Spain leads the aquaculture harvest in the European Union with more than 266,000 tons annually.

In Spain, this strategic sector combines fishing tradition and scientific innovation. Our country leads aquaculture production in the European Union, with more than 266,000 tons annually and a first-sale value of €750.5 million.

Aquaculture generates 8,200 direct jobs and more than 40,000 indirect jobs in Spain, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, with strong roots in rural and coastal areas. It is a key sector not only for food security but also for territorial cohesion and the socioeconomic development of areas that depend on the sea and its resources.

"We're talking about a sector that secures the population, creates opportunities, and guarantees a sustainable future in regions where the sea and rivers are the main source of life and work," said Javier Ojeda, manager of APROMAR.

At Madrid's Mercado de la Paz, Pescadería Oñate witnessed a shocking experience last week: nearly empty counters, long lines, and minimal portions, a metaphor for what would happen if we relied solely on extractive fishing to meet the growing demand for fish.

The action, promoted by APROMAR, sought to highlight the extent to which we take for granted the ability to access fresh fish every day. "Without aquaculture, fish would cease to be an everyday food and become a privilege," Ojeda emphasized.

Spain accounts for nearly a quarter of all aquaculture production in the European Union, followed by France, Greece, and Italy. Together, these countries account for more than two-thirds of EU aquaculture. While Spain excels in the cultivation of mussels, trout, sea bream, and sea bass, other European partners excel in species such as oysters (France) and salmon (Ireland).

"Our country not only leads in volume, but also in species diversity and a sustainable production model that is a benchmark in Europe," added the APROMAR manager.

Spain's leadership is supported by a solid innovative ecosystem that combines research, technological development, and training: "Spain is exporting knowledge, technology, and talent. We're not just talking about producing more fish, but about doing it better and in a way that serves as a model for other countries," Ojeda emphasized.

Under the slogan "True Luck," the Mercado de la Paz initiative emphasized that Spanish aquaculture is a future in two ways: it guarantees access to healthy, tasty, and sustainable fish, and it does so by protecting the natural resources we must pass on to future generations.

“The true privilege isn't eating fish, but rather having a model that makes it possible in a sustainable way for the entire society. Aquaculture is also one of the most sustainable and efficient ways to obtain natural foods. It has one of the lowest CO₂ emissions per quantity of animal protein obtained and requires minimal freshwater consumption, giving it one of the smallest water footprints of all food production,” according to data from this business association, which states that “in Spain, this sector is developing responsibly, leading the harvest in the European Union and positioning itself as a world leader in sustainability, innovation, and animal welfare. Therefore, Spanish aquaculture is the future in two ways: it guarantees access to healthy and nutritious food, and it does so by protecting the natural resources that we must bequeath to future generations.”