Mediterranean Aquaculture Market : By Environment, By Species, and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Mediterranean Aquaculture Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Environment (Marine Water, Fresh Water, Brackish Water), By Species (Salmon, Molluscs, Carps, Crustaceans, Trout, Milkfish, Mackerel, Seabass, Sea bream, Others), and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Mediterranean Aquaculture Market size was valued at US$ XX in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ XX million by 2031 at a CAGR of XX% from 2025-2031. Mediterranean aquaculture market is a term used to describe the industry engaged in the cultivation of aquatic animals mainly fish and shellfish within the Mediterranean Sea basin.

The demand for aquaculture in the Mediterranean is being driven by improving seafood consumption, growing health awareness, and active government assistance in helping coastal countries develop sustainable aquaculture practices. Advances in farming systems, enhanced feed efficiency, and widening international trade are also boosting expansion. Yet the market is subject to restraint in the form of environmental issues due to water contamination and habitat destruction, regulatory issues across various jurisdictions, and exposure to climatic impacts such as increased sea temperatures and weather events. Fluctuating input prices and disease outbreaks amongst farmed animals also present operational and financial challenges for producers.

Facts & Figures

  • Production Volume: The Mediterranean region produces approximately 2.4 million tonnes of fish and shellfish through aquaculture, with marine fish accounting for about 43% of total marine production in the region.
  • Dominant Species: Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) are the most commonly farmed species, contributing significantly to both volume and value. In 2019, seabream production alone reached 464,000 tonnes.
  • Species Composition: Finfish dominate the sector, making up 83% of production, while molluscs represent around 16%.

Recent Developments

  • In March 2025, Aqua Bridge Group, a Dubai-based firm, acquired the Greek operations of Avramar, one of the region’s largest aquaculture producers. This move followed Avramar’s financial struggles and aims to stabilize operations and introduce innovation in Greek aquaculture.
  • In June 2025, Seafood Legacy announced plans to construct Galicia’s first salmon farming facility in Burela, Spain, by the end of the year. The project is expected to create up to 100 new jobs and marks a significant investment in expanding aquaculture capacity in the region.

Mediterranean Aquaculture Market Segmentation

Based on the environment

  • Marine water
  • Freshwater
  • Brackish water systems

Sea water aquaculture dominates the Mediterranean aquaculture sector, where the majority of the volume and majority of the value of production. It involves predominately culture of high-value finfish such as gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), each of which accounts for over 95% of world production majority of which is produced in Mediterranean countries. Marine aquaculture is complemented by the geographical benefit of the region's coastline, developed infrastructure, and strong export demand in Middle Eastern and European nations. Turkey, Greece, and Egypt dominate production in marine aquaculture with their vertically integrated operations, government assistance, and innovations in offshore cage systems. Despite the environmental concerns such as nutrient releases and habitat disturbance, the industry continues to grow because of technological advances, eco-certification programs, and rising consumer demand for traceable, sustainably sourced seafood.

Based on the species

  • Seabass
  • Seabream
  • Salmon
  • Molluscs
  • Carps
  • Crustaceans
  • Trout
  • Milkfish
  • Mackerel
  • Others

Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) are one of the flagship species of Mediterranean aquaculture, with high market price, flavorful taste, and tolerance to marine cage culture. They are a significant share of Mediterranean finfish production, particularly in Greece, Turkey, and Spain. Seabass culture has benefited from three decades of selective breeding for faster growth rate, disease resistance, and feed efficiency. The species is flourishing in semi-offshore and offshore systems, and its production rests on strong hatchery and feed value chains. With strong demand in domestic and overseas markets both especially in the Middle East and Europe—seabass continues to be a cornerstone of Mediterranean aquaculture economies. Efforts at traceability and sustainability certification are also making it more popular among environmentally conscious and health-conscious consumers.

