Spain leads the way in sustainable aquaculture – Spain continues to strengthen its position as a world leader in sustainable aquaculture, playing a crucial role in the country’s primary economic sector. The Organic Production Statistics Report 2023, published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, shows significant growth in this area. Aquaculture, along with agriculture and animal husbandry, has adopted the ecological model, with production increasing by 7% in the past year, totalling more than 4,000 tonnes of organic aquatic products. Of these, 1,745 tonnes are mussels.
In 2023, 163 organic aquaculture activities were registered in Spain, plus 16 dedicated to the extraction of wild seaweed. This brings the total of aquatic organic production activities to 179, underlining the country’s commitment to sustainability in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The main biologically produced species include mussels, oysters, rainbow trout, sturgeon and seaweed.
Galicia stands out with 154 organic aquaculture activities, of which 153 are dedicated to mussel cultivation, while one focuses on seaweed cultivation. To these are added another 14 activities involving the extraction of wild seaweed. In comparison, there are four activities in Asturias, with two dedicated to oyster cultivation and another two to the extraction of seaweed from the wild. In other regions, such as Castilla-La Mancha and La Rioja, organic rainbow trout farming is the predominant sector, while in Andalusia there is a single operation for organic sturgeon farming.
Beyond aquaculture, the report reveals impressive growth in Spain’s organic agricultural sector. The area dedicated to organic agricultural production has increased by 12%, reaching almost 3 million hectares in 2023. Similarly, organic livestock operations increased by 18%, further consolidating Spain’s position as a leader in sustainable food production.
This expansion highlights the growing demand for environmentally sustainable products and Spain’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability in all aspects of its primary sectors. As consumers become increasingly aware of the ecological impact of their food choices, Spain’s aquaculture and organic farming sectors are set to grow further.
Spain leads the way in sustainable aquaculture
