Marine Industries Global Market Analysis - Marine Institute

86 MARINE INDUSTRIES GLOBAL MARKET ANALYSIS
14.3 EUROPEAN MARKET
Marine aquaculture production in Western Europe (€3.5 billion in 2004) is ranked
second to Asia in regional production value (€17 billion), but this only amounts to a
fifth of Asia’s. According to available data, Eastern Europe’s production is very small
compared to Western Europe. As within the capture fisheries, Norway is the European
leader by far with its production equal to the combined production of the UK,
France and Spain. European production values are forecast to increase, in-line with
global estimates, at a rate of 4% per annum from 2005 to 2009.
Total European (EU25) production grew by more than 40%, from 1 million tonnes in
1993 to 1.4 million in 1999, and then declined very slightly. 56 France, Italy, Norway,
Spain and the UK are the largest players. Norwegian production at 554,000 tonnes in
2002 is nearly twice that of its nearest rival Spain. (By comparison, Japan produces
about 1.3 million tonnes.)
Within Ireland a number of factors led to a decrease in salmon production from
21,423 tonnes in 2002 to 16,437 tonnes in 2003 (although trout farming was
unaffected).This was due to company receiverships, market issues, disease and other
unfavourable environmental factors. In addition, other countries are able to market
the same products at reduced prices. Price battles among retailers are also contributing
to the pressure to keep prices low – a situation that benefits consumers, whilst
damaging suppliers.
14.4 CHALLENGES
The reputation of farmed fish suffered with the publishing of a report in ‘science’ in
2004, on the levels of chemicals within the fish.The effect of the article highlights
how vulnerable the industry is to negative press. (There has been good development
of Irish mussels since the bio-toxin issue was resolved.) Aquaculturists’ freedom to
improve fish is limited by the need to consider the effects of new or modified fish on
the aquatic ecosystem and human health.The industry has to become more united
and sophisticated in its approach to marketing and promoting the sustainability and
health benefits of farmed seafood. 57
It is thought that the US and Europe will continue to experience increased imports
from Asia.The challenge for exporters is to ensure that they supply safe, properly
labeled products.
56
‘Eurostat Yearbook’ 2004
57
‘Intrafish’, December 2004, p15