According to the report, produced by the ICM-CSIC in collaboration with the Gremi de Peixaters de Catalunya, fresh fish consumption has decreased by 40% over the past 15 years, although it remains one of the highest in Europe.
The Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC) in Barcelona, in collaboration with the Gremi de Peixaters de Catalunya, has produced a new report analysing the evolution of fish consumption in Catalonia since 1960 and the causes driving this change. According to the document, fresh fish consumption has decreased by 40% in the last 15 years, and the volume caught in Catalonia does not account for 25% of the fish consumed, with this percentage falling below 10% in the case of some iconic species such as hake.
"We are facing a true silent revolution regarding the consumption of marine products, both in terms of volume and species consumed, with environmental, labour, nutritional, and economic consequences affecting the entire fish value chain: from fishermen to fishmongers," explains ICM-CSIC researcher Miquel Ortega.
Changes in Consumption
According to the report, despite the 40% reduction in consumption over the last 15 years, the current average still meets the minimum recommended by specialised organisations, although there are significant differences depending on the population segment. The changes, however, are not only in terms of quantity but also in the species consumed. For instance, some traditionally high-consumption species, such as sardines, have seen a particularly sharp decline in recent decades.
Moreover, in the past 15 years, there has been a notable decrease in fresh hake consumption and an increase in salmon, which is entirely imported, as well as other farmed species. Finally, species such as mullets, some sharks (such as the smooth hound or dogfish), bottom-dwelling fish like the common forkbeard, or species with many bones like the bogue, which were once commonly consumed, now have very limited consumption.
Experts argue that the reasons behind these changes in consumption are varied, although the most influential factors are price – particularly –, convenience in preparation and consumption, reduced culinary knowledge, and less time spent on cooking. However, a growing interest in local fish and environmental aspects has been noted, although these factors are still considered secondary in the purchase decision.
Less Catches
Another aspect analysed in the report is the relationship between catches and consumption. In this regard, the document points out that currently only one-third of what was caught in the 1990s is being caught, and the quantity of fish caught locally accounts for less than 25% of the volume of fresh fish consumed in households, with a decreasing trend. In fact, in the case of iconic species such as hake, sole, or monkfish, local catches do not even reach 10% of the volume consumed, whereas for sardines or anchovies, the percentage is higher.
However, experts note that the state of the resource does not allow for an increase in local catches in the short or medium term:
“Despite the high dependence on distant fish, the state of the local marine ecosystem currently prevents further exploitation. The local marine ecosystem is still far from being in a good environmental state, so it is necessary to continue progressing in management that will lead us towards a sustainable situation,” explains ICM-CSIC researcher Marta Coll.
Meanwhile, the Gremi de Peixaters warns that the decrease in consumption is causing significant difficulties throughout the entire fish value chain. The President of the Guild, Àlex Goñi, comments: "Despite the difficulties, fishmongers are making a strong effort to adapt to the changes taking place, offering quality products and a close relationship with the customer and society. The agreement with the ICM is part of this commitment and helps us generate quality and relevant information for our members, customers, and the entire sector."