Spain leads as top Contributor to total catch

In 2022, the European Union recorded a total fish catch of approximately 3.4 million tonnes of live weight across the seven marine areas covered by EU statistics. Spain's fishing fleet dominated the scene, contributing to over one-fifth of all EU catches with a significant 22%, totaling 752,000 tonnes. Following closely were France at 15% (517,000 tonnes) and Denmark at 13% (459,000 tonnes).

The Atlantic, Northeast area claimed the lion's share, accounting for about 70% of the total EU catch. The primary species captured in this region included small fish like herring (19%), sprat (14%), blue whiting (11%), and mackerel (10%). Denmark led the way with 19% of the total catch in this area, trailed by France (approximately 17%), the Netherlands (11%), and Spain (11%), according to Eurostat. 

Moving to the Mediterranean and Black Sea, which represented about one-tenth of the total EU catch, sardines (22%) and anchovies (18%) were the predominant species. Italy led the pack, contributing 36% of the EU catch, with Greece (19%), Croatia (18%), and Spain (17%) making up the majority of the remainder.

In the Atlantic, Eastern Central area, comprising about 7% of the total EU catch, mackerel and yellowfin tuna were the primary catches. Spain took the lead with 37%, followed by Latvia (around 16%), Lithuania (approximately 15%), and the Netherlands (about 12%).

The Indian Ocean, Western area, accounted for almost 7% of the total EU catch, with a focus on tuna. Tuna, particularly skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna, constituted 96% of the total live weight caught by the EU fishing fleet in this area. Spain dominated here with 66% of the catch, and France contributed the majority of the remaining 31%.

A mere 6% of the total EU catch came from three remaining marine areas. Key species in these areas included hake (Atlantic, Southwest area), blue sharks and skipjack tuna (Atlantic, Southeast area), and redfish, halibut, and cod (Atlantic, Northwest area).