Global Mediterranean Aquaculture Market Summary

Study Period

2025-2031

Base Year

2024

CAGR

X%

Largest Market

Europe

Fastest Growing Market

North-America

Mediterranean Aquaculture Market Dynamics

Drivers

There are many drivers of Mediterranean aquaculture. One of the most important drivers is an expanding global market demand for seafood, especially seabass and seabream, as heart-healthy and high-protein seafood. Consumers are health-conscious and are increasingly turning to aquaculture products as an environmentally friendly alternative to wild fish. Public support in Mediterranean countries through subsidies, policy regimes, and in research is also driving expansion. Such technological progress in breeding, disease control, and feeding nutrition is boosting productivity and sustainability. Besides that, growth of world trade as well as the development of eco-certification schemes is boosting market access and consumer confidence, as well as stimulating industry growth.

Restraints

Mediterranean aquaculture is regulated by a range of restrictions that can lie in wait. The most important is environmental, and it includes the contribution of fish farming to sea ecosystems such as water pollution, habitat degradation, and disease transmission to wild populations. Patchy regulation by countries within the Mediterranean also contributes to complexity, with limited prospects for producers to acquire licensing, environmental, and trade commitments. Climate change is another emerging threat, with increasing seawater temperatures and severe weather conditions having an impact on the health of animals and farm productivity. Moreover, disease breakouts among farmed animals, increased operating costs, and unstable prices of feeds can put a strain on profitability as well as supply chain disruption. All these issues point to the importance of having integrated regional plans and sustainable agriculture practices.

Opportunities

Mediterranean aquaculture market presents various promising opportunities with increasing demand for sustainable seafood and blue economy efforts. One of the primary opportunities is the growth in eco-certified aquaculture practices, which will help build consumer confidence and provide open access to premium export markets.

The growth of new agriculture technologies offshore cages, IMTA, and RAS is also opening up opportunities for more productive and eco-friendly production. Moreover, the region stands to gain from expanding beyond seabass and seabream to high-value or hardy species adapted to evolving ocean conditions. Investment in added-value products such as ready-to-cook fishery and seafood products and fish oils is a further growth sector, as nutrition- and health-conscious consumers demand convenience and nutrition. Cross-border partnerships, EU research programs and digital solutions for farm management and tracing are further driving innovation and competitiveness throughout the Mediterranean region.

Trends

The Mediterranean aquaculture sector is facing a variety of evolutionary currents that are reshaping the industry's profile. Advanced farming technology like offshore systems and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) is helping producers with means to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental footprints. Traceability and eco-certification are also on an upswing at the same time with consumers demanding more and more responsibly caught seafood. Increased use of digital monitoring of fish health, feed conversion, and environmental conditions is simplifying farm operations. Diversification of species being farmed from seabass and seabream to those that are going to be heat-tolerant and responsive to shifting market demand is underway. While climate change increasingly ravages traditional aquaculture, the use of heat-resistant strains and adaptation techniques is becoming a necessity. Finally, cross-border research cooperation and EU-funded programs are stimulating innovation, simplifying regulation, and making room for the development of a stronger and technology-assisted aquaculture sector in the Mediterranean.

Global Mediterranean Aquaculture Market Segmentation Analysis

Report Benchmarks

Details

Report Study Period

2025-2031

Market CAGR

X%

By Environment

  • Marine water
  • Freshwater
  • Brackish water

By Species

  • BrandedSalmon
  • Molluscs
  • Carps
  • Crustaceans
  • Trout
  • Milkfish
  • Mackerel
  • Seabass
  • Sea bream
  • Others

By Region

  • North America (U.S., Canada)
  • Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Rest of Europe)
  • Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia Pacific)
  • Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Rest of Latin America)
  • Middle East & Africa (GCC, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa)

Analyst Review

According to PBI Analyst, the Mediterranean aquaculture industry is in a strategic shift phase, spurred by increasing world demand for sustainable seafood, technological advances, and changing consumer preferences. Europe still has a commanding lead in terms of production, with nations such as Greece, Spain, and France using established infrastructures, vertically integrated processes, and robust export structures. Yet, North America is becoming the region of fastest-growing consumers, driven by rising imports of Mediterranean species and expanded consumer demand for traceable, eco-certified seafood.

The industry also gains from EU-funded programs and transboundary cooperation supporting innovation, environmental conservation, and regulatory cooperation. Firms are putting money into offshore production systems, digital monitoring technology, and species diversification to increase resilience and address climate challenges. In spite of policy complexity and environmental issues, the industry is evolving by adopting sustainability certifications, value-added product innovation, and strategic alliances. Growth is projected to continue by 2031, with an emphasis on climate-resilient practices, digitalization, and increased access to premium markets.

Key Features of the Report

  • The report provides granular level information about the Market size, regional Market share, historic Market (2020-2024), and forecast (2025-2031)
  • The report covers in-detail insights about the competitor’s overview, company share analysis, key Market developments, and key strategies.
  • The report outlines drivers, restraints, unmet needs, and trends that are currently affecting the Market.
  • The report tracks recent innovations, key developments, and start-up details that are actively working in the Market.
  • The report provides a plethora of information about Market entry strategies, regulatory framework, and reimbursement scenarios.
  • The report analyses the impact of the socio-political environment through PESTLE Analysis and competition through Porter's Five Force Analysis

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Frequently Asked Questions

Mediterranean aquaculture market size was valued at US$ x billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of x% from 2024-2030.

The report covers the five regions and 15+ countries market data: North America (United States, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and United Kingdom (UK), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia & New Zealand), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina) and Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa).

Nireus Aquaculture S.A., Cermaq ASA, Tassal Group Ltd., Zeal Aqua, Carter & Sons Ltd, Blue Ridge Aquaculture, Cooke Aquaculture Inc., The Waterbase Limited, Selonda Aquaculture S.A., Phibro Animal Health Corporation

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Author

Manoj Kumar

Manoj Kumar is a postgraduate in Life Sciences with over seven years of dedicated experience in the fields of anima.....

1.Executive Summary
2.Global Mediterranean Aquaculture Market Introduction 
2.1.Global Mediterranean Aquaculture Market  - Taxonomy
2.2.Global Mediterranean Aquaculture Market  - Definitions
2.2.1.Environment
2.2.2.Species
2.2.3.Region
3.Global Mediterranean Aquaculture Market Dynamics
3.1. Drivers
3.2. Restraints
3.3. Opportunities/Unmet Needs of the Market
3.4. Trends
3.5. Product Landscape
3.6. New Product Launches
3.7. Impact of COVID 19 on Market
4.Global Mediterranean Aquaculture Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031
4.1.  Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
4.2.  Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) 
4.3.  Market Opportunity Analysis 
5.Global Mediterranean Aquaculture Market  By Environment, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million)
5.1. Marine water
5.1.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
5.1.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
5.1.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
5.2. Freshwater
5.2.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
5.2.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
5.2.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
5.3. Brackish water
5.3.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
5.3.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
5.3.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.Global Mediterranean Aquaculture Market  By Species, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million)
6.1. BrandedSalmon
6.1.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.1.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.1.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.2. Molluscs
6.2.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.2.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.2.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.3. Carps
6.3.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.3.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.3.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.4. Crustaceans
6.4.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.4.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.4.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.5. Trout
6.5.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.5.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.5.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.6. Milkfish
6.6.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.6.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.6.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.7. Mackerel
6.7.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.7.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.7.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.8. Seabass
6.8.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.8.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.8.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.9. Sea bream
6.9.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.9.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.9.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
6.10. Others
6.10.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
6.10.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
6.10.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
7.Global Mediterranean Aquaculture Market  By Region, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million)
7.1. North America
7.1.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
7.1.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
7.1.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
7.2. Europe
7.2.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
7.2.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
7.2.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
7.3. Asia Pacific (APAC)
7.3.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
7.3.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
7.3.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
7.4. Middle East and Africa (MEA)
7.4.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
7.4.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
7.4.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
7.5. Latin America
7.5.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million)
7.5.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) 
7.5.3. Market Opportunity Analysis 
8.North America Mediterranean Aquaculture Market ,2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million)
8.1. Environment Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
8.1.1.Marine water
8.1.2.Freshwater
8.1.3.Brackish water
8.2.  Species Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
8.2.1.BrandedSalmon
8.2.2.Molluscs
8.2.3.Carps
8.2.4.Crustaceans
8.2.5.Trout
8.2.6.Milkfish
8.2.7.Mackerel
8.2.8.Seabass
8.2.9.Sea bream
8.2.10.Others
8.3.  Country Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
8.3.1.United States of America (USA)
8.3.2.Canada
9.Europe Mediterranean Aquaculture Market ,2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million)
9.1. Environment Analysis  and Forecast  by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
9.1.1.Marine water
9.1.2.Freshwater
9.1.3.Brackish water
9.2.  Species Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
9.2.1.BrandedSalmon
9.2.2.Molluscs
9.2.3.Carps
9.2.4.Crustaceans
9.2.5.Trout
9.2.6.Milkfish
9.2.7.Mackerel
9.2.8.Seabass
9.2.9.Sea bream
9.2.10.Others
9.3.  Country Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
9.3.1.Germany
9.3.2.France
9.3.3.Italy
9.3.4.United Kingdom (UK)
9.3.5.Spain
10.Asia Pacific (APAC) Mediterranean Aquaculture Market ,2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million)
10.1. Environment Analysis  and Forecast  by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
10.1.1.Marine water
10.1.2.Freshwater
10.1.3.Brackish water
10.2.  Species Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
10.2.1.BrandedSalmon
10.2.2.Molluscs
10.2.3.Carps
10.2.4.Crustaceans
10.2.5.Trout
10.2.6.Milkfish
10.2.7.Mackerel
10.2.8.Seabass
10.2.9.Sea bream
10.2.10.Others
10.3.  Country Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
10.3.1.China
10.3.2.India
10.3.3.Australia and New Zealand (ANZ)
10.3.4.Japan
10.3.5.Rest of APAC
11.Middle East and Africa (MEA) Mediterranean Aquaculture Market ,2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million)
11.1. Environment Analysis  and Forecast  by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
11.1.1.Marine water
11.1.2.Freshwater
11.1.3.Brackish water
11.2.  Species Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
11.2.1.BrandedSalmon
11.2.2.Molluscs
11.2.3.Carps
11.2.4.Crustaceans
11.2.5.Trout
11.2.6.Milkfish
11.2.7.Mackerel
11.2.8.Seabass
11.2.9.Sea bream
11.2.10.Others
11.3.  Country Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
11.3.1.GCC Countries
11.3.2.South Africa
11.3.3.Rest of MEA
12.Latin America Mediterranean Aquaculture Market ,2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million)
12.1. Environment Analysis  and Forecast  by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
12.1.1.Marine water
12.1.2.Freshwater
12.1.3.Brackish water
12.2.  Species Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
12.2.1.BrandedSalmon
12.2.2.Molluscs
12.2.3.Carps
12.2.4.Crustaceans
12.2.5.Trout
12.2.6.Milkfish
12.2.7.Mackerel
12.2.8.Seabass
12.2.9.Sea bream
12.2.10.Others
12.3.  Country Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) 
12.3.1.Brazil
12.3.2.Mexico
12.3.3.Rest of LA
13. Competition Landscape
13.1.  Market Player Profiles (Introduction, Brand/Product Sales, Financial Analysis, Product Offerings, Key Developments, Collaborations, M & A, Strategies, and SWOT Analysis) 
13.2.1.Nireus Aquaculture S.A. (Greece)
13.2.2.Cermaq ASA (Norway)
13.2.3.Tassal Group Ltd. (Australia)
13.2.4.Zeal Aqua (India)
13.2.5.Carter & Sons Ltd (U.K.)
13.2.6.Blue Ridge Aquaculture (U.S.)
13.2.7.Cooke Aquaculture Inc. (Scotland)
13.2.8.The Waterbase Limited (India)
13.2.9.Selonda Aquaculture S.A. (Greece)
13.2.10.Phibro Animal Health Corporation (U.S.)
14. Research Methodology 
15. Appendix and Abbreviations 

Key Market Players

  • Andromeda Group
  • Selonda Aquaculture S.A.
  • Nireus Aquaculture S.A.
  • Avramar
  • Mowi ASA
  • Camar S.A., and
  • Marine Harvest

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