Press Release: EU research helps fish farmers become more competitive

Aquaculture holds the promise of reducing the need to catch wild fish. Global demand for fish is increasing, putting many species in danger from overfishing. Fish farming, or aquaculture, is taking some of the pressure off these stocks – half of the fish consumed globally is now produced at fish farms. However, more could be done to make Europe’s aquaculture industry, which employs some 80 000 people, more efficient. By producing more fish in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way, fish farms could further reduce the pressure on Europe’s wild fish stocks.

To help, the EU-funded project AQUAEXCEL is connecting aquaculture scientists from across Europe for research that fish farmers can use to boost their competitiveness – and the economies of coastal communities.