAG Retail sales / consumer panel.

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3.2.  CRAB IN THE EU 

SUMMARY 
The total volume of crab landed and imported to the EU 
was 67.500 tonnes in 2016. The intra-EU trade consists 
mainly  of  fresh  and  frozen  whole  crab,  while  extra-EU 
imports consist mainly of prepared and preserved crab 
products as well as frozen whole crab. France and Spain 
are the main importers. The export volumes of crab from 
the EU have increased from 260 tonnes in 2010 to 3.000 
tonnes  in  2016,  and  the  total  value  reached  EUR  76 
million in 2016. 

The  main  commercial  species  in  the  EU  is  the  brown 
crab  (also  known  as  edible  crab),  which  is  only 
distributed  in  European  waters.  Crab  is  usually  caught 
during  summer  and  autumn,  and  of  the  total  catch  of 
brown, approximately 90% of the catch stems from EU 
Member States. 

BIOLOGY 
Crab  is  a  crustacean  covered  with  a  thick  external 
skeleton.  Crabs  grow  through  moulting,  mostly  in  the 
warm  season.  Moulting  is  most  frequent  in  the  crabs' 
early life, and the growth decreases as the crab matures. 
Many  species  of  crab  are  caught  in  European  waters, 
with  the  brown  crab  (Cancer  pagurus)  as  the  main 
commercial  species.  Other  species  caught 
for 
commercial  use  are  the  spinous  spider  crab  (Maja 
squinado), the velvet swimcrab (Necora puber), and the 
queen  crab  (Chionoecetes  opilio).  The  brown  crab,  in 
the Cancridae family, is a European species distributed 
between  North  Africa  and  northern  Norway.  The  main 
habitat is around the British Isles, including Ireland, but 
there  are  also significant populations  along the  French 
and Norwegian coasts. 

As  a  marine  species,  the  brown  crab  is  only  found  in 
waters  with  high  and  relatively  stable  salinity.  The 
species is relatively stationary, and migration is primarily 
vertical, moving to the upper and warmer shore at night 
to feed before returning to deeper water at daytime. To 
avoid cold surface water  during winter, the  brown crab 
often migrates as deep as 30–50 metres. Occasionally, 
brown crab has been caught as deep as 400 m. 

The brown crab lives for approximately 15 years and can 
reach a width of up to 30 cm (carapace) and weigh up to 
2,5 kg. It takes 5–7 years to reach the age of maturity, 
and crabs mate when the female is moulting. The brown 
crab  usually  lives  on  hard  and  stony  bottoms,  but  the 
female migrates to sandy bottoms, where they dig into  

the sediment when spawning, usually in late autumn or 
early winter. 

Brown crabs are omnivorous. They are particularly fond 
of  shells  and  bristle  worms.  As  scavengers,  they  are 
important as renovators of the seabed25. 

Figure 8.  BROWN CRAB DISTRIBUTION MAP 

v

Source: FAO. 

MANAGEMENT 
Crab  is  usually  caught  during  summer  and  autumn; 
more specifically,  larger volumes  are  landed from  May 
to December with a peak from July to November. Most 
crab is captured using baited traps or creels. The traps 
can be fished individually or in strings. 

through 

is  managed  primarily 

Crab 
fishing  effort 
limitations and technical conservation measures and  is 
not  subject  to  catch  limits  such  as  TACs  and  quotas. 
Usually,  the  total  number  of  traps  allowed  is  limited, 
depending on the boat size, the number of crew, and the 
fishing ground26. 

According  to  EU  regulation  on  brown  crab,  only  whole 
individuals,  excluding  berried  females  and  soft-shelled 
crabs,  with  a  minimum  shell  width  of  13  cm,  shall  be 
marketed27. 

3.2.1.  Catch and landings 

EU CATCH OF CRAB 
In 2016, the EU crab catch amounted to 67.800 tonnes. 
The main species was brown crab, with 70% of the catch 
in  terms  of  volume  in  2015,  followed  by  the  spinous 
spider crab (9%) and the queen crab (8%). 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO. 11/2017 

Table 13.  EU CATCH OF CRAB – MAIN SPECIES (1000 tonnes) 

Species 

Brown crab 

Spinous spider crab 

Queen crab 

Marine crabs  

Velvet swimcrab 

Green crab 

Other 

Total 

Source: Eurostat. 

2011 

40,4 

5,8 

0 

1,7 

3,1 

1,4 

1,2 

2012 

40,9 

5,6 

0 

1,2 

2,7 

1,7 

0,5 

2013 

41,7 

5,3 

0 

3,4 

2,4 

1,3 

0,5 

2014 

46,6 

6,5 

0,2 

6,7 

2,5 

1,4 

1,5 

2015 

42,2 

5,8 

3,8 

3,7 

2,4 

0,8 

2,5 

2016 

47,2 

6,2 

5,2 

5,2 

2,1 

0,6 

1,2 

53,7 

52,5 

54,6 

65,4 

61,2 

67,8 

CATCH OF BROWN CRAB 
Only  European  countries  take  commercial  catches  of 
brown crab. The UK is by far the largest player, with 72% 
of the total catch in 2016. The catch has been relatively 
stable, with an increase of only 3% from 2011 

to 2015, but increased  11% from 2015 to  2016. Of the 
total catch in 2011 through 2016, between 88% and 91% 
of the catch stem from EU Member States. 

Table 14.  MAIN NATIONS CATCHING BROWN CRAB (1000 tonnes) 

Country 

2011 

United Kingdom 

25,8 

Ireland 

Norway 

France 

Netherlands 

Other 

Total 

EU total 

Source: Eurostat.

6,7 

5,3 

7,0 

0,4 

0,6 

45,8 

40,4 

2012 

27,3 

6,3 

5,0 

6,1 

0,5 

0,8 

45,9 

40,9 

2013 

28,0 

6,4 

5,2 

5,9 

0,6 

0,8 

46,9 

41,7 

2014 

32,1 

7,1 

4,6 

6,1 

0,6 

0,7 

51,2 

46,6 

2015 

29,0 

7,2 

4,7 

4,6 

0,5 

0,9 

47,0 

42,2 

2016 

33,8 

7,3 

4,9 

4,5 

0,6 

1,1 

52,1 

47,2 

LANDINGS IN THE EU 
Landings  represent  the  unloading  of  crab  in  a  given 
country  from  all  fishing  vessels,  regardless  of  the 
nationality  of  the  vessel.  Consequently,  landings  can 
differ from a nation's catches, which represents catches 
by  all  vessels  of  that  nation,  regardless  of  where  it  is 
landed. 

The total landings of crab in the EU amounted to 55.500 
tonnes  in  2016,  a 6% increase  over the previous year. 
More  than  half  of  the  volume  was  landed  in  the  UK, 
followed by France, Ireland, and Greece with 17%, 14%, 
and  5%, 
the  UK  had 
approximately  the  same  share,  followed  by  France, 
Ireland, and Spain with 21%, 10%, and 7% respectively. 

respectively. 

In  value, 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

Table 15.  LANDINGS OF CRAB IN THE EU (million EUR and 1000 tonnes) 

Country 

United 
Kingdom 

France 

Ireland 

Spain 

Greece 

Netherlands 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

48,6 

29,3 

45,4 

28,6 

53,3 

32,5 

54,3 

29,0 

57,8 

32,0 

23,2 

10,3 

23,5 

10,4 

24,5 

11,1 

21,1 

8,9 

6,0 

0,6 

0,9 

6,2 

0,9 

0,5 

1,0 

9,1 

6,6 

0,5 

1,0 

6,1 

1,3 

0,5 

0,8 

8,2 

14,1 

1,1 

0,7 

6,1 

3,1 

0,8 

0,5 

7,6 

12,5 

1,5 

1,9 

9,1 

7,0 

1,7 

1,3 

2,7 

21,2 

10,2 

7,2 

3,3 

0,5 

9,7 

7,8 

1,4 

2,8 

0,5 

Total 

90,2 

49,5 

88,4 

48,7 

103,9 

55,3 

101,9 

52,2 

102,9 

55,5 

Source: EUMOFA/Eurostat. 

Table 16.  LANDINGS IN THE EU BY SPECIES (million EUR and 1000 tonnes) 

Species 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Brown crab 

64,7 

39,3 

64,3 

38,5 

71,9 

43,0 

69,8 

40,3 

74,3 

42,5 

Spinous spider 
crab 

11,5 

Velvet 
swimcrab 

Marine crabs  

Red crab 

Green crab 

8,6 

2,4 

0,0 

0,7 

4,9 

2,5 

1,1 

0,0 

1,2 

10,7 

7,4 

4,0 

0,0 

0,6 

4,8 

2,1 

1,6 

0,0 

1,1 

11,6 

8,0 

11,3 

0,0 

0,6 

5,5 

2,2 

3,8 

0,0 

1,1 

12,9 

8,2 

8,9 

0,2 

0,6 

5,6 

2,4 

2,7 

0,0 

0,6 

13,5 

8,6 

4,7 

0,5 

0,4 

6,0 

2,1 

3,8 

0,0 

0,6 

Total 

90,2 

49,5 

88,4 

48,7 

103,9 

55,3 

101,9 

52,2 

102,9 

55,5 

Source: EUMOFA/Eurostat.

Table 17.  AVERAGE LANDING PRICE OF BROWN CRAB. SELECTED COUNTRIES AND EU TOTAL (EUR) 

Country 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

France 

United Kingdom 

Ireland 

EU 

Source: Eurostat.

2,4 

1,5 

1,4 

1,6 

2,6 

1,5 

1,5 

1,7 

2,6 

1,6 

1,3 

1,7 

2,8 

1,8 

1,1 

1,7 

2,7 

1,7 

1,3 

1,7 

The average landing price for crab in the EU increased 
7%, from 1,82 EUR/kg in 2012 to 1,95 EUR/kg in 2015, 
but fell almost to 2012 levels in 2016 (1,85 EUR/kg). The 
three Member States taking the largest landings of crab 
have  experienced  relatively  fluctuating  prices  since 
2012. The average price from 2012 to 2016 was almost 
70% higher in France than in Ireland.  

In France, the landing prices of crab remained relatively 
stable in the period surveyed despite an increase in the 
price  of  brown  crab,  which  rose  from  2,45  EUR/kg  in 
2012 to 2,73 EUR/kg in 2016. This was made possible 
by the growing share of spinous spider crab in total crab 
landings  and  by  the  lower  price  of  the  species  (1,78 
EUR/kg  in  2016,  i.e.  35%  less  than  the  brown  crab 
price). 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

Figure 9.  AVERAGE LANDING PRICES OF CRAB 

IN THE EU AND SELECTED MEMBER 
STATES (EUR/kg) 

Although the intra-EU trade consists mainly of fresh and 
frozen whole crab, the extra-EU imports consist mainly 
of  prepared  and  preserved  crab  products  as  well  as 
frozen whole crab. 

Main  EU  importers  in  2016  were  France  (EUR  92,8 
million), Spain (EUR 53,4 million), Germany (EUR 33,1 
million), and Belgium (EUR 28,5 million), all preservation 
states and all origins (intra-EU and extra-EU) combined. 

Figure 10.  EXTRA-EU IMPORTS OF CRAB (1000 

tonnes and million EUR) 

Source: EUMOFA/Eurostat. 

3.2.2.   Trade 

EU IMPORTS 
In  2010  and  2011,  the  extra-EU  imports  of  crab  were 
15.000 tonnes. From 2012 to 2016, the imported volume 
decreased  to  approximately  12.000  tonnes  annually. 
Except from small  volumes from Norway, the  imported 
crab consists of crab species other than the brown crab, 
more than half of which are from Asian countries. Based 
on  trade  flows  from  Canada  and  the  USA  to  the  main 
exporting countries in Asia, most of the volume imported 
is assumed to be snow crab (queen crab) and king crab. 
It can also be crab from Asian aquaculture or fisheries, 
e.g. Chinese mitten crab or blue swimming crab.  

Source: EUMOFA. 

Figure 11.  INTRA-EU  TRADE  AND  EXTRA-EU  IMPORTS  OF  CRAB  –  BY  PRESENTATION  AND  PRESERVATION 

(volume) 

Source: EUMOFA. 

EU EXPORTS 
The  extra-EU  export  volumes  have  increased  from 
approximately 2.000 tonnes in 2010 to more than 10.000 
tonnes  in  2016.  This  corresponds  to  an  increase  in 
export value from EUR 14 million in 2010,  

to EUR  76 million  in  2016. The growth  in  crab  exports 
consists mainly of an increase in whole frozen crab from 
the  Netherlands,  the  UK,  and  Spain.  The  combined 
export volume of whole frozen crab from these countries 
was  200  kg  in  2010  and  increased  to  6.100  tonnes  in 
2016. 

17 

4%59%37%EXTRA EU IMPORTS 2016Whole freshWhole frozenPrepared-preserved55%32%13%INTRA EU TRADE 2016Whole freshWhole frozenPrepared-preserved030609012015002468102010201120122013201420152016Million EUR1000 tonnesFrozen wholePrepared-PreservedFresh wholeTotal value0,00,51,01,52,02,520122013201420152016EUR/kgEUUnited KingdomFranceIreland 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

3.3.  Consumption 

On the EU market, brown crab is available both live and 
processed.  Typical  processing  operations 
include: 
primary  processing,  e.g.  cooked  whole,  claws,  or 
dressed crab; secondary processing, e.g. white, brown, 
and  mixed  crab  meat  (fresh,  frozen,  pasteurised,  or 
canned);  and  tertiary  processing,  i.e.  crab  as  an 
ingredient  in  another  product  including  patés,  pastes, 
and crab cakes28. 

Brown crab is not an everyday purchase, and there is a 
sharp  contrast  between  how  consumers  on  the  British 
Isles and continental Europe view the brown crab. In the 
UK, brown crab is bought twice a year on average and 
at  any 
the  continent, 
consumption  of  brown  crab  is  more  often  associated 
in  connection  with  special 
with  social  events 
occasions29. 

the  year.  On 

time  during 

Over the same period, the  extra-EU  export  volumes  of 
brown crab have experienced an 11-fold increase from 
approximately  260  tonnes  in  2010  to  3000  tonnes  in 
2016. This is mainly the result of an increase in exports 
to  Asian  countries,  including  China,  Japan,  Indonesia, 
Hong  Kong,  the  Republic  of  Korea,  and  Vietnam. 
Practically  no  imports  and  3000  tonnes  of  exports 
indicates  that  the  self-sufficiency  rate  of  brown  crab  in 
the EU is greater than 100%. 

Figure 12.  EXTRA-EU EXPORT OF CRAB (1000 tonnes 

and million EUR) 

Source: EUMOFA. 

18 

01530456075900,01,53,04,56,07,59,02010201120122013201420152016Million EUR1000 tonnesPrepared-PreservedFresh wholeFrozen wholeTotal value 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

4.  Consumption 

HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION IN THE EU 

In September 2017, the consumption  of fresh fisheries 
and  aquaculture  products  increased  over  September 
2016  in  both  volume  and  value  in  Germany  (+5%  and 
+3%,  respectively),  Italy  (+2%  and  +4%),  Spain  (+2% 
and +6%), and Sweden (+3% and +5%). Decreases in 
consumption in both volume and value were observed in 
the rest of the Member States analysed.  
The largest increase in volume in September 2017 was 
observed in Germany and the largest increase  in value 

in Spain, whereas the  largest drop in both volume  and 
value was registered in Ireland. 

Compared with August 2017, among the Member States 
surveyed, the greatest increase in value was registered 
in the Netherlands (+61%), followed by Poland (+35%). 
Volume  decreased  22% 
followed  by 
Portugal (−17%), Hungary (−13%), and Denmark (−3%). 

in  Sweden, 

Table 18.  SEPTEMBER OVERVIEW OF THE REPORTING COUNTRIES (volume in tonnes and value in million EUR) 

Per capita 
consumption 
2015* 
(live weight 
equivalent) 
kg/capita/year 

22,9 

13,4 

33,9 

4,8 

22,1 

28,4 

22,2 

13,6 

55,9 

45,2 

26,9 

24,3 

Country 

Denmark 

Germany 

France 

Hungary 

Ireland 

Italy 

Netherlands 

Poland 

Portugal 

Spain 

Sweden 

UK 

September 2015 

September 2016 

August 2017 

September 2017 

Change from 
September 2016 
to 
September 2017 

Volume 

Value 

Volume  

Value 

Volume  

Value 

Volume 

 Value 

Volume 

Value 

610 

8,34 

597 

8,92 

572 

8,44 

557 

8,22 

7% 

8% 

5.420 

66,67 

5.200 

72,90 

5.240 

77,47 

5.450 

75,38 

19.070 

184,46 

20.119 

201,11 

17.189 

178,48 

19.048 

195,46 

300 

1,52 

264 

1,66 

317 

1,60 

277 

1,48 

1.216 

16,27 

1.300 

18,35 

1.004 

14,41 

1.074 

15,48 

30.107 

237,57 

29.879 

244,27 

27.148 

226,69 

30.396 

252,96 

4.114 

44,76 

3.810 

46,35 

2.141 

26,35 

3.380 

42,35 

4.702 

25,05 

4.063 

21,80 

2.632 

15,63 

3.737 

21,16 

5.172 

29,19 

4.975 

30,44 

5.521 

36,20 

4.607 

29,65 

56.166 

391,46 

54.069 

391,72 

45.439 

342,84 

54.930 

415,97 

944 

12,04 

735 

10,61 

968 

15,91 

756 

11,16 

28.018 

322,37 

28.701 

293,29 

22.036 

221,10 

28.260 

285,35 

5% 

5% 

5% 

17% 

2% 

11% 
       0% 

8% 

3% 

5% 
0% 

11% 

16% 
 0% 

4% 

9% 

3% 

7% 

3% 

     0% 

2% 

3% 

2% 

    0% 

6% 

0% 
5% 

3% 

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 07.12.2017). 
* Data on per capita consumption of all fish and seafood products for all EU Member States can be found at: 
http://www.eumofa.eu/documents/20178/108446/The+EU+fish+market+2017.pdf 

Generally, the consumption of fisheries and aquaculture 
products  in  September  followed  an  increasing  trend  in 
both  volume  and  value  in  Germany  and  Italy.  Six 
Member States saw a decreasing trend in both volume 
and  value,  particularly  Denmark,  Hungary,  Ireland,  the 
Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. In France, Portugal, 
and  Spain,  volume  fell  and  value  increased.  The 
opposite  was  observed  in  the  UK,  where  volume 
increased and value decreased. 

In  September  for  the  past  three  years,  household 
consumption in volume of fresh fish products was below 
the  annual  average  in  Denmark  (−21%),  Hungary 

(−8%). 

In  value, 

(−42%),  Poland (−25%),  Portugal (−6%), Spain (−2%), 
and  Sweden 
the  household 
consumption was above the annual average in most of 
the  Member  States  analysed,  except  for  Denmark 
(−20%),  Hungary  (−26%),  and  Poland  (−12%).  In  the 
rest  of  the  Member  States  analysed,  the  household 
consumption was above average.

The  most  recent  consumption  data  available  on 
EUMOFA for October 2017 can be accessed here.  

19 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

4.1. FRESH PLAICE 

Habitat: Demersal species living in shallow waters near 
the coast or sandy bottoms up to 150 m. 

Catch  area:  Bay  of  Biscay  in  the  south,  through  the 
English Channel, North Sea, and Irish Sea to the Baltic, 
and along the Norwegian coast to the Barents Sea30.  
Main  producing  countries  in  Europe:  Denmark, 
Belgium, the UK, France, and Germany31. 
Production method: Caught.  
Main  consumers  in  the  EU:  The  UK,  Denmark,  the 
Netherlands, Germany. 
Presentation: whole, filleted. 
Preservation: Fresh, frozen. 
Ways of preparation: Grilled, shallow fried, baked. 

We have covered plaice in previous Monthly Highlights: 

First  sales:  Belgium  (2/2016,  6/2014,  January  2013), 
Denmark (8/2015, June 2013), Sweden (6/2016).  

Topic  of  the  month:  Plaice  in  the  Netherlands  (8/2016, 
3/2015). 

Consumption:  Germany  (2/2016),  the  Netherlands  (2/2016, 
5/2015), Sweden (2/2016, 5/2015), the UK (2/2016, 5/2015).

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION IN GERMANY, THE NETHERLANDS, AND THE UK 

Among Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, the per 
capita  consumption  of  fish  and  seafood  products  was 
highest in the UK. However, all three Member States  
registered  per  capita  consumption  below 
average.  
The  UK  registered  24,3  kg  per  capita  consumption  in 
2015,  3%  lower  than  the  EU  average  (25,1  kg). 
However, it  was  10% higher than the  Netherlands  and 
82% higher than Germany. In the Netherlands, the per 
capita consumption was 22,2 kg, 66% higher than in  

the  EU 

Figure 13.  RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH PLAICE 

Germany  (13,4  kg).  See  more  on  EU  per  capita 
consumption in Table 18. 

Retail  prices  of  fresh  plaice  fluctuated  the  most  during 
the period January 2014–September 2017 in Germany 
and  the  Netherlands.  Volume  also  saw  considerable 
monthly  variation.  Volumes  of  plaice  sold  were 
significantly higher in the UK than  in Germany  and the 
Netherlands.

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 07.12.2017). 

20 

0,004,008,0012,0016,0020,0024,00JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulyAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep2014201520162017EUR/kgGermanyNetherlandsUK 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

Figure 14.  VOLUME SOLD OF FRESH PLAICE 

Source: EUMOFA based on Europanel (updated 07.12.2017). 

CONSUMPTION TREND IN GERMANY 

Long-term  trend,  January  2014–September  2017: 
increasing  slightly  in  price  and  decreasing  slightly  in 
volume. 
Average  price:  14,08  EUR/kg  (2014),  13,95  EUR/kg 
(2015), 13,89 EUR/kg (2016). 
Total  consumed  volume:  1.903 tonnes (2014),  1.656 
tonnes (2015), 1.672 tonnes (2016). 

trend, 

Short-term 
decreasing in price and increasing slightly in volume. 
Average price: 14,69 EUR/kg. 
Total consumed volume: 1.371 tonnes. 

January–September 

2017: 

Figure 15.  RETAIL PRICE AND VOLUME SOLD OF FRESH PLAICE IN GERMANY 

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 07.12.2017). 

CONSUMPTION TREND IN THE NETHERLANDS 

Long-term  trend,  January  2014–September  2017: 
both increasing in price and in volume. 
Average  price:  11,33  EUR/kg  (2014),  11,80  EUR/kg 
(2015), 12,75 EUR/kg (2016). 
Total  consumed  volume:  493  tonnes  (2014),  784 
tonnes (2015), 765 tonnes (2016). 

trend, 

Short-term 
decreasing in price and increasing in volume. 
Average price: 12,05 EUR/kg. 
Total consumed volume: 533 tonnes. 

January–September 

2017: 

21 

0,005,0010,0015,0020,0025,0030,000100200300400500600700JanMarMayJulSepNovJanMarMayJulSepNovJanMarMayJulSepNovJanMarMayJul2014201520162017PriceVolumeVolume (tonnes)Price (EUR/kg)In January–September 2017, the average retail price increased 8% over the same period in 2016. The lowest price for the period was 11,41 EUR/kg registered in May 2017, 8% lower than the same month a year earlier.Sold volumes peaked in spring and summer, particularly in May, when it reached an average of 390 tonnes of plaice sold. It was more than two times greater than the average for the period 050100150200250300350400450500JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulyAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep2014201520162017TonnesGermanyNetherlandsUK 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

Figure 16.  RETAIL PRICE AND VOLUME SOLD OF FRESH PLAICE IN THE NETHERLANDS 

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 07.12.2017). 

CONSUMPTION TREND IN THE UK 

Long-term  trend,  January  2014–September  2017: 
decreasing in price and decreasing slightly in volume. 
Average  price:  11,18  EUR/kg  (2014),  12,82  EUR/kg 
(2015), 11,42 EUR/kg (2016). 
Total  consumed  volume:  4.367 tonnes (2014),  4.367 
tonnes (2015), 4.318 tonnes (2016). 

trend, 

Short-term 
January–September 
decreasing slightly in both price and in volume. 
Average price: 10,39 EUR/kg. 
Total consumed volume: 3.347 tonnes. 

2017: 

Figure 17.  RETAIL PRICE AND VOLUME SOLD OF FRESH PLAICE IN ТHE UK 

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 07.12.2017). 

22 

0,005,0010,0015,0020,0025,0030,00050100150200JanMarMayJulSepNovJanMarMayJulSepNovJanMarMayJulSepNovJanMarMayJulSep2014201520162017PriceVolumeVolume (tonnes)Price (EUR/kg)Since 2014, the lowest price registered was 8,16 EUR/kg in April 2015. It was 21% lower than the average for the period analysed.In the past two years, volume peaked in September, particularly in 2017, when it reached 126 tonnes of plaice sold. It was 13% greater than September 2016 and 77% greater than the same month in 2015.0,005,0010,0015,0020,0025,000100200300400500600700JanMarMayJulSepNovJanMarMayJulSepNovJanMarMayJulSepNovJanMarMayJul2014201520162017PriceVolumeVolume (tonnes)Price (EUR/kg)The January–September 2017 retail price was 11% lower than January–September 2016. The lowest prices registered were  9,92 EUR/kg in June 2017 and 9,91 EUR/kg in June 2014, 14% lower than the average for the period analysed.In January–September 2017, volume peaked in March and reached 418 tonnes of  plaice sold. It was 12% greater than the average for the period and 6% lower than March 2014, when it peaked at 445 tonnes. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

5. Macroeconomic context

5.1.  MARINE FUEL 

5.2. 

FOOD AND FISH PRICES 

Figure 18.  AVERAGE PRICE OF MARINE DIESEL IN 

ITALY, FRANCE, SPAIN, AND THE UK 
(EUR/LITRE) 

Source:  Chamber  of  Commerce  of  Forlì-Cesena,  Italy;  DPMA, 
France;  Spain;  ARVI  (January  2013–March  2016);  MABUX  (June 
2016–1-15 December 2017). 

In the first half  of December 2017, the fuel price  in the 
French  ports  of  Lorient  and  Boulogne  was  0,44 
EUR/litre, and remained unchanged compared with the 
same  period  in  November  2017.  It  increased  8%  over 
the first half of December 2016.  

In the Italian ports of Ancona and Livorno, the average 
price  of marine fuel from 1st until the  15th  of December 
2017 was 0,46 EUR/litre. It increased 1% from the same 
period in November 2017 and December 2016. 

The  price  of  marine  fuel  in  the  ports  of  A  Coruña  and 
Vigo,  Spain,  reached  on  average  0,44  EUR/kg  and 
remained unchanged in the first half of December 2017. 
It  was  13%  higher  compared  with  the  same  period  in 
December 2016. 

The fuel price observed in the UK ports of Grimsby and 
Aberdeen  was  0,43  EUR/litre  and 
increased  2% 
compared with the first 15  days  of the  previous  month 
and the same period in 2016. 

In  November  2017,  annual  EU  inflation  was  1,8%,  up 
from 1,7% in October 2017. A year earlier, the rate was 
0,6%. In November 2017, the lowest annual rates were 
recorded  in  Cyprus  (+0,2%),  Ireland  (+0,5%),  and 
Finland  (+0,9%),  while  the  highest  annual  rates  were 
registered  in  Estonia  (+4,5%),  Lithuania  (+4,2%),  and 
the United Kingdom (+3,1%). 

Compared with October 2017, annual inflation rose in 15 
Member  States,  remained  stable  in  nine  (Ireland, 
France,  Croatia,  Italy,  Latvia,  Lithuania,  Luxembourg, 
Malta,  and  Austria),  and  fell  in  four  (Czech  Republic, 
Denmark, Cyprus and Portugal).  

In  November  2017,  prices  of  food  and  non-alcoholic 
beverages  and  prices  of  fish  and  seafood  increased 
slightly  (+0,3%  and  0,2%,  respectively)  over 
the 
previous month (October 2017). 

Since November 2015, food prices increased 3,1% and 
fish prices experience a higher increas 6,9%. 

Table 4. 

HARMONISED INDEX OF CONSUMER 
PRICES IN THE EU (2016 = 100) 

Nov 
2015 

Nov 
2016 

Oct 
2017 

Nov 
2017 

100,01 

100,30 

102,82 

103,09 

100,27 

103,54 

107,01 

107,20 

HICP 

Food and non-
alcoholic 
beverages 

Fish and 
seafood 

Source: Eurostat. 

5.3.  EXCHANGE RATES 

In the first half of December 2017, the euro appreciated 
against  the  Norwegian  krone  (+3,2%),  the  US  dollar 
(+1,3%) and the Japanese yen (+0,6%) from the first half 
of  November  2017.  For  the  past  six  months,  the  euro 
has  fluctuated  around  1,17  against  the  US  dollar. 
Compared  with  a  year  earlier  (the  first  two  week  of 
December  2016),  the  euro  has  appreciated  9,2% 
against  the  Norwegian  krone,  10,9%  against  the 
Japanese yen, and 11,0% against the US dollar. 

Table 5. 

THE EURO EXCHANGE RATES AGAINST 
THREE SELECTED CURRENCIES 

1-15 
Dec 
2015 

1-15 
Dec 
2016 

1-15 
Nov 
2017 

1-15 
Dec 
2017 

9,3851 

8,9836 

9,5035 

9,8121 

132,68 

120,16 

132,44 

133,24 

1,0843 

1,0639 

1,1653 

1,1808 

Currency 

NOK 

JPY 

USD 

Source: European Central Bank. 

23 

0,250,350,450,550,650,75Dec-14Feb-15Apr-15Jun-15Aug-15Oct-15Dec-15Feb-16Apr-16Jun-16Aug-16Oct-16Dec-16Feb-17Apr-17Jun-17Aug-17Oct-171-15 Dec-17ItalyFranceSpainUK 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

Figure 19.  TREND OF EURO EXCHANGE RATES 

Source: European Central Bank.

5.4.  EUROPEAN UNION ECONOMIC OVERVIEW 

During  the  third  quarter  of  2017,  seasonally  adjusted 
GDP  rate  increased  0,6%  compared  with  the  previous 
quarter. In the second quarter of 2017, GDP has grown 
by  0,7%.  Compared  with  the  same  quarter  of  the 

previous  year,  seasonally  adjusted  GDP  rose  2,6%  in 
the  third  quarter  of  2017,  after  +2,4%  in  the  previous 
quarter32. 

24 

1,001,051,101,151,201,251,301,351,401,451,50Dec/14Mar/15Jun/15Sep/15Dec/15Mar/16Jun/16Sep/16Dec/16Mar/17Jun/17Sep/171-15 Dec/17USD90100110120130140150Dec/14Mar/15Jun/15Sep/15Dec/15Mar/16Jun/16Sep/16Dec/16Mar/17Jun/17Sep/171-15 Dec/17JPY7,007,407,808,208,609,009,409,8010,20Dec/14Mar/15Jun/15Sep/15Dec/15Mar/16Jun/16Sep/16Dec/16Mar/17Jun/17Sep/171-15 Dec/17NOK 
 
 
 
  
 
European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017

EUMOFA Monthly Highlights is published by the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs 
and Fisheries of the European Commission. 

Editor: European Commission, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, 
Director-General. 

Disclaimer: Although the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Directorate-General is responsible 
for the overall production of this publication, the views and conclusions presented in this 
report reflect the opinion of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the 
Commission or its officers. 

© European Union, 2017 
KL–AK–17–11–EN–N 
ISSN 2314-9671 
Photographs © Eurofish; Seafish; Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs; FAO.

Reproduction is authorised, provided the source is acknowledged. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND COMMENTS: 
Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries 
B-1049 Brussels
Tel: +32 229-50101
Email : contact-us@eumofa.eu

THIS REPORT HAS BEEN COMPILED USING EUMOFA DATA AND THE FOLLOWING SOURCES: 

First  sales:  DG  MARE;  ICCAT;  www.fishchoice.com; 
FAO.  

Case study: FAO; OFAG; EC; Nielsen Switzerland; Institute of 
Marine Research, Bergen; Seafish; ACRUNET; IBID. 

Global  supply:  European  Commission,  Directorate-
General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE); 
United  Nations;  FAO;  fish-news.com;  worldfishing.net; 
The Danish Agricultural Agency. 

Consumption: Eurobarometer. 

Macroeconomic  context:  EUROSTAT;  ECB;  Chamber  of 
Commerce of Forlì-Cesena, Italy; DPMA, France; ARVI, Spain; 
MABUX. 

The underlying first-sales data is in a separate Annex available 
on  the  EUMOFA  website.  Analyses  are  made  at  aggregated 
(main commercial species) level. 

The  European  Market  Observatory  for  Fisheries  and 
Aquaculture Products (EUMOFA) was developed by the 
European Commission, representing one of the tools of the 
new  Market  Policy  in  the  framework  of  the  reform  of  the 
Common Fisheries Policy. [Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013 
art. 42]. 

As a market intelligence tool, EUMOFA provides regular 
trends,  and  annual 
weekly  prices,  monthly  market 

structural data along the supply chain. 

The database is based on data provided and validated by 
Member States and European institutions. It is available in 
24 languages. 

EUMOFA  website  is  publicly  available  at  the  following 
address: www.eumofa.eu. 

25 

European Market Observatory  for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2017 

6. Endnotes 

1 Bivalves and other molluscs and aquatic invertebrates, cephalopods, crustaceans, flatfish, freshwater fish, groundfish, 
miscellaneous aquatic products, other marine fish, salmonids, small pelagics, tuna and tuna-like species. 

2 https://www.iccat.int/Documents/Recs/compendiopdf-e/2016-05-e.pd f 

3 https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/sites/fisheries/files/docs/body/tuna_2005_en.pdf . 

4 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/ET/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32017R0127&from=EN 

5 ICCAT, http://www.iccat.int/com2017/DocENG/PLE_102_ENG.pdf 

6 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32007R0520&from=EN 

7 https://www.cbi.eu/market-information/fish-seafood/fresh-tuna/ 

8 Bergstad O. A., Hareide N. R. Ling, blue ling, and tusk of the North-East Atlantic, Fisken og Havet, 1996, vol. 15 (pp. 1–126). 

9 COUNCIL REGULATION, 2017/127, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32017R0127&from=EN 

10 http://www.fao.org/fishery/species/2220/en 

11 https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/eu-ministers-agree-fishing-catch-limits-atlantic-and-north-sea-2018_en 

12 https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/ga11985.doc.htm 

13 https://ec.europa.eu/research/sam/index.cfm?pg=oceanfood 

14 https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/content/eu-and-arctic-partners-agree-prevent-unregulated-fishing-high-seas_en 

15 http://www.fao.org/in-action/globefish/market-reports/resource-detail/en/c/1070064/ 

16 http://fish-news.com/cfn/regions-ports-rank-highly-in-noaas-fisheries-of-the-us-report/#sthash.hbNj22it.dpbs 

17 http://www.blic.rs/vesti/ekonomija/budimirovic-srbija-bi-mogla-da-proizvodi-ribu-cak-25-puta-vise-nego-sada/tc2cd7p  

18 The Danish Agricultural Agency http://eng.lbst.dk/ 

19 https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/fr/home/statistiques/agriculture-sylviculture/chasse-peche-pisciculture/peche.html  

20 The name given by the Swiss fishermen to the whitefish, coming from the native species Coregonus fera, but which has 
disappeared from Swiss lakes. Whitefish caught in Swiss lakes now include mostly Coregonus albula or Coregonus palaea. 

21 EUMOFA classification: main commercial species (MCS). 

22 EUMOFA classification. 

23 Office fédéral de l’agriculture OFAG – Bulletin du marché de la viande mars 2017 

24 Nielsen Switzerland 

25  http://www.imr.no/temasider/skalldyr/taskekrabbe/en  

26 http://www.seafish.org/media/publications/SeafishResponsibleSourcingGuide_CrabsLobsters_201309.pdf   

27 EU regulation No. 2406/96 of 26 November 1996 laying down common marketing standards for certain fishery products  

28 http://www.acrunet.eu/images/ACRUNET/Technical_Reports/Activity_5/ACRUNET_Technical_Report_Activity5_Action1.pdf   

29 Ibid. 

30 http://www.eumofa.eu/documents/20178/22933/Monthly+Highlights+-+N.2-2016.pdf / 

31 EUMOFA.  

32http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/2995521/8515977/2-07122017-AP-EN.pdf / 

26