EUMOFA, European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products - Monthly highlights. No. 11/2018.
Date: 2018-02-18
Institutions: Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
Subjects: EU market, aquaculture, fisheries policy, fishery product, serial publication, trade policy

Monthly Highlights 

No. 11 / 2018 

In this issue 
Highlights 
No. 4, 2014 

In  October  2018,  first−sales  value  and  volume  grew  in 
Denmark,  Estonia,  Latvia,  the  Netherlands,  Norway, 
Portugal,  and  the  UK  over  October  2017.  In  the  same 
period,  they  experienced  downward  trends  in  Belgium, 
Italy, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden. 

Over  the  past  36-months,  average  first-sales  prices  of 
brill  increased  in  Belgium,  France,  and  the  Netherlands. 
Prices were the highest in France (11,13 EUR/kg), where 
the  price  was  32%  higher  than  in  the  Netherlands  and 
46% higher than in Belgium. 

Prices  of  tropical  shrimp  imported  from  Ecuador  remain 
considerably  lower  in  2018  through  week  47  (the  third 
week  of  November)  than  a  year  earlier,  an  average  of 
6,00 EUR/kg in 2018 compared with 6,83 EUR/kg during 
the same 47-week period in 2017. 

In  January–September  2018,  the  average  retail  price  of 
fresh flounder for household consumption in Sweden was 
15,19  EUR/kg,  19%  higher  compared  with  the  same 
period in 2017. 

New  Zealand  exported  41.000  tonnes  of  seafood  with  a 
value  of  EUR  147  million  to  the  EU  in  2017.  Blue 
grenadier  was  the  most  common  species  exported, 
mainly as frozen fillets or frozen fillet blocks. 

Two  main  changes  the  current  digitalisation  trend  has 
caused  in  the  fish  and  seafood  supply  chain  in  the  EU 
are:  digitalisation  of  sales  in  fish  auctions  and  online 
shops,  and  marketplaces  for  wholesalers  and  final 
consumers. 

In  November  2018,  the  EU,  Norway  and  the  Faroe 
Islands  signed  an  agreement  setting  the  Total Allowable 
Catch 
for  Northeast  Atlantic  mackerel  at  
653.438  tonnes  in  2019,  a  20%  reduction  from  TAC  in 
2018. 

(TAC) 

Contents 

First sales in Europe 
Brill (Belgium, France,  
the Netherlands) and European 
plaice (Denmark, the Netherlands, 
the UK) 

Extra-EU imports 
Weekly average EU import prices for 
selected products from selected 
countries of origin 

Consumption 
Fresh flounder in Sweden 

Case studies 
Fisheries and aquaculture in  
New Zealand 
Digitalisation in the EU fish and 
seafood market 

Global Highlights 

Find all 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.11/2018 

1 

First sales in Europe 

In January–October 2018, 12 EU Member States (MS) and Norway reported first-sales data for 11 commodity 
groups1. 

  Compared to the same period last year 

Increases  in  value  and  volume:  Denmark,  Estonia,  the  Netherlands,  Norway,  Portugal,  and  Sweden 
experienced growth in first-sales value and volume. The Netherlands saw increases due to a large supply of blue 
whiting and herring, while the growth in Sweden occurred because of increased harvests of herring. 

Decreases in value and volume: In Belgium, France, Italy, Latvia, Poland, and the UK declines were observed 
in  both  value  and  volume.  The  most  significant  drops  were  registered  for  Latvia  and  Poland  due  to  decreased 
harvests of cod, herring, and sprat. 

Table 1.  JANUARY–OCTOBER FIRST–SALES OVERVIEW OF THE REPORTING COUNTRIES  

(volume in tonnes and value in million EUR) 

January–October 
2016 

January–October 
2017 

January–October 
2018 

Change from  
January–October 
2017 

Country 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

BE 

DK 

EE 

FR 

IT* 

LV 

LT 

NL 

NO 

PL 

PT 

SE 

13.392 

52,52 

12.995 

52,53 

11.566 

49,35 

-11% 

209.692 

302,64 

211.962 

282,33 

218.208 

291,80 

37.226 

8,97 

36.674 

8,66 

37.572 

162.789 

545,53 

161.120 

546,94 

159.684 

268,60 

8,92 

1,28 

79.803 

46.684 

1.296 

283,54 

72.348 

9,41 

1,21 

36.027 

1.315 

73.439 

41.848 

1.790 

54.917 

230,35 

172.779 

340,24 

309.184 

468,37 

2.166.385 

1.889,71 

2.284.331 

1.784,92 

2.438.972 

1.824,56 

92.376 

89.274 

91.990 

31,34 

80.734 

27,18 

69.425 

21,54 

-14% 

166,56 

83.051 

163,76 

88.570 

171,45 

73,83 

69.517 

54,30 

107.220 

62,64 

7% 

54% 

9,18 

529,74 

261,77 

6,60 

1,04 

3% 

2% 

-1% 

-9% 

-23% 

2% 

79% 

7% 

367.653 

UK  
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018); volume data is reported in net weight. 
*Partial data. First-sales data for Italy covers 229 ports (approximately 50% of the total landings). 

253.545 

665,28 

457,73 

209.722 

396,16 

-17% 

-6% 

3% 

6% 

-3% 

-8% 

-30% 

-14% 

38% 

2% 

-21% 

5% 

15% 

-13% 

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 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                             
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

In October 2018 

Increases  in  value  and  volume:  First  sales  grew  in  Denmark,  Estonia,  Latvia,  the  Netherlands,  Norway, 
Portugal, and the UK. The increase was sharp for Estonia and Latvia mainly because of higher harvests of shared 
stocks of sprat and herring in the Baltic Sea.  

Decreases  in  value  and  volume:  First  sales  dropped  in  Belgium,  Italy,  Lithuania,  Poland,  and  Sweden.  The 
decreases were particularly high in Lithuania due to lower harvests of European flounder and cod. Italy recorded 
decreases of the most important small pelagics species – anchovy. 

Table 2.  OCTOBER FIRST–SALES OVERVIEW OF THE REPORTING COUNTRIES  

(volume in tonnes and value in million EUR) 

October 2016 

October 2017 

October 2018 

Change from  
October 2017 

Country 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

BE 

DK 

EE 

FR 

IT* 

LV 

LT 

NL 

NO 
PL 

PT 

SE 

1.200 

30.521 

3.268 

17.823 

8.173 

5.568 

230 

9.036 

4,97 

1.419 

6,20 

1.402 

39,00 

28.019 

32,73 

29.886 

0,85 

3.380 

0,82 

5.009 

60,71 

25,69 

1,09 

0,18 

17.974 

8.648 

4.979 

136 

61,93 

27,28 

0,94 

0,12 

18.129 

7.726 

8.328 

115 

42,01 

26.163 

42,86 

30.448 

5,57 

41,46 

1,31 

59,07 

24,31 

1,39 

0,10 

52,44 

230.540 

266,74 

236.929 

217,74 

267.148 

321,82 

-1% 

7% 

48% 

1% 

-11% 

67% 

-15% 

16% 

13% 

-10% 

27% 

59% 

-5% 

-11% 

48% 

-16% 

22% 

48% 

4.841 

10.684 

7.298 

2,26 

15,48 

7,97 

5.444 

8.981 

7.491 

2,17 

840 

14,63 

10.357 

4,48 

6.828 

UK 

42,50 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018); volume data is reported in net weight. 
*Partial data. First-sales data for Italy covers 229 ports (approximately 50% of the total landings). 

26.630 

25.514 

49.545 

85,62 

0,33 

18,39 

4,24 

63,78 

-85% 

-85% 

15% 

-9% 

4% 

26% 

-5% 

50% 

The most recent first-sales data for November 2018 available on EUMOFA website can be accessed here. 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

  First sales in selected countries 

In 
Belgium 
January–October 

in  
2018, 
first  sales 
in  value  
fell  by  6% 
(EUR  −3,1  million)  and  11%  in 
volume  (−1.429  tonnes),  compared 
with  the  same  period  a  year  ago. 
This  was  mainly  due  to  decreased 
first  sales  of  monk,  ray,  turbot, 
common  sole,  and  gurnard. 
In 
October  2018,  both  value  and 
volume  were  lower  compared  with 
October  2017.  Common  sole, 
cuttlefish, and turbot were the main 
contributors  to  these  decreases.  Of 
the  top  species,  the  average  price 
of shrimp Crangon spp. declined by 
43%,  while  that  of  European  plaice 
increased by 28%. 

in  
In 
Denmark 
2018, 
January–October 
both  first-sales  value  and  volume 
increased  by  3%,  compared  to  the 
same  period  in  2017  due  to  an 
increase  in  first  sales  of  mackerel 
(+185%  in  value  and  +114%  in 
volume).  In  October  2018,  both 
first-sales  value  and  volume  grew 
especially  because  of  mackerel, 
herring,  Norway 
and 
European plaice. A higher supply of 
mackerel  did  not  lower  its  average 
price,  which  increased  by  43%  to 
1,32  EUR/kg.  On  the  other  hand, 
the average price of Norway lobster 
declined  by  12%  to  7,94  EUR/kg  ‒ 
a  consequence  of 
the  101% 
increase of harvest. 

lobster, 

in  value  and  +12% 
In  October 

In January–October 2018, 
in 
Estonia  saw  growth 
both  first-sales  value  (+6%)  and 
volume (+2%) over the same period 
a  year  before,  due  mainly  to  sprat 
(+20% 
in 
volume). 
2018, 
compared  to  the  same  month  in 
2017,  first  sales  grew  by  59%  in 
value and about half in volume due 
to higher harvests of sprat (brisling) 
and herring. Herring average prices 
to  
by 
decreased 
0,15  EUR/kg,  whereas  sprat  prices 
grew by 22% to 0,21 EUR/kg. 

9% 

Figure 1.  FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN BELGIUM, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Percentages show change from previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 2.  FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN DENMARK, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Percentages show change from previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 3.  FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN ESTONIA, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Percentages show change from previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

4 

2.0004.0006.0008.00010.00012.00014.000MackerelHerringNorway lobsterEuropean plaiceVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)+122%+38%+77%+32%+56%+20%+101%+2%Total volume: 29.886tonnes,  +7%Total value: EUR 41,5 million,+27%2004006008001.0001.2001.400Common soleCuttlefishTurbotEuropeanplaiceVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)-23%-42%-35%+16%-21%-44%-38%-9%Total volume: 1.402tonnes,  -1%Total value: EUR 5,6 million,-10%4008001.2001.6002.0002.4002.8003.200Sprat (=Brisling)Other freshwater fishHerringVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)+46%+78%+53%+39%Total volume: 5.009tonnes, +48%Total value: EUR 1,3million,+59%+48%+47% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

in  
In 
France 
2018, 
January–October 
first sales slightly decreased in both 
value  (−3%)  and  volume  (−1%) 
from  January‒October 
in  2017. 
Lower  supplies  of  hake,  Norway 
lobster,  whiting,  and  cuttlefish  were 
the  key  factors  for  these  trends.  In 
first-sales  value 
October  2018, 
slightly  increased  1%  due  to  small 
pelagics  (anchovy  and  sardine), 
whereas  volume  was  down  by  5% 
due  to  cuttlefish,  scallop,  Norway 
lobster,  and  common  sole.  Most  of 
the top species that recorded higher 
supplies  saw  declines  in  average 
prices:  for  sardine  and  anchovy 
average  prices  fell  by  12%  and 
28%, respectively.   

Italy 

in  
In 
2018, 
January–October 
first sales decreased by 8% in value 
and  9%  in  volume.  Clam,  anchovy, 
and  sardine  were  the  key  species 
responsible  for  these  changes.  In 
first-sales 
October  2018,  both 
value  and  volume  declined  by  11% 
due mostly to the same species and 
red  mullet,  which  affected  only  
first-sales volume decline. Although 
they  saw increases  in  supplies, the 
sharp  decreases  in  average  prices 
were registered for anchovy (−25%) 
and  swordfish (−16%)  compared  to 
October 2017. 

Latvia 

In 
January–October 

in  
2018, 
first  sales  decreased 
in  value 
(−30%)  and  volume  (−23%)  due  to 
lower  supplies  of  sprat  (−21%), 
herring  (−24%),  and  cod  (−77%) 
from  the  same  period  in  2017.  In 
October  2018, 
first  sales  grew 
significantly over the same period in 
2017.    Good  season  for  sprat  and 
herring  fishery  were  factors  behind 
such 
the 
average  prices  of  these  species 
were 
lower, 
and 
respectively, from October 2017. 

trends.  As  a 

result, 

13% 

5% 

Figure 4.  FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN FRANCE, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Percentages show change from previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 5.  FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN ITALY, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Percentages show change from previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 6.  FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN LATVIA, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Percentages show change from previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

5 

1.5003.0004.5006.0007.5009.000CuttlefishScallopCommon soleSardineVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)-42%-39%-14%-13%-9%-5%+53%+34%Total volume: 18.129tonnes,  +1%Total value: EUR 59,1million,−5%1.0002.0003.0004.0005.0006.000Sprat (=Brisling)HerringEuropean flounderVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)+54%+46%+113%+86%+37%+20%Total volume: 8.328tonnes,  +67%Total value: EUR 1,4million,+48%5001.0001.5002.0002.500AnchovySwordfishClamRed mulletVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)-17%-38%-40%-48%-19%-28%-20%+2%Total volume: 7.726tonnes,  −11%Total value: EUR 24,3million,−11% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

(+50%), 

compared 

In 
in  
Lithuania 
January–October  2018, 
first-sales  value  decreased  by  14% 
due mainly to cod (−50%), whereas 
volume  increased  by  2%  because 
of  higher  supplies  of  herring 
(+169%)  and  to  a  lesser  extent  of 
to 
smelt 
January–October  2017. In  October 
2018, first-sales declined by 15% in 
value  and  16%  in  volume  because 
of  European 
flounder  and  cod. 
Among  other  species,  pike-perch 
registered  a  large  increase  in  first 
sales  (up by  EUR  4.166  and  1.447 
tonnes).  Average  prices of  cod and 
European  flounder  went  down  by 
18%  and  11%,  respectively,  linked 
with the higher supply. 

by 

and 

the  Netherlands 

In 
in 
2018 
January–October 
compared  to  the  same  period  in 
2017,  first-sales  value  and  volume 
grew 
79%, 
38% 
respectively,  due  to  blue  whiting 
and horse mackerel, which together 
make  up  26%  and  39%  of  total  
first-sales 
volume, 
respectively.  In  October  2018  the 
positive  trends  continued  for  the 
same  species, 
including  shrimp 
Crangon  spp.,  common  sole,  and 
sardine.  The  price  of  shrimp 
Crangon  spp.  fell  by  38%,  while 
prices  of  Atlantic  horse  mackerel 
and herring remained stable. 

value 

and 

increased 

in  
Norway 
In 
2018, 
January–October 
first-sales  value  increased  by  2%, 
mainly  because  of  blue  whiting 
(+75%),  whereas  volume increased 
by  7%  because  of  miscellaneous 
small pelagics (+200%). In October 
2018,  both  first-sales  value  and 
volume 
from  October 
2017.  This  was  a  result  of  high 
mackerel  
supply 
and  
(EUR 
its  higher 
+34.774 
average 
at  
1,41 EUR/kg), compared to October 
the  previous  year.  Other 
top 
species  which  contributed  the most 
to  these  trends  included  haddock, 
crab, and herring. 

+94,5 
tonnes)  and 

(+36% 

million 

price 

of 

Figure 7.  FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN LITHUANIA, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Percentages show change from previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 8.  FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN THE 

NETHERLANDS, OCTOBER 2018 

Percentages show change from previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 9.  FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN NORWAY, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Percentages show change from previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

6 

020406080CodEuropean flounderPike-perchVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)+10%-10%-41%-47%Total volume: 115tonnes, −15%Total value: EUR 0,1million, −16%+2853%+2680%2.0004.0006.0008.00010.00012.00014.000Shrimp CrangonsppAtlantic horsemackerelCommon soleHerringVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)+124%+39%+206%+207%+38%+30%+21%+21%Total volume: 30.448tonnes, +16%Total value: EUR 52,4million,+22%40.00080.000120.000160.000200.000240.000MackerelHaddockCrabHerringVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)+29%+75%+31%+45%+51%+79%-14%+12%Total volume: 267.148tonnes,+13%Total value: EUR 321,8million,+48% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

Figure 10. FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN POLAND, 

OCTOBER 2018 

In 
Poland 
in  
2018, 
January–October 
both  first-sales  value  (−21%)  and 
fell  because  of 
volume  (−14%) 
lower  sales  of  cod,  herring  and 
sprat.  In  October  2018,  both  first-
sales  value  and  volume  decreased 
by  85%  due  to  the  same  species, 
including  European  flounder.  The 
average  price  of  herring  decreased 
by  23%  to  0,25  EUR/kg,  whereas 
the  price  of  cod  fell  by  1%  to  
1,51 EUR/kg. 

sales  of 

and  Atlantic 

Portugal 
In 
in  
2018 
January–October 
compared  to  the  same  period  in 
2017,  first  sales  rose  by  5%  in 
value and 7% in volume because of 
higher 
cephalopods, 
particularly  octopus  and  squid,  but 
also  due  to  small  pelagics  such  as 
mackerel 
horse 
mackerel.  In  October  2018,  the 
first-sales 
volume 
increase  over  October  2017  was 
the  result  of  the  same  species,  but 
the  increase  was  more  significant. 
Compared  to  the  same  period  in 
2017,  the  average  price  sharply 
declined  for  mackerel  (down  by 
62%  to  0,30  EUR/kg)  and  squid 
(down by 20% to 7,86 EUR/kg). 

value 

and 

volume 

In  Sweden, 
first  sales 
grew in both value (+15%) 
and 
during 
(+54%) 
January–October  2018  over  the 
same  period  in  2017.  Herring  was 
the  main  species  of  the  first  sales, 
whose  volume  of  74.592  tonnes 
was  equivalent  to  70%  of  the  total 
catches.  Comparing  first  sales  of 
October  2018  with  those  of  the 
year before, the overall decrease of 
value  and  volume  was  due 
to 
herring,  Northern  shrimp,  and  cod. 
Of  the  top  species,  the  price  of 
Northern shrimp decreased by 23% 
(to  6,30  EUR/kg),  whereas  that  of 
cod 
to  
1,95 EUR/kg. 

increased 

8% 

by 

Percentages show change from previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 11. FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN PORTUGAL, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Percentages show change from previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 12. FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN SWEDEN, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Percentages show change from previous year.  
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

7 

100200300400500600HerringCodSpratEuropeanflounderVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)-86%-89%-83%-83%Total volume: 840tonnes,  −85%Total value: EUR 0,3 million,−85%-76%-87%-76%-87%1.0002.0003.0004.0005.000OctopusAnchovySquidAtlantic horsemackerelVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)+259%+204%+42%+32%+185%+127%+13%+23%Total volume: 10.357tonnes,  +15%Total value: EUR 18,4million,+26%1.0002.0003.0004.0005.0006.000HerringNorway lobsterNorthern shrimpCodVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)-11%-10%-30%-44%-28%-45%-49%-45%Total volume: 6.828tonnes,  −9%Total value: EUR 4,2million,−5% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

hake, 

cuttlefish, 

in  
In 
UK 
the 
2018 
January–October 
from a year earlier, first-sales value 
decreased  by  13%  because  of 
scallop, 
and 
haddock,  while  volume  went  down 
by  17%  due  to  the  same  species 
and  mackerel.  In  October  2018, 
first  sales  spiked in  value,  whereas 
volume grew slightly compared with 
October  2017.  Mackerel,  crab,  cod, 
and lobster Homarus spp. were the 
main 
for  
first-sales  value  growth,  whereas 
saithe,  crab,  and  cod  caused  the 
volume  increase.  Lower  volume  of 
mackerel  contributed  to  its  spike  in 
total 
the 
first-sales  value  as 
average  price  increased  by  124% 
over October 2017. 

responsible 

species 

Figure 13. FIRST SALES OF MAIN COMMERCIAL SPECIES IN THE UK, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Percentages show change from previous year. 
Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

8 

4.0008.00012.00016.00020.00024.00028.00032.000MackerelCrabCodLobsterHomarus sppVolume (tonnes)Value (EUR 1000)-5%+113%+23%+73%+66%+52%+52%-52%Total volume: 26.630tonnes,  +4%Total value: EUR 63,8million,+50% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

  Comparison of first-sales prices of selected species in selected 

countries 

Figure 14. FIRST‒SALES PRICES OF ROCK LOBSTER AND 

SEA CRAWFISH IN FRANCE, ITALY, AND 
PORTUGAL 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 15. FIRST‒SALES PRICES OF SWORDFISH IN ITALY 

AND PORTUGAL 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018).  

Figure 16. FIRST‒SALES PRICES OF MACKEREL IN 

PORTUGAL, THE UK, AND NORWAY 

these  countries 

First  sales  in  the  EU  of  rock  lobster  and  sea 
crawfish  are  widespread,  but  three  countries, 
France,  Italy,  and  Portugal  accounted 
for 
nearly  70%  of  total  2018  reported  first  sales 
through  October.  The  average  first-sales  prices 
in 
in  October  2018  were  
28,41  EUR/kg  in  France  (up  by  20%  from 
September  2018  and  by  11%  from  October 
2017), 43,58 EUR/kg in Italy (up by 6% from the 
previous  month  and  by  10%  from  the  same 
month  in  2017),  and  33,99  EUR/kg  in  Portugal 
(up  by  25%  from  September  2018  and  by  20% 
from  October  2017).  The  fisheries  in  all  three 
countries  are  highly  seasonal,  with  volumes 
in  June  and  July  and  nearly  
peaking 
non-existent 
in  January  and  February,  but  
first-sales  prices  are  not  clearly  tied  to  monthly 
supplies.  

Most  reported  EU  first  sales  of  swordfish  take 
place  in  Italy  and  Portugal,  which  combined 
had  a  96%  share  of  reported  sales  through 
October  2018.  The  average  prices  in  these 
countries  in  October  were  8,20  EUR/kg  in  Italy 
(down by 9% from the previous month and down 
by  14%  from  the  same  month  in  2017),  and  
7,16  EUR/kg  in  Portugal  (down  by  7%  from 
September  2018  but  up  by  32%  from  October 
2017).  Supply  is  very  seasonal  in  Italy,  tending 
to  peak 
in 
February–March. The price reflects this, peaking 
at  16,35  EUR/kg  in  February,  when  reported 
sales volumes were almost zero (and were zero 
in  the  following month).  Over the last  two years 
there  has  been  no  long-run  price  trend  up  or 
down in either reporting country.  

in  July  and  reach 

low  points 

First  sales  of  mackerel  occur 
in  several 
European countries, but three countries have so 
far accounted for 86% of reported sales in 2018. 
The average first-sales prices in these countries 
in October 2018 were 0,31 EUR/kg in Portugal 
(up  by  8%  from  September  2018  but  down  by 
26%  from  October  2017),  2,18  EUR/kg  in  the 
UK (up by 57% from the previous month and by 
124%  from  the  same  month  in  2017),  and  
1,41  EUR/kg  in  Norway  (down  by  2%  from 
September  2018  but  up  by  36%  from  a  year 
earlier).  Prices  during  the  reviewed  period  have 
moved 
in 
Portugal has declined slightly, while in the UK it 
has  moved  irregularly  upward,  and  the  price  in 
Norway has shown no long-run tendency.  

in  different  directions: 

the  price 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

9 

0,0010,0020,0030,0040,0050,0060,0070,0080,002016-M102016-M112016-M122017-M012017-M022017-M032017-M042017-M052017-M062017-M072017-M082017-M092017-M102017-M112017-M122018-M012018-M022018-M032018-M042018-M052018-M062018-M072018-M082018-M092018-M10EUR/kgFranceItalyPortugal0,002,004,006,008,0010,0012,0014,0016,0018,002016-M102016-M112016-M122017-M012017-M022017-M032017-M042017-M052017-M062017-M072017-M082017-M092017-M102017-M112017-M122018-M012018-M022018-M032018-M042018-M052018-M062018-M072018-M082018-M092018-M10EUR/kgItalyPortugal0,000,501,001,502,002,503,003,502016-M102016-M112016-M122017-M012017-M022017-M032017-M042017-M052017-M062017-M072017-M082017-M092017-M102017-M112017-M122018-M012018-M022018-M032018-M042018-M052018-M062018-M072018-M082018-M092018-M10EUR/kgPortugalUnited KingdomNorway 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

1.5.  Commodity group of the month: Flatfish 

Figure 17. FIRST-SALES VALUE COMPARISON AT CG, 

MCS, AND ERS LEVEL FOR REPORTING 
COUNTRIES  

The Flatfish commodity group (CG) ranked 3rd in 
value and 6th in volume among 11 CG sold at the 
first-sales  stage  in  October  20182.  First  sales 
reached  EUR  38,5  million  and  7.877  tonnes 
 – increases of 19% in value and 11% in volume 
over  October  2017.  In  the  past  36  months,  the 
highest  value  of  flatfish  was  registered  in  March 
2017, at more than EUR 42 million. 

The  Flatfish  commodity  group  includes  13  main 
commercial  species  (MCS):  brill,  dab,  European 
flounder,  Atlantic  halibut,  Greenland  halibut, 
megrim,  European  plaice,  common  sole,  other 
flounder,  turbot  and  flatfish  species  that  are 
grouped  as  other  plaice,  other  sole,  and  other 
flatfish.  At  the  species  (ERS3)  level,  brill  and 
European  plaice  together  made  up  30%  of  total 
first-sales  value  of 
flatfish  species  during 
January–October 20184. 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 
*Norway excluded due to a limited level of data for species at ERS level. 

1.6.  Focus on brill  

Brill (Scophthalmus rhombus) is a very large, broad bodied, left-eyed flatfish that belongs 
to the turbot family of Scophthalmidae. It is usually a sandy brown to olive green colour, 
with  dark  and  light  spots.  The  underside  is  creamy-white.  Like  many  flatfish  brill  is 
capable of camouflage and can change its colour to match that of the seabed. Adult fish 
can grow to 75 cm in length although most are less than 50 cm. The spawning period is 
during  April–August  at  depths  of  10–20  m5.  Brill  is  marketed  fresh  and  frozen,  eaten 
steamed, fried or boiled.  

The species can be found in the North Sea, the Skagerrak and the Kattegat, and the English Channel. Fisheries 
occur throughout the year with the main season in the period November–April.  

Brill  is  mainly  a  bycatch  species  in  fisheries  for  plaice,  sole  and  turbot.  The  most  frequently  used  gears  are 
trammel gillnets, fixed nets, beam and otter trawls6. Brill and turbot fisheries in the ICES division IIa and IV (North 
Sea) are managed jointly under the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) through annual Total Allowable Catches 
(TACs). In 2018 the TAC has been set at 7.102 tonnes7. 

2 More data on commodity groups can be found in table 1.2 in the Annex. 
3 Species reported at Electronic Reporting System (ERS) level, based on FAO 3-alpha codes. 
4 Ranking of the main commercial species in the Flatfish species commodity group can be found in table 1.3 in the Annex. 
5 http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZG8630  
6 http://ices.dk/sites/pub/Publication%20Reports/Advice/2017/2017/bll.27.3a47de.pdf  
7 COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) 2018/120 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32018R0120  

10 

0,05,010,015,020,025,030,035,040,045,0201520172018Flatfish (CG)Brill (MCS)European plaice (MCS)European plaice (ERS)Brill (ERS) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                             
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

Selected countries 

In  Belgium  in  January−October  2018,  first  sales 
of  brill  decreased  by  13%  in  value  and  25%  in 
volume  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2017. 
Compared  to  January−October  2016,  the  value 
decreased  by  11%  and  the  volume  by  30%.  In 
October  2018,  both  first-sales  value  and  volume 
fell by approximately a third from the same month 
in 2017.  

All  brill  first  sales  occur  in  the  North  Sea  at  the 
ports of Zeebrugge, Oostende, and Nieuwpoort. 

Figure 18. BRILL: FIRST SALES IN BELGIUM 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 19. FIRST‒SALES COMPARISON OF FLATFISH SPECIES IN BELGIUM, VALUE AND VOLUME, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018).  

11 

European plaice39%Common sole37%Turbot 9%Brill 4%Other11%Total value: EUR 3,4million0,050,0100,0150,0200,0250,0300,001020304050DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2015201620172018ValueVolumeVolume  (tonnes)Value (1000 EUR)European plaice 62%Common sole15%Turbot5%Brill3%Other15%Total volume: 715tonnes 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

Figure 20. BRILL: FIRST SALES IN FRANCE 

In France, in January–October 2018, first sales of 
brill grew by 13% in value and 4% in volume, over 
the  same  period  in  2017.  Compared  with  2016, 
first  sales  value  increased  by  11%  although 
volume 
In  October  2018  
first-sales  value  and  volume  were  near  the  same 
levels as in October 2017.  

remained  stable. 

Over  half  (54%)  of  the  first  sales  of  brill  occurred 
along the coast of the Celtic seas, followed by the 
Bay  of  Biscay  (32%)  and  the  Mediterranean  Sea 
(12%).  The  port  of  Roscoff  is  one  of  the  most 
important in terms of first-sales value. 

Figure 21. FIRST‒SALES COMPARISON OF FLATFISH SPECIES IN FRANCE, VALUE AND VOLUME, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 22. BRILL: FIRST SALES IN THE NETHERLANDS 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

In  the  Netherlands  in  January–October  2018, 
first-sales  value  and  volume  of  brill  fell  by  4% 
and  14%,  respectively,  from  January–October 
2017.  Trends  were  sharper  compared  to  the 
same  period  of  2016,  as  value  and  volume 
declined  by  5%  and  27%,  respectively.  In 
October  2018,  first  sales  increased  by  47%  in 
value  and  59%  in  volume  compared  to  the 
previous year.  

All  the  brill  first  sales  were  on  the  North  Sea 
coast.  The  ports  of  Velsen,  Urk,  and 
Scheveningen are responsible for about 70% of 
total  first-sales  value  among  nine  ports  in 
January–October 2018.  

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

12 

0,0100,0200,0300,0400,0500,0600,0700,0010203040506070DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2015201620172018ValueVolumeVolume  (tonnes)Value (1000 EUR)Common sole59%European plaice5%Megrim12%Brill 5%Other19%Total value:EUR 6,8 million0,0150,0300,0450,0600,0750,0900,0020406080100120140DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2015201620172018ValueVolumeVolume  (tonnes)Value (1000 EUR)Common sole32%European plaice20%Megrim27%Brill4%Other17%Total volume:928 tonnes  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

Figure 23. FIRST‒SALES COMPARISON OF FLATFISH SPECIES IN THE NETHERLANDS, VALUE AND 

VOLUME, OCTOBER 2018 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018).  

 Price trends 

Figure 24. BRILL: FIRST-SALES PRICE IN SELECTED 

COUNTRIES 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

We have covered brill in previous Monthly Highlights: 

First  sales:  Belgium 
(5/2017), France (5/2017), the UK (5/2017). 

(5/2017,  2/2016),  Denmark 

36 

the 

months  
past 
During 
(November  2015–October  2018),  average  
first-sales  prices  of  brill  increased  in  all  three 
analysed  countries.  The  highest  prices  were 
France  
recorded 
in 
the 
in 
(11,13  EUR/kg),  32%  higher 
Netherlands (8,46 EUR/kg), and 46% more than 
the average price in Belgium (7,60 EUR/kg).   

than 

In  Belgium  in  the  first  ten  months  of  2018,  the 
average price increased by 16% to 8,52 EUR/kg 
compared  to  January−October  2017  and  was 
26%  above  prices  in  the  same  period  of  2016. 
The peak price was recorded in June 2018 when 
9  tonnes  were  sold  for  10,00  EUR/kg.  The 
lowest  average  price  occurred  in  January  2017 
when 31 tonnes were sold for 5,76 EUR/kg. The 
highest  brill  fishery  season  takes  place  during 
November−December. 

In France, which has the highest average prices 
of  brill  among  the  surveyed  countries,  average 
price  of  brill  (11,59  EUR/kg)  in  the  first  ten 
months  of  2018  was  higher  than  in  the  same 
period  in  the  previous  two  years:  +9%  than  in 
2017,  and  +11%  than  in  2016.  The  highest 
recorded  price  in  the  36-month  period  was  in 
August  2016  when it reached  14,07  EUR/kg for 
a  volume  of  only  25  tonnes.  The  lowest  price  
(at 9,01 EUR/kg for 67 tonnes) was recorded in 
April 2016 when the harvest reached its highest 
level. 

In  the  Netherlands  in  January‒October  2018, 
the  average  first-sales  price  (9,23  EUR/kg) 
increased by 11% over the same period in 2017, 
and  31%  over  2016.  The  highest  average  price 
was  recorded  in  June  2018  when  37  tonnes 
were sold at 11,08 EUR/kg, whereas the lowest 
price  (5,56  EUR/kg)  for  116  tonnes  occurred  in 
January 2016.  

13 

Common sole57%European plaice26%Turbot12%Brill4%Other 1%Totalvalue: EUR 16,7 million   2,004,507,009,5012,0014,5017,00DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2015201620172018EUR/kgBelgiumFranceNetherlandsCommon sole32%European plaice52%Turbot8%Brill3%Other5%Totalvolume: 2.741 tonnes  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

1.7.  Focus on European plaice  

European  plaice  (Pleuronectes  platessa)  is  a  commercially  important  flatfish  species 
belonging  to  the  family  of  Pleuronectidae.  It  can  be  found  in  the  Barents,  the 
Mediterranean Sea and in the Northeast Atlantic.  

It  is  a  demersal species  occurring  on mud  and  sand  bottom from a few meters  to  about 
100  m.  The  species  has  bright  red  to  orange  spots,  separating  it  from  other  flatfishes  with  the  underside  being 
pearly  white.  European  plaice  reaches  sexual maturity  at the  age  of  3  to  7  years and the  spawning  period takes 
place  from  December  to  March  with  peaks  in  January–February8.  Common  gears  used  in  the  plaice  fishery  are 
trammel gillnet, fixed gillnet, Danish seine, beam, and demersal trawl. European plaice is commonly fished in mixed 
fisheries with sole and other flatfish species. It is consumed steamed, fried, boiled, or baked9.  

The species is a subject to Total Allowable Catches (TACs) established on the basis of maximum sustainable yield 
advice of the  International  Council for the  Exploration  of  the  Sea (ICES). In  2018,  quotas  for  EU  vessels  were  at 
15.343 tonnes in the Skagerrak,  1.483 in the Kattegat, 104.758 tonnes in the  Union waters of division 2a (part of 
division 3a not covered by the Skagerrak and the Kattegat)10.  

Selected countries 

• 

In  Denmark  in  January–October  2018,  European 
plaice  first-sales  value  grew  by  5%  and  volume 
declined  by  27%  from  the  same  period  in  2017. 
Compared  to  2016,  first  sales  were  4%  lower  in 
In  October  2018,  
in  volume. 
value  and  38% 
first-sales  value  went  up  by  a  third  and  volume 
increased  slightly  by  2%  compared  to  the  same 
month a year earlier.  

• 
•  More  than  90%  of  the  first  sales  occurred  at  the 
ports  on  the  North  Sea,  with  the  rest  on  the  Baltic 
Sea.  The  ports  of  Thyborøn,  Hvide  Sande,  and 
Hanstholm  are  those  where  the  highest  first-sales 
value was recorded. 

Figure 25. EUROPEAN PLAICE: FIRST SALES IN 

DENMARK 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018).  

8 http://www.fishbase.org/summary/1342  
9 http://www.fao.org/fishery/species/3354/en  
10 COUNCIL REGULATION (EU) 2018/120 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32018R0120  

14 

0,01,02,03,04,05,06,005001.0001.5002.0002.5003.0003.500DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2015201620172018ValueVolumeVolume  (tonnes)Value (million EUR) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                             
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

Figure 26. FIRST‒SALES COMPARISON OF FLATFISH SPECIES IN DENMARK, VALUE AND VOLUME, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

In the  Netherlands  in  January–October  2018, first 
sales of European plaice grew by 16% in value but 
fell  by  the  same  percentage  in  volume  from  the 
in  2017.  Trends  had  the  same 
same  period 
directions  compared  to  2016:    value  increased  by 
9%,  whereas  volume  decreased  27%.  In  October 
2018, first-sales value spiked by +48% and volume 
grew by 9% over October 2017.  

The ports of Urk and Velsen on the North Sea coast 
accounted for 73% of first-sales value in 2018. 

Figure 27. EUROPEAN PLAICE: FIRST SALES IN THE 

NETHERLANDS 

Figure 28. FIRST‒SALES COMPARISON OF FLATFISH SPECIES IN THE NETHERLANDS, VALUE AND 

VOLUME, OCTOBER 2018 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

15 

European plaice74%Common sole2%Turbot1%Other23%Total volume: 2.000tonnesCommon sole57%European plaice26%Turbot12%Other 5%Total value:EUR 16,7 million 0,01,02,03,04,05,06,07,005001.0001.5002.0002.5003.0003.500DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2015201620172018ValueVolumeVolume  (tonnes)Value (million EUR)European plaice71%Common sole7%Turbot4%Other18%Total value: EUR 5,8millionCommon sole32%European plaice52%Turbot8%Other8%Total volume:2.741 tonnes  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

In  the  UK  in  January−October  2018,  first  sales  of 
European  plaice  increased  in  value  by  6%  and 
decreased  in  volume  by  22%,  compared  to  the 
same period in 2017. First-sales value and volume 
dropped by 21% and 44%, respectively, compared 
to  2016.  In  October  2018,  first-sales  value  rose 
twofold,  whereas  volume  grew  by  85%  over 
October  2017.  The  European  plaice  fishery  in  the 
UK  is  less  significant  in  terms  of  first  sales 
compared to the rest of the surveyed countries. 

Figure 29. EUROPEAN PLAICE: FIRST SALES IN THE UK 

In  2018,  the  UK  first  sales  took place  in  the  North 
Sea  and  the  Celtic  Sea.  Among  138  ports  where 
sales  occurred,  the  highest  value  was recorded  at 
the 
and 
Fraserburgh. 

of  Peterhead,  Scalloway, 

ports 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018).  

Figure 30. FIRST‒SALES COMPARISON OF FLATFISH SPECIES IN THE UK, VALUE AND VOLUME, 

OCTOBER 2018 

Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

16 

0,00,20,40,60,81,01,21,40100200300400500600700DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2015201620172018ValueVolumeVolume  (tonnes)Value (million EUR)Common sole13%European plaice55%Megrim10%Turbot2%Other20%Totalvolume: 883 tonnes Common sole35%European plaice32%Megrim10%Turbot6%Other17%Total value:EUR 3,4 million 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

Price trends 

the  past 

three  years, 

Throughout 
the  average  
first-sales  price  of  European  plaice  increased  by 
about  50%  in  all  surveyed  countries.  The  highest 
average  price  was  observed  in  the  Netherlands  
(2,00  EUR/kg),  about  1%  more  than  in  Denmark 
(1,99  EUR/kg),  and  35%  over  the  average  price  in 
the UK (1,49 EUR/kg). 

In  Denmark  in  January‒October  2018,  the  average 
first-sales  price  (2,55  EUR/kg)  increased  by  43% 
over  the  same  period  in  2017  and  54%  over  2016. 
The  highest  price  was  recorded  in  July  2018,  at  
2,88  EUR/kg  for  1.688  tonnes,  whereas  the  lowest 
was  registered  in  September  2016,  when  3.097 
tonnes  were  sold at  1,44  EUR/kg.  The  peak  season 
for  the  European  plaice  fishery  is  during  summer, 
starting in May up to September. 

during 

January–October 

In  the  Netherlands,  the  average  price  of  European 
2018  was  
plaice 
2,52  EUR/kg  ‒  an  increase  of  33%  over  the  same 
period  in  2017,  and  about  half  more  than  in  2016.  
For  the  past  36  months,  prices  were  the  highest 
when  supply  was  lower,  whereas  lower  prices  were 
observed  during  the  summer  when  the  European 
plaice  fishery  is  the  most  active.  The  peak  average 
price occurred in October 2018 at 3,08 EUR/kg when 
1.422  tonnes  were  sold,  while  the  lowest  price  was 
registered in February 2017 when 1.774 were sold at 
1,48 EUR/kg. 

In  the  UK  in  the  first  ten  months  of  2018,  the 
average  price  of  European  plaice 
reached  
1,87  EUR/kg  –  an  increase  of  35%  over  the  same 
period in 2017 and 42% over 2016. The highest price 
was  recorded  in  October  2018  when  489  tonnes 
were  sold. The  lowest  price  in the  three-year  period 
occurred 
for  
248 tonnes.  

in  March  2017  at  1,19  EUR/kg 

Figure 31. EUROPEAN PLAICE: FIRST-SALES PRICE IN 

SELECTED COUNTRIES 

       Source: EUMOFA (updated 06.12.2018). 

We  have  covered  European  plaice 
Monthly Highlights: 

in  previous 

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

Consumption:  Germany 
Netherlands 
(2/2016), the UK (11/2017, 2/2016, 5/2015). 

the 
(11/2017,  2/2016,  5/2015),  Sweden 

(11/2017,  2/2016), 

Topic  of  the  month:  Plaice  in  the  Netherlands 
(6/2016, 3/2015). 

17 

0,501,001,502,002,503,003,50DecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOctDecFebAprJunAugOct2015201620172018EUR/kgDenmarkNetherlandsUK 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

2 

Extra-EU imports  

Each month, weekly extra-EU import prices (average unit values per week, in EUR per kg) are examined for nine 
species.  Three of  them, which  are the  most  relevant  in  terms  of  value  and volume  are  examined  every  month: 
fresh Atlantic salmon from Norway, frozen Alaska pollock from China, and frozen tropical shrimp (genus Penaeus) 
from  Ecuador.  Six  other  species  change  every  month,  and this  issue  of  Monthly  Highlights  looks  at  frozen  Nile 
perch, fresh coalfish, and smoked trout, along with three species products that are examined each month as part 
of  the  month’s  selected  commodity  group,  which  this  month  is  flatfish  and  the  selected  species  products  are 
frozen sole, fresh turbots, and fresh plaice.  

For fresh whole Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar, CN code 03021400) imported from Norway, the EU import price 
has  continued to  decline from peak levels  in  May  2018.  The  price in  week  47 (the third  week  of  November)  of 
5,59  EUR/kg  was  down  by  4%  from  the  previous  week  and  28%  from  the  2018-peak  price  of  7,75  EUR/kg  in 
week 20. The boost in holiday demand and prices that industry expects has not yet materialized, but at this time 
in 2017 prices reached bottom (5,11 EUR/kg in week 48) so the current market may strengthen.  

Figure 32. IMPORT PRICE OF ATLANTIC SALMON, FRESH WHOLE FROM NORWAY 

Source: European Commission (updated 06.12.2018). 

The weekly price of frozen fillets of Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma, CN code 03047500) imported from 
China fell by 2% in week 47 to 2,31 EUR/kg, but it is still experiencing a gradual recovery from depressed levels 
observed during much of the early part of the year, when the weekly average price fell to 1,71 EUR/kg in week 9 
of 2018. There appears to be a long-run upturn in prices which, if it continues through this year, would be the first 
significant turn-around during the three-year period under examination. 

Figure 33. IMPORT PRICE OF ALASKA POLLOCK, FROZEN FILLETS FROM CHINA 

Source: European Commission (updated 06.12.2018). 

18 

4,005,006,007,008,009,0010,0011,002015/442015/482015/522016/032016/072016/112016/152016/192016/232016/272016/312016/352016/392016/432016/472016/512017/032017/072017/112017/152017/192017/232017/272017/312017/352017/392017/432017/472017/512018/032018/072018/112018/152018/192018/232018/272018/312018/352018/392018/432018/47EUR/kgWeek 47: 5,59 EUR/kg1,001,201,401,601,802,002,202,402,602,803,002015/442015/482015/522016/032016/072016/112016/152016/192016/232016/272016/312016/352016/392016/432016/472016/512017/032017/072017/112017/152017/192017/232017/272017/312017/352017/392017/432017/472017/512018/032018/072018/112018/152018/192018/232018/272018/312018/352018/392018/432018/47EUR/kgWeek 47: 2,31 EUR/kg 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

The price of frozen tropical shrimp (genus Penaeus, CN code 03061792) imported from Ecuador in week 47 fell 
slightly  compared  with  week  46  (−4%,  to  5,68  EUR/kg)  on  a  large  (+45%)  increase  in  volume.  Prices  in  2018 
through  week  47  remain  considerably  lower  than  a  year  earlier,  an  average  of  6,00  EUR/kg  in  2018  compared 
with  6,83  EUR/kg  during  the  same  47-week  period  in  2017.  Average  weekly  volume  so  far  in  2018  is  slightly 
higher than the same period in 2017. Ecuador’s exports continue to grow, although much of the increase is going 
to Asia. 

Figure 34. IMPORT PRICE OF FROZEN TROPICAL SHRIMP FROM ECUADOR 

Source: European Commission (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 35. IMPORT PRICE OF SOLE, FROZEN WHOLE 

FROM MOROCCO 

For  sole, in frozen  whole form (Solea  spp.,  CN 
code  03033300)  from  Morocco,  the  EU  import 
price  was  5,25  EU/kg  in  week  47,  up  by  15% 
from the previous week, while import volume fell 
by 71%. The week’s changes were not unusual, 
either  in  price  or  volume,  for  this  product.  Its 
price is very volatile, although over the last three 
years  there  has  been  no  significant  longer-run 
tendency.  Weekly  volume  is  erratic  as  well, 
often  disappearing  altogether,  but  with  no 
seasonal cycle.  

Source: European Commission (updated 06.12.2018). 

19 

4,005,006,007,008,009,0010,002015/442015/482015/522016/032016/072016/112016/152016/192016/232016/272016/312016/352016/392016/432016/472016/512017/032017/072017/112017/152017/192017/232017/272017/312017/352017/392017/432017/472017/512018/032018/072018/112018/152018/192018/232018/272018/312018/352018/392018/432018/47EUR/kgWeek 47: 5,68 EUR/kg2,003,004,005,006,007,008,009,0010,0011,0012,002015/482016/012016/072016/132016/192016/252016/312016/372016/432016/492017/032017/092017/152017/212017/272017/332017/392017/452017/512018/052018/112018/172018/232018/292018/352018/412018/47EUR/kgWeek 47: 5,25 EUR/kg 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

Figure 36. IMPORT PRICE OF TURBOT, FRESH WHOLE 

FROM NORWAY 

in  week  47, 

rose  by  26% 

The  EU  import  price  of  turbot,  fresh  whole 
(Psetta  maxima,  CN  code  03022400)  from 
Norway 
to  
11,62  EUR/kg,  its  highest  value  in  over  two 
years.  This  product’s  price  has  been  rising 
irregularly  for  more  than  a  year,  from  a  low 
point  of  6,64  EUR/kg  in  week  17  of  2017. 
Weekly  volume  has  influenced  the  price  for 
much  of  2018,  as  volume  has  been  on  a  
long-run  decline.  A  similar  pattern  occurred  in 
2016.  

Source: European Commission (updated 06.12.2018). 

Figure 37. IMPORT PRICE OF FRESH PLAICE FROM 

ICELAND 

(Pleuronectes 
The  price  of 
fresh  plaice 
platessa,  CN  code  03022200)  imported  from 
Iceland was 3,01 EUR/kg in week 47, up by 7% 
from the previous week. Volume was up slightly, 
by  3%.  Thus 
this  price  has 
far  in  2018, 
averaged  13%  higher  (2,54  EUR/kg)  than  the 
average  during 
in  2017  
(2,24  EUR/kg).  Volume  in  2018  has  averaged 
64%  higher than the  average  weekly volume in 
2017.  

the  same  period 

Source: European Commission (updated 06.12.2018). 

(the 

For frozen fillets of Nile perch (Lates niloticus, 
CN  code  03046300) imported from  Tanzania, 
the  price  during  the  last  three  years  has 
followed  a  long  wavelike  trend.  The  price  in 
latest  data  available)  of  
week  46 
3,16  EUR/kg  was 
the  
the 
three-year  period  of  review  and  is  the  latest 
low  in  a  period  of  irregular  decline  from 
steadier  prices  that  averaged  5,49  EUR/kg 
during 
weeks  
20-30  of  2017.  At  the  opposite,  the  average 
weekly volume in 2018 was about 10% greater 
than  the  volume  registered  during  the  same 
period in 2017.  

lowest  during 

Figure 38. IMPORT PRICE OF NILE PERCH, FROZEN 

FILLETS FROM TANZANIA 

Source: European Commission (updated 06.12.2018). 

20 

5,006,007,008,009,0010,0011,0012,0013,0014,002015/482016/012016/072016/132016/192016/252016/312016/372016/432016/492017/032017/092017/152017/212017/272017/332017/392017/452017/512018/052018/112018/172018/232018/292018/352018/412018/47EUR/kgWeek 47: 11,62 EUR/kg0,001,002,003,004,005,006,002015/482016/012016/072016/132016/192016/252016/312016/372016/432016/492017/032017/092017/152017/212017/272017/332017/392017/452017/512018/052018/112018/172018/232018/292018/352018/412018/47EUR/kgWeek 47: 3,01 EUR/kg2,003,004,005,006,007,008,002015/472015/532016/062016/122016/182016/242016/302016/362016/422016/482017/022017/082017/142017/202017/262017/322017/382017/442017/502018/042018/102018/162018/222018/282018/342018/402018/46EUR/kgWeek 46: 3,16 EUR/kg 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

Figure 39. IMPORT PRICE OF FRESH COALFISH FROM 

NORWAY 

Source: European Commission (updated 06.12.2018). 

tied  directly 

is  highly  cyclical, 

The  price  of  fresh  coalfish  (Pollachius  virens, 
CN  code  03025300)  from  Norway  rose  by  5% 
in  week  47,  to  1,38  EUR/kg,  as  import  volume 
fell  by  45%.  The  import  price  of  coalfish  from 
Norway 
to 
seasonal  cycles  in  volume.  Volume  usually 
peaks  in  January,  before  dropping  sharply  in 
February–March,  and 
it  recovers  gradually 
during the rest of the year. The price cycle also 
peaks  in  the  winter  (December–January)  and 
reaches  a  bottom  around  July  of  each  year. 
There is, in addition to annual cycles, a steady, 
long-run  decline  in  price,  from  a  2015  average 
to  a  2018  average  of  
of  1,67  EUR/kg, 
1,21 EUR/kg. 

The  import  price  of  smoked  trout  (Salmo  trutta, 
Oncorhynchus  spp.,  CN  code  03034300)  from 
Turkey was 7,54 EUR/kg in week 47, exactly the 
same  level  as  the  average  of  the  previous  ten 
weeks.  Its  relative  stability  is  expected  for  a 
product  with  an  extended  shelf-life 
is 
produced 
unlike  
volumes, 
wild-harvested  fresh  fish.  The  average  weekly 
volume since 2015 is 75.023 tonnes, and in 2018 
so far it has been 75.120 tonnes. As a result, there 
is  minimal  volatility  in  price,  nor  strong  cyclical 
trends.  There  has  been,  however,  a  long-run 
decline  in  price, from an average  of  8,14  EUR/kg 
in 2015 to 7,60 EUR/kg in 2018.  

controllable 

that 

in 

Figure 40. IMPORT PRICE OF SMOKED TROUT FROM 

TURKEY 

Source: European Commission (updated 06.12.2018). 

21 

0,000,501,001,502,002,503,002015/482016/012016/072016/132016/192016/252016/312016/372016/432016/492017/032017/092017/152017/212017/272017/332017/392017/452017/512018/052018/112018/172018/232018/292018/352018/412018/47EUR/kgWeek 47: 1,38 EUR/kg6,006,507,007,508,008,509,009,5010,002015/482016/012016/072016/132016/192016/252016/312016/372016/432016/492017/032017/092017/152017/212017/272017/332017/392017/452017/512018/052018/112018/172018/232018/292018/352018/412018/47EUR/kgWeek 47:7,54 EUR/kg 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

3  Consumption 

3.1.  HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION IN THE EU 

In September 2018, consumption of fresh fisheries and aquaculture products decreased in most of the Member States 
surveyed compared with September 2017. The largest decrease in volume occurred in the UK (−18%) and in value in 
Sweden (−23%). However, in Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands both volume and value increased. Only in Poland, did 
value increase (+2%), while volume declined (−5%). The highest increases were registered in Ireland (+10%) in value 
and in the Netherlands (+11%) in volume.  

Table 3. SEPTEMBER OVERVIEW OF THE REPORTING COUNTRIES (volume in tonnes and value in million EUR) 

Per capita 
consumption 
2016* 
(live weight 
equivalent) 
kg/capita/year 

24,7 

13,9 

5,2 

23,0 

31,1 

21,0 

14,5 

57,0 

45,7 

26,4 

23,7 

September 2016 

September 2017 

August 2018 

September 2018 

Change from 
September 2017 to 
September 2018 

Volume 

Value 

Volume  

Value 

Volume  

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

597 

8,92 

557 

8,22 

539 

7,85 

516 

7,63 

5.218 

73,06 

5.445 

75,34 

4.551 

70,72 

4.889 

72,52 

264 

1,66 

277 

1,48 

261 

1,53 

243 

1,29 

1.300 

18,35 

1.074 

15,48 

982 

14,68 

1.185 

17,10 

29.873 

244,24 

30.396 

252,96 

28.913 

249,74 

32.293 

267,61 

3.810 

46,35 

3.380 

42,35 

2.596 

36,42 

3.478 

46,87 

4.063 

21,80 

3.801 

21,52 

2.817 

17,41 

3.602 

21,91 

4.975 

30,44 

4.607 

29,65 

4.834 

31,37 

4.197 

27,89 

54.069 

391,72 

54.930 

415,97 

42.322 

322,23 

47.469 

357,06 

735 

10,60 

756 

11,16 

734 

11,32 

660 

8,64 

28.701 

293,29 

28.260 

285,35 

27.844 

291,86 

23.071 

236,07 

7% 

10% 

12% 

10% 

0
% 

6% 

3% 

0% 

5% 

9% 

14% 

13% 

18% 

7% 

4% 

13% 

10% 

6% 

11% 

2% 

6% 

14% 

23% 

17% 

Country 

Denmark 

Germany 

Hungary 

Ireland 

Italy 

Netherlands 

Poland 

Portugal 

Spain 

Sweden 

UK 

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 14.12.2018). 
*Data on per capita consumption of all fish and seafood products for all EU Member States can be found at:  
http://eumofa.eu/documents/20178/132648/EN_The+EU+fish+market+2018.pdf 

In the month of September for the past three years, household consumption of fresh fisheries and aquaculture products 
has  been  above  the  annual  average  in  both  volume  and  value  in  Italy  (+9%  and  +7%,  respectively)  and  the 
Netherlands (+32% and +24%). In Spain, household consumption in September was 2% above the average in value; 
however, volume was 2% below. In Ireland both volume and value remained at the average level and in the rest of the 
Member States surveyed, they were below the annual average. 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

3.2.  Fresh flounder 

Habitat:  a  demersal,  benthic  flatfish  living  on  shallow  soft  bottoms  down  to  
55 m11. 
Catch  area:  from  the  White  Sea  in  the  Eastern  Atlantic,  south  to  the 
Mediterranean and Black seas12. 
Main  producing  countries  in  Europe:  Poland,  Denmark,  the  Netherlands, 
Latvia. 
Production method: caught. 
Main consumers in the EU: Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands. 
Presentation: whole, filleted. 
Preservation: fresh, frozen, steamed, fried, baked. 

3.2.1 General overview of household consumption in Sweden  

Sweden is among the EU countries with high per capita consumption of fisheries and aquaculture  products. In 2016, 
Sweden registered per capita consumption of 26,4 kg, 9% higher than the EU average of 24,3 kg. Compared with the 
per capita consumption in Portugal of 57 kg (which was the highest in the EU), Sweden’s consumption was 54% lower. 
However,  the  per  capita consumption  of  fisheries  and  aquaculture  products  remained  unchanged  in  2016  compared 
with the previous year. See more on per capita consumption in the EU in table 3. 

We have covered flounder in previous Monthly Highlights: 

First  sales:  Estonia  (3/2018),  Latvia  (3/2018,  10/2015),  Lithuania  (3/2018,  6/2016,  2/2015,  1/2014),  Sweden 
(7/2015, May 2013). 

Consumption: Sweden (7/2016). 

3.2.2 Consumption trend in Sweden 

Long-term trend, January 2015–September 2018: decreasing in volume and increasing in price. 
Yearly average price: 12,02 EUR/kg (2015), 12,82 EUR/kg (2016), 13,57 EUR/kg (2017). 
Total yearly consumption: 357 tonnes (2015), 345 tonnes (2016), 328 tonnes (2017). 
Short-term trend, January–September 2018: decreasing in volume and increasing in price. 
Average price: 15,19 EUR/kg. 
Total consumption, January–September 2018: 128 tonnes. 

11 http://eumofa.eu/documents/20178/106790/MH+8+2017+EN.pdf 
12 http://www.fao.org/fishery/species/2550/en 

23 

 
 
 
 
                                                                                   
                           
 
 
 
                                                             
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

Figure 41. RETAIL PRICE AND VOLUME SOLD OF FRESH FLOUNDER IN SWEDEN 

Source: EUMOFA, based on Europanel (updated 14.12.2018). 

24 

0,005,0010,0015,0020,0025,0030,000102030405060JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep2015201620172018PriceVolumeVolume (tonnes)Price (EUR/kg)In January–September 2018, retail pricesfluctuated considerably, reaching 22,41 EUR/kg, the highest price recorded for the 3-year period. The average price during the first eight months of 2018 was 19% higher compared with a year ago. Consumed volumes were the largest in 2015. Thereafter, declines followed with the lowest consumed volumes recorded in 2018, particularly in June, when they dropped to 3 tonnes. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products

 MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/201 8 

4  Case study – Fisheries and aquaculture in New Zealand

New Zealand is located in the south-west Pacific Ocean, with a 
population of approximately 4,9 million 13. The country consists 
of two main Islands, the North and the South Island and it has 
a coastline that is over 15.000 km long, the ninth longest in the 
world.  The  seafood  industry  employs  over 13.000  people,  out 
fishing 
of  whom  about  2.500  work 
or  aquaculture 
an 
Exclusive  Economic  Zone  (EEZ)  of  200  nautical  miles  and 
indigenous 
123  species  are 
people  of  New  Zealand,  the  Maori,  have  about  50%  of 
New  Zealand’s fishing quotas15  and  are  guaranteed  20%  of 
the  quota  for  each  new species entering the country’s quota 
management system16.  

fished  commercially.  The 

sea14.  New  Zealand 

in  commercial 

has 

at 

Map of New Zealand.  
Source:www.orangesmile.com/travelguide/new-
zealand/country-maps.htm-

New Zealand has been recognized for its sustainable fisheries, as several fisheries have received certification by 
the  Marine  Stewardship  Council  (MSC)17.  According  to  the  Ministry  for  Primary  Industries,  of  the  165  stocks 
scientifically  evaluated  in  2017  (which  represent  78%  of  the  total  catch  in  value  and  71%  in  volume),  138  are 
sustainable (above the “soft” limit) and 27 below the soft limit 18. Below the soft limit a fish stock is considered to 
be overfished or depleted and needs to be actively rebuilt19. The main species caught in New Zealand are blue 
grenadier (also known as “hoki”), squid, mackerel, snoek and southern blue whiting. In 2016, the country’s total 
catch  from fisheries  was  425.000  tonnes,  with marine  fish  dominating  the  industry.  Catches  of  crustaceans  are 
mainly red rock lobster and New Zealand lobster that are exported live to Asian markets. 

New Zealand is also known for its aquaculture production of mussels and chinook salmon (or king salmon). The 
country  also  has  some  aquaculture  production  of  abalone  which  is  known  for  having  a  high  value  in  Asian 
markets. 

Table 4.  CATCHES IN NEW ZEALAND (volume in 1000 tonnes) 

Species 

Marine Fish 

Molluscs 

Crusteceans 

Other 

Total 

Source: FAO. 

2000-2005 
average 

2006-2011 
average 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

491 

63 

4 

1 

559 

394 

57 

4 

1 

397 

39 

4 

2 

408 

30 

4 

2 

418 

20 

4 

2 

407 

21 

4 

2 

455 

442 

444 

443 

433 

370 

48 

4 

3 

425 

13 https://www.stats.govt.nz/indicators/population-of-nz 
14 https://www.seafoodnewzealand.org.nz/industry/key-facts/ 
15 https://www.seafoodnewzealand.org.nz/industry/key-facts/ 
16 http://www.treaty2u.govt.nz/the-treaty-today/fisheries/index.htm 
17 https://fisheries.msc.org/en/fisheries/@@search?q=new+zealand&search= 
18 https://www.mpi.govt.nz/growing-and-harvesting/fisheries/fisheries-management/fish-stock-status/    
19 https://www.mpi.govt.nz/growing-and-harvesting/fisheries/fisheries-management/fish-stock-status/ 

25 

European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

  Catches 

In 2016, New Zealand had a total catch from fisheries at about 425.000 tonnes, a decline by 23% from 2000 but 
being relatively stable during the last five years. 

Catches of blue grenadier accounted for 33% of the total in 2016. It is caught by trawling in fishing regions mainly 
off  the  South  Island20.  Approximately  10%  of  the  total  catch  consisted  of  squid.  The  majority  of  squid  fishing 
activities takes place from January to May in territories around the EEZ, using both trawlers and jigging vessels21. 

Table 5.  CATCHES IN NEW ZELAND, MAIN SPECIES (1000 tonnes) 

Species 

2000-2005 
average 

2006-2011 
average 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

Blue grenadier 

182 

104 

128 

132 

149 

157 

140 

Jack and horse mackerels 

Southern blue whiting 

Snoek 

Wellington flying squid 

Pink cusk-eel 

Blue mackerel 

Orange roughy 

Other 

Total 

Source: FAO. 

  Aquaculture 

35 

29 

24 

54 

19 

10 

17 

188 

559 

42 

32 

27 

52 

14 

10 

12 

163 

455 

43 

30 

28 

35 

15 

10 

6 

146 

442 

45 

33 

23 

25 

14 

9 

7 

157 

444 

50 

32 

26 

15 

15 

6 

9 

141 

443 

45 

25 

25 

16 

15 

11 

10 

132 

433 

39 

23 

23 

43 

15 

9 

8 

125 

425 

Aquaculture  production  in  New  Zealand  amounted  to  109.016  tonnes  in  2016,  increasing  by  almost  20%  with 
respect to 2015 and reaching almost the same level of 2014. 

With  94.037  tonnes,  production  of  green  mussel  (also  known  as  New  Zealand  mussel)  covered  86%  of  total 
aquaculture  in  2016.  The  most  common  farming  method  for  the  species  is  the  culture  on  ropes.  The  mussels 
reach market size in 12–18 months.   

Production of chinook salmon has averaged 12.130 tonnes in the last five years, with a drop in 2014 to less than 
11.000  tonnes.  New  Zealand  is  the  world  largest  producer  of  this  species,  and  the  industry  uses  traditional 
methods  for  its  farming,  which  means  that  production  starts  in  land-based  hatcheries  and  after  growing  to  a 
certain size the fish are transferred to net pens in the sea to continue growing. Production is located in the areas 
of  Marlborough  Sounds, north of  the  South  Island,  around Stewart Island  on  the  south  end  of  the  South  Island 
and also in Akaroa Harbour on the east side of the South Island22. 

20 http://deepwatergroup.org/species/hoki/ 
21 https://fs.fish.govt.nz/Page.aspx?pk=5&tk=1&fpid=48 
22 https://www.aquaculture.org.nz/industry/king-salmon/ 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                             
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

Table 6.  AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND (volume in tonnes) 

Species 

Green mussel 
(New Zealand mussel) 

Chinook salmon 

Pacific cupped oyster 

Rainbow abalone 

Total 

Source: FAO. 

2012 

86.447 

12.397 

1.216 

101 

100.161 

2013 

83.561 

11.988 

1.497 

77 

97.123 

2014 

97.438 

10.840 

1.509 

87 

109.874 

2015 

76.811 

12.474 

1.909 

81 

91.275 

2016 

94.037 

12.943 

1.946 

90 

109.016 

Figure 42. EXPORT VALUE OF SPECIES FARMED IN 

NEW ZELAND (value in million EUR) 

is  produced 

in 
Rainbow  abalone,  which 
relatively  small  volumes,  has  a  very  high 
export  value.  In  2017,  chilled  abalone  was 
frozen 
exported  at  41,48  EUR/kg  and 
abalone 
is 
mainly  exported  to  China, Australia and Hong 
Kong. 

35,65  EUR/kg.  Abalone 

at 

Source: FAO. 
* Data for 2018 are available up to September.

Processing 

The different species caught or/and farmed in New Zealand are preserved and processed differently before being 
exported. 

Blue  grenadier  is  commonly  processed  on  board,  either  into  frozen  blocks  or  into  fillets,  the  latter  achieving  a 
higher  market  value.  Mussels  are  either  canned,  frozen  or  put  in  vacuum,  or  in  the  half-shell.  Rock  lobster  is 
mainly exported live to China, with small volumes being frozen.  

Salmon is subject to both primary and value-added processing. Salmon is processed and packaged into varying 
formats  to  be  sent  to  market  in  either  chilled  or  frozen  format.  The  most  popular  product  forms  include  whole 
salmon and salmon fillets as well as smoked salmon using either hot or cold natural wood smoking methods23. 

23 http://www.nurturedseafood.com/nz-king-salmon/traceability/processing/ 

27 

050100150200201320142015201620172018YTDChinook salmonGreen musselPacific cupped oysterRainbow abaloneEuropean Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

In  2017,  82%  of  the  seafood  export  from 
New  Zealand  consisted  of  frozen  products. 
Finfish  that  is  exported  as  frozen  whole 
products,  headed  and  gutted  or  in  fillets, 
made  up  60%  of  the  total.  Frozen  mussels, 
oysters  and  molluscs  accounted  for  12%  of 
the total. 
Processed  products  (such  as  smoked,  dried 
and  canned)  represented  12%  of  the  total, 
while  another  5%  included  chilled  products 
and 1% was exported live. 

Figure 43. SEAFOOD EXPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND BY 

PRESERVATION STATE (volume in 1000 
tonnes) 

  Trade 

Export 

Source: EUMOFA/EUROSTAT. 

In  2017,  New  Zealand  exported  seafood  to  113  different  countries  including  EU  Member  States.  Of  them,  
57  countries  imported  more  than  1.000  tonnes  of  seafood  from  New  Zealand.  This  demonstrates  how  New 
Zealand has effective transport routes and can reach markets all over the world despite its remote location in the 
south west Pacific.  

The most popular species exported from New Zealand are blue grenadier and mackerel. Of the 59.000 tonnes of 
blue  grenadier  exported  in  2017,  the  largest  amounts  were  destined  to  China  (23.600  tonnes),  Australia  
(10.400  tonnes)  and  Poland  (6.200  tonnes).  Mackerel  is  mainly  exported  to  China  (6.800  tonnes),  Cameroon 
(5.600 tonnes) and Mozambique (3.300 tonnes). This mainly comprises jack mackerel, exported at 1,01 EUR/kg 
in 2017. 

Mussels  are  mainly  exported  to  the  United  States  (10.000  tonnes),  the  EU  (6.000  tonnes)  and  China  (4.800 
tonnes), at an average export price of 4,67 EUR/kg in 2017. 

One of the most valuable species exported by New Zealand is rock lobster, reaching a price of 63,70 EUR/kg in 
2017.  This  was  a  decline  of  13%  from  2016  when  the  price  was  72,10  EUR/kg.  Nearly  all  of  the  rock  lobster 
exports from New Zealand in 2017 went to China. 

28 

17%17%10%26%12%5%12%1%Frozen headedand gutted, finfishFrozen whole,finfishFrozen fillets,finfishFrozen otherFrozen mussels,oysters, molluscsChilled productsProcessedproducts 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

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Table 7.  SEAFOOD EXPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND BY SPECIES (volume in 1000 tonnes and value in 

million EUR) 

Species 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

Blue grenadier (hoki) 

Mackerel 

Mussels 

Barracouta 

Squid 

Southern blue whiting 

Ling 

Skipjack tuna 

Salmon 

Orange roughy 

Rock lobster 

Albacore tuna 

Other 

Total 

57 

43 

33 

15 

14 

17 

6 

15 

3 

3 

3 

2 

83 

292 

133 

51 

165 

14 

28 

15 

31 

13 

29 

24 

175 

5 

317 

1.001 

55 

46 

28 

17 

15 

13 

5 

16 

3 

5 

3 

2 

81 

290 

131 

48 

141 

17 

26 

12 

30 

13 

38 

34 

192 

6 

339 

1.027 

56 

40 

33 

14 

38 

8 

6 

6 

4 

5 

3 

2 

77 

292 

133 

38 

167 

17 

73 

7 

34 

7 

46 

39 

206 

6 

349 

1.124 

59 

44 

36 

18 

17 

12 

7 

6 

5 

5 

3 

2 

83 

296 

141 

45 

167 

25 

50 

12 

41 

8 

59 

33 

173 

7 

342 

1.102 

Source: Seafood New Zealand (www.seafood.org.nz/publications/export-information/). 

Table 8.  SEAFOOD EXPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND BY DESTINATION (volume in 1000 tonnes, value in 

million EUR) 

 Market 

China 

Australia 

United States 

Japan 

South Korea 

South Africa 

Spain 

Russia 

Other 

Total 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

74 

34 

17 

19 

12 

8 

7 

8 

115 

292 

292 

148 

116 

65 

28 

7 

24 

16 

306 

1.001 

74 

33 

16 

19 

13 

11 

7 

6 

111 

290 

325 

141 

126 

65 

30 

12 

27 

10 

78 

34 

19 

19 

10 

10 

10 

4 

361 

157 

145 

71 

33 

13 

34 

10 

291 

1.027 

107 

292 

301 

1.124 

73 

35 

21 

20 

13 

13 

9 

7 

106 

296 

333 

150 

141 

70 

31 

16 

31 

14 

315 

1.102 

Source: Seafood New Zealand (www.seafood.org.nz/publications/export-information/). 

Exports to the EU 

New  Zealand  exported  41.000  tonnes  of  seafood  with  a  value  of  EUR  147  million  to  the  EU  in  2017.  Blue 
grenadier  was  the  most  common  species  exported,  mainly  as  frozen  fillets  or  frozen  fillet  blocks  destined  to 
Poland, France and Germany. 

Exports  of  6.000  tonnes  of  mussels  with  a  value  of  EUR  30  million  were  shipped  to  19  EU  Member  States  in 
2017. Spain (880 tonnes), Portugal (720 tonnes) and the UK (688 tonnes) imported the largest volumes. 

Of New Zealand’s squid exports, 77% was destined to Greece and 9% to Spain. 

In 2017, New Zealand exported 98% of ling to Spain and Portugal, where the species is popular. 

29 

 
 
 
  
 
  
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Table 9.  EXPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND TO THE EU BY SPECIES (volume in 1000 tonnes and value in 

million EUR) 

Species 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

2015 

2016 

2017 

Blue grenadier 
(hoki) 

Mussels 

Squid 

Ling 

Hake 

Albacore tuna 

Other 

13 

5 

4 

2 

3 

1 

7 

42 

28 

7 

9 

3 

3 

34 

16 

6 

14 

2 

1 

1 

6 

47 

35 

28 

11 

3 

3 

20 

Total 
148 
Source: Seafood New Zealand (www.seafoodnewzealand.org.nz/publications/export-information/). 

126 

36 

46 

16 

6 

5 

4 

2 

1 

8 

41 

49 

30 

16 

18 

5 

4 

24 

147 

Table 10.  EXPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND TO THE EU BY DESTINATION (volume in 1000 tonnes and 

value in million EUR) 

2015 

2016 

2017 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Market 

Spain 

Poland 

France 

Germany 

Portugal 

Greece 

Other 

7 

4 

7 

4 

2 

2 

9 

27 

13 

21 

18 

9 

4 

34 

10 

7 

6 

5 

2 

5 

11 

34 

22 

15 

22 

11 

11 

34 

9 

6 

6 

5 

4 

3 

8 

31 

21 

16 

20 

15 

10 

34 

41 

147 

Total 
148 
Source: Seafood New Zealand (www.seafoodnewzealand.org.nz/publications/export-information/). 

126 

36 

46 

Imports from the EU 

New Zealand imports some volumes of seafood from the EU, amounting  to 23.000 tonnes in 2017. This mainly 
included 11.100 tonnes of prepared “other cuts” of tuna and “other marine fish”, and 5.100 tonnes of frozen whole 
products. 

Since  2009,  when  New  Zealand  imported  60.000  tonnes  of  seafood  from  EU  Member  States,  volumes  have 
decreased each year, especially for “other marine fish” and “other cephalopods”. On the other hand, tuna imports 
have been stable through the period. 

30 

 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Table 11.  IMPORTS IN NEW ZEALAND FROM THE EU BY SPECIES (volume in 1000 tonnes and value in 

million EUR) 

Species 

Other marine fish 

Miscellaneous tuna 

Miscellaneous shrimps 

Other cephalopods 

Other 

Total 

Source: EUMOFA/EUROSTAT. 

  Consumption 

2015 

2016 

2017 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

Volume 

Value 

14 

5 

2 

8 

18 

47 

31 

18 

19 

16 

59 

6 

5 

3 

8 

7 

16 

18 

26 

19 

26 

6 

5 

3 

2 

7 

15 

19 

29 

8 

31 

143 

29 

105 

23 

103 

With a population of only 4,9 million people24, the domestic  consumption of seafood in New Zealand is not very 
significant,  even  though  it  is  an  island  nation.  This  can  perhaps  be  explained  by  its  British  heritage,  as  the 
migrants from Europe had a diet consisting of beef and sheep as their protein source. Immigrants from Asia have 
brought seafood traditions, but most New Zealanders still only eat small amounts of fish25. 

However,  during the  last  30  years,  seafood  has  become more  popular among  New  Zealanders.  For  the  Maori, 
seafood  has  always  been  an  important  part  of  their  diet26.  Orange  roughy  and  blue  grenadier  are  the  main 
species consumed.  

Seafood consumption is also influenced by tourists, as about 3,7 million people visited New Zealand in 201727. 

24 https://www.stats.govt.nz/indicators/population-of-nz 
25 https://teara.govt.nz/en/seafood 
26 https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/no-pavlova-please/seafood-consumption 
27 https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/international-travel-and-migration-december-2017 

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5  Case study – Digitalisation in the EU fish and seafood 

market

As in other economic sectors, the basic trend of digitalisation currently affects also the fisheries and aquaculture 
market. The purpose of this case study is to highlight two of the main changes that digitalisation has caused in the 
fish  and  seafood  supply  chain  in  the  EU:  digitalisation  of  sales  in  fish  auctions  and  online  shops,  and 
marketplaces for wholesalers and final consumers. 

  First sales in fish auctions: web-based sales 

Electronic  auctions  and  real  time  security  deposit  follow-up  allow  remote  web-based  access  to  electronic 
auctions.  Such  services  are  already  provided,  especially  in  Belgian,  Dutch  and  French  fish  auction  markets.  In 
France,  two-thirds  of  sales  in  auctions  are  web-based28.  RFID-based  (Radio  Frequency  Identification)  smart 
boxes/crates allow for complete traceability. For example, French fishing ports are  installing such devices along 
the value chain from vessel to market. Following landings, blockchain technology could secure remote payments 
in the future and better connect stakeholders along the value chain29. 

The development of electronic auctions differs across the EU Member States. While in France the distance selling 
is  becoming  the  dominant  model  for  trade  in  fisheries  and  aquaculture  products,  it  is  still  marginal  in  other 
countries  (e.g.  Denmark  and  Spain).  In  Spain,  for  instance,  electronic  auctions  tend  to  be  in  place  in  smaller 
auctions,  not  centrally  located  and  operate  mainly  with  small-scale  coastal  fishermen,  while  the  main  auctions 
continue to operate only with buyers being physically present on site. 

Figure 44. PEFA AUCTION CLOCK, MOBILE APP FOR FISH 

BUYERS 

At  the  EU  level,  the  Pan  European  Fish 
Auctions  (Pefa)  was  created  ten  years  ago 
and constitutes an auction system for remote 
purchase  in  Denmark  (four  fish  auctions 
involved),  Sweden  (two),  the  Netherlands 
(seven),  Belgium  (one)  and  Italy  (six).  This 
system involves most of the main Dutch fish 
auctions  and  over  400  vessels  in  the  EU. 
The buyers have to be accredited, but do not 
need  to  be  physically  present  at  the  auction 
site. They can have access to fish sales in all 
involved  auctions  on  Pefa’s  website  or  by 
using  the  dedicated  mobile  app,  the  “Pefa 
auction clock”. 

Source: Pefa.com. 

The result is that buyers from the comfort of their office can buy fish from their office at several fish auctions at the 
same time. In France, despite the decreasing trend affecting first-sales volumes at auctions in recent years, the 
number of buyers has increased as the access to sales had been digitalized. In 2016, though they still accounted 
for the largest share in first-sales value, fish wholesalers, who traditionally used to represent most of the operators 
buying at fish auctions, accounted for only 25% of operators buying  at French auctions. For fishmongers it was 

28 https://www.ouest-france.fr/bretagne/quimper-29000/assises-de-la-peche-la-vente-distance-une-tendance-nationale-5256792 
29https://www.oecd.org/greengrowth/GGSD_2017_Issue%20Paper_New%20technologies%20in%20Fisheries_WEB.pdf 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                             
 
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50%.  This  contributed  to  a  higher  pressure  on  sales  and this,  combined  with  decreasing  supply, has  caused  a 
significant increase in average first-sale prices30. 

In addition, in France, buyers can have access to supply previsions for all 34  French fish auctions. The landing 
previsions  are  communicated  by fishing vessels to  auctions  and these  data  are  centralized  and  harmonized  by 
the national fish auctions’ association. This allows buyers to receive a real-time overview on a daily basis on what 
is going to be landed. This information is used as a tool for decision-making in their buying strategy. Currently, the 
supply  prevision  data  are  provided  by  email  as  a  newsletter  to  which  buyers  can  subscribe.  However,  the 
objective for the coming years is to set an online portal31. 

Pefa is also interested in providing advice and services to non-EU countries, where transparency of fish first sale 
is  a  significant factor  due  to  socio-economic  but  also  environmental  reasons. They  see  the  digitalisation of  fish 
sales as a tool that can support governments to monitor and manage fisheries, taking pressure off the resources 
through regulation32. 

  Online retail/wholesale market 

At present, about 85% of Europeans have internet access compared to 55% in 200733. E-shopping has become 
increasingly widespread in the EU as consumers appreciate the advantages such as being able to shop anytime 
and anywhere, having access to a broader range of products and being able to compare prices easily. 

According  to  an  EU  survey  carried  in  2016,  one  out  of  four  e-shoppers  buy  food  or  groceries,  making  food 
products the 5th product category after clothes and/or sports goods, travel and holiday accommodation, household 
goods  and  tickets  for  events.  Over  the  last  10  years,  the  share  of  e-shoppers  in  the  EU  increased  for  all  age 
groups, but most notably for younger internet users aged 16 to 24 years34. 

With  a  5,6% value  share,  Europe is the  world’s  second market  for  grocery  e-commerce behind  Asia. In the  UK 
and France, retailers have successfully responded to the consumer switch to online shopping of grocery whereas 
other  major  markets,  like  Germany,  have  not  experienced  this  transition  to  a  comparable  extent.  The  most 
popular format options are home delivery and click-and-collect systems (where shoppers pick up the goods at the 
shops). 

Traditionally, the fish market supply chain involves a large number of intermediate operators from first sale to final 
consumer. The fisherman sells his landings at the fish auction to wholesalers who ship and sell them in wholesale 
markets or directly to the retailers, buyers or restaurants. Most of these operations are still done by phone or fax. 
Thus, the  emerging  e-commerce landscape  represents a  great  opportunity to market  and  sell  fish and  seafood, 
especially for younger generations and consumers living far from the coasts.  

A few examples of business development in the fish and seafood sector in  the EU are provided for the Spanish 
and French markets. 

30 http://pdm-seafoodmag.com/lactualite/detail/items/ventes-en-criees-moins-de-poisson-plus-dacheteurs.html 
31 http://www.lemarin.fr/secteurs-activites/peche/30134-previsions-dapports-lassociation-des-criees-prend-le-relais 
32 https://www.undercurrentnews.com/2018/02/06/dutch-online-fish-auction-eyes-potential-to-improve-transparency-in-developing-
countries/ 
33 https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2017/12/19/E-Commerce-trends-in-Europe-facts-and-figures 
34 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/cache/infographs/ict/bloc-2a.html 

33 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                             
 
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Spain 

Figure 45. VOLUME SHARE OF DIFFERENT RETAIL 

CHANNELS FOR SALES OF FISH AND 
SEAFOOD PRODUCTS IN SPAIN IN 2017 

In  Spain,  food  and  groceries  online  purchases 
have experienced a significant growth in recent 
years, though  still being marginal  compared  to 
other  marketing  channels.  According 
to  a 
statistical study that  analysed fish and seafood 
sales  at  retail  stage  in  2017,  the  e-commerce 
accounted  for  less  than  1%  of  total  volume 
sold. 
In  Galicia,  however,  online  sales  of  fish  and 
seafood experience a +20% growth each year. 
This  growth 
to  sales 
through online fishmongers like Mariskito, Sal y 
Laurel  or  Del  mar  al  plato.  They  are  often  a 
complementary  activity  for  traditional  fish  and 
seafood  business  companies  and  target  in 
particular the foodservice sector36. 

is  mainly  attributed 

Source: Statista35. 

France 

In France  the  digital  overturning  has  slightly impacted  the fish  and  seafood market  in recent  years  with  several 
interesting examples of business initiatives. 

The  French-Swiss  start-up  Procsea  offers  an  online  marketplace  for  fish  and  seafood  products,  connecting 
fishermen  or  wholesalers  and  restaurants/buyers.  Since  2016,  the  company  has  experienced  a  +30%  growth 
each  month37.  The  company  deals  with  logistics,  fish  collecting  and  shipping,  and,  if  necessary,  customs 
formalities. According to their manager, this market is estimated at EUR 54,3 billion in the EU38. 

The French company Poiscaille provides a sourcing and delivery service of fresh fish boxes directly from fishing 
vessels  to  consumers.  The  objective  is  to  sell  various  species,  sustainably  exploited  and  caught  with  passive 
gears and in accordance with fishing seasonality. On a monthly basis, about 2.000 boxes are sold and delivered 
to 1.000 subscribers. In addition, the company supplies about 40 restaurants in Paris. 

There  are  also  other  initiatives  at  local  level.  For  example,  a  fishing  company  in  Normandy,  owning  several 
vessels, has developed an online shop service to sell some of its products directly to consumers, in partnership 
with a logistic company, specialized in delivering chilled boxes39. 

However, shipping costs and quality constraints are still significant challenges to be faced for these companies, 
affecting the final consumer price. The development of online shops and drive service by traditional fishmongers 
can also be a good opportunity especially for ready-to-eat products like cooked shellfish and crustaceans. 

35 https://es.statista.com/estadisticas/491407/volumen-de-ventas-de-pescado-en-espana-por-canal-de-distribucion/ 
36 https://www.diariodepontevedra.es/articulo/pontevedra/venta-internet-marisco-pescado-fresco-galicia-
crece/201811041929251007758.html 
37 https://www.usine-digitale.fr/article/des-filets-a-l-assiette-en-passant-par-le-net-procsea-une-marketplace-dediee-aux-produits-de-la-
mer.N580623 
38 https://www.usine-digitale.fr/article/une-seconde-levee-de-fonds-de-2-5-m-pour-procsea.N694654 
39 https://actu.fr/normandie/cherbourg-en-cotentin_50129/du-poisson-frais-cherbourg-vendu-sur-internet-livre-partout-
france_20113435.html?fbclid=IwAR1a0KZr_39lO9EATd0lYxQ9lU7k6CVKcVpLHiSSskEf9qcpsDpdEP6oe5w 

34 

Supermarkets51%Traditional food markets25%Hypermarkets12%Discounters9%E-commerce1%Other retail channels4% 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                             
 
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Italy 

In Italy the project Ittico, Mercato Telematico Sperimentale (Experimental Telematic Market), intends to become a 
platform  enabling  all  sector  operators  to  sell  their  goods  to  restaurateurs,  and  consumers  to  buy  and  bargain 
prices for fisheries products40. 

40 http://www.gamberorosso.it/en/food-news/1046786-ittico-an-avant-garde-e-market-for-fish-and-aquaculture 

35 

 
 
 
                                                             
 
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6  Global highlights 

regions  of 

EU  /  Fisheries:    In  November  2018,  the 
European Commission adopted rules within the 
Guidelines  for  the  examination  of  State  Aid  to 
the  fisheries  and  aquaculture  sector  in  the 
outermost 
the  EU.  The  new 
measures  will  allow  Member  States  to  offer 
support  for  the  renewal  of  the  small-scale 
fishing fleet while fishing sustainably in the nine 
outermost  regions.  The  aim  is  to  facilitate  fleet 
renewal  in  order  to  increase  the  safety  of 
fishers,  ensure  food  supplies,  and  allow  the 
fisheries  sector  to  play  an  important  role  in  the 
development of the regions41. 

/  Western  Waters 

/  Fisheries:  The 
EU 
Multiannual  Plan  for  fisheries  in  the  Western 
Waters  has  been  adopted  by the  European  Parliament  and  the  European  Council.  The  agreement  will  help  restore  and 
maintain  stocks  at  sustainable  levels,  while  ensuring  social  and  economic  viability  for  the  fishermen  operating  in  the 
region. The plan concerns the fleets of Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and the UK in this part of the 
Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent waters. The Western Waters plan covers fisheries for species from the North and West of 
Scotland over the Gulf of Cadiz down to Madeira in the South42. 

EU / Norway / The Faroe Islands / Fisheries: The EU, Norway and the Faroe Islands have signed a tripartite agreement 
setting the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Northeast Atlantic mackerel for 2019 at 653.438 tonnes, a 20% reduction from 
the TAC in 201843.  

ICCAT / Sustainable Fisheries: In November 2018, the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas 
(ICCAT) agreed on a reviewed multi-annual management plan for bluefin tuna. The Commission agreed to roll over current 
measures for tropical tunas and to work in advance of the 2019 Commission meeting to develop a new plan acceptable to 
all  stakeholders.  The  Commission  also  approved  new  recommendations  on  reporting  formats  for  the  implementation  of 
billfish  and  shark  management  measures,  as  well  as  measures  for  the  development  of  the  IUU  fishing  vessel  list,  port 
State measures and Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)44. 

Iceland / Supply: The overall catch of Icelandic vessels in October was 113.656 tonnes, nearly the same as in October 
2017.  Demersal  catch  was  just  46.000  tonnes,  8%  more  than  in  the  same  month  last  year.  The  pelagic  catch  was  
64.000 tonnes, a decline of 6%. The pelagic catch consisted mostly of herring which totalled at 59.000 tonnes45. 

Peru /  Fishmeal  /  Supply:  The  anchovy landing for the marine ingredients  industry  (fishmeal  and  fish  oil) registered  in 
November 2018 was the highest since 2013. This result was due to the good rate of catches obtained since the beginning 
of 201846. 

Spain / Aquaculture: Andalusian aquaculture generated 909 jobs last year, 21% more than in 2016, when 715 jobs were 
created. The total number of hectares destined to the aquaculture activity in Andalusia is 8.618, of which 7.698 hectares 
correspond to Natura Network 2000 spaces, representing almost 90% of the activity located in these areas 47. 

Ireland / IUU: At the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi, Ireland pledged EUR 32 million in funding for the 
fight  against Illegal,  Unreported,  and  Unregulated  (IUU) fishing  in the  next  year.  Among  commitments to  be made  is  an 
upgrade  of  the  national  naval  service  technology  infrastructure  to  support  the  Irish  fisheries  resources  protection 
programme48. 

41 https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press/outermost-regions-commission-adopts-new-rules-develop-sustainable-fisheries_en  
42 https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/press/agreement-commission-proposal-multi-annual-fisheries-management-plan-western-waters_en  
43 https://www.regjeringen.no/contentassets/c1a2a09188df49ba9ab4903b494b4687/faroe-islands-eu-norway-extension-2014-2020.pdf  
44 https://www.iccat.int/Documents/Meetings/COMM2018/PRESS_RELEASE_ENG.pdf  
45 https://www.statice.is/publications/news-archive/fisheries/fish-catches-in-october-2018/  
46 https://www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&country=0&special=&monthyear=&day=&id=100565&ndb=1&df=0  
47 https://www.fis.com/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?monthyear=12-2018&day=1&id=100567&l=e&country=0&special=&ndb=1&df=0  
48 https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2018/11/ireland-commits-e32mn-in-efforts-to-fight-illegal-fishing/  

 
 
 
 
 
                                                             
 
European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products 

MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS | NO.11/2018 

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 Commission, 2018 
KL-AK-18-011-EN-N 
ISSN 2314-9671 

Photographs: © Eurofish, Freeworldsmaps.net.  

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:  European  Commission,  European  Council,  habitas.org,  ICES, 
FAO, FishBase. 

Consumption: EUROPANEL. 

Case  studies:  FAO,  New  Zealand  National  Statistics,  Seafood  New 
Zealand,  Marine  Stewardship  Council,  Treaty  2  U  New  Zealand,  Fisheries 
New  Zealand,  Deep  Water  Group,  Aquaculture  New  Zealand,  Nurture 
Seafood  New  Zealand,  EUROSTAT,  Te  Ara  –  The  Encyclopedia  of  New 
Zealand, New Zealand History, Pan European Fish Auctions (PEFA), OECD, 
Ouest-France,  Produits  de  la  mer,  Le  Marin  France,  Undercurrent  News, 
Food Navigator, Statista, Diario de Pontevedra, Usine Digitale, Actu France, 
Gambero Rosso. 

Global  highlights:  European  Commission,  European  Council,  ICCAT, 
Statistics Iceland, fis.com. 

The  underlying  first-sales  data  is  in  a  separate  Annex  available  on  the 
EUMOFA  website.  Analyses  are  made  at  aggregated  (main  commercial 
species)  level  and  according  to  the  EU  Electronic  recording  and  reporting 
system (ERS).  

In the context of this Monthly Highlights, analyses are led in current prices, 
expressed in nominal values. 

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  weekly  prices, 
monthly market trends, and annual 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 
www.eumofa.eu. 

is  publicly  available  at 

the 

following  address: