Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus produced 9,053.9 tonnes of farmed aquatic organisms in 2024, as overall aquaculture output across the European Union declined in both volume and value. Eurostat said total EU production reached 1 million tonnes with a total value of €4.6 billion.
EU production and year-on-year change
Compared with 2023, EU aquaculture production fell by 3.7 per cent in volume and 3.6 per cent in value, Eurostat reported. The output covered fish, molluscs, algae and crustaceans.
Cyprus output within the EU context
Within the broader decline, Cyprus’ output of 9,053.9 tonnes was reported as part of the EU’s overall aquaculture production, reflecting its position as a smaller contributor.
Leading producers in the EU
Eurostat said production was concentrated, with five countries accounting for just over two-thirds of total output. Spain produced 246,137 tonnes, representing 24.3 per cent of the EU total, followed by France with 181,434 tonnes or 17.9 per cent, and Greece with 127,493 tonnes or 12.6 per cent. Italy produced 98,051 tonnes or 9.7 per cent, and Poland 43,554 tonnes or 4.3 per cent.
Species by volume and value
By live weight, mussels accounted for 32.8 per cent of EU aquaculture production, followed by trout at 17.2 per cent and gilthead seabream at 10.0 per cent. By value, trout ranked as the most valuable species, accounting for 17.9 per cent of total aquaculture value.
How do you think Cyprus’ aquaculture sector could adapt to the EU-wide decline in output and value?