Fish consumption is one of the main dietary sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), essential for cardiovascular, immune and neurological function. According to EFSA (2024), a weekly intake of at least 250 mg of EPA + DHA significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality, with the richest sources being oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring, followed by trout and sea bass.

Within the European Union, average annual fish consumption exceeds 24 kg per capita, according to Eurostat. However, Romania remains well below this level, at around 8 kg per capita. The lower consumption is influenced by price, availability and a traditional preference for poultry and pork. Even so, growing interest in the Mediterranean diet and medical recommendations are steadily increasing demand.

WHO studies confirm that including fish in the diet one to two times per week helps reduce triglycerides, regulate blood pressure and support cognitive function. On the European market, growth in the “ready-to-cook” segment reflects the shift toward convenient foods with high nutritional value.

In Romania, INS data (2024) show an increase of more than 11% in sales of refrigerated fish, particularly in urban areas. At the same time, domