EU fishing fleet shows signs of recovery amid challenging market conditions

A new European Commission study highlights recent economic trends in the EU fishing fleet, showing continued pressure on profitability in 2023 alongside more positive prospects for the years ahead. The analysis draws on EUMOFA market and price data to assess developments in landings, costs and fleet performance.

The study “The EU fishing fleet – Trends and economic results” (Maritime Economic Papers No 09/2025), shows that in 2023 around 53.300 active vessels employed more than 155.000 people and landed approximately 3,39 million tonnes of fish, with a total value of about 6,1 billion euros. Although the EU fleet remained profitable overall, margins were significantly lower than in 2022, reflecting high operating costs and declining average first-sale prices.

Market developments played a key role in shaping economic outcomes. According to EUMOFA data cited in the study, seafood price inflation in 2023 contributed to a reduction in EU household consumption of fresh seafood, even as total spending increased. Lower average prices meant that the value of landings declined more sharply than volumes, adding pressure on fleet revenues.

The report also highlights improvements in fuel efficiency and cost dynamics. While fuel prices had peaked in 2022, EUMOFA fuel price indicators show a decline in 2023, helping to reduce operating costs. Over the longer term, technological progress and more efficient fishing practices have allowed vessels to land more fish per litre of fuel consumed.

Looking ahead, the outlook for 2024 and 2025 is cautiously optimistic. Lower fuel prices, easing inflation and more stable market conditions are expected to support a recovery in economic performance, with gross and operating profits projected to increase. The study also confirms that fleets operating on well-managed, sustainable fish stocks tend to achieve stronger economic results over time.

By combining economic analysis with market and price information from EUMOFA, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the EU fishing fleet, underlining the importance of transparent market data in supporting evidence-based fisheries policy and long-term sector resilience.

The study is available for download here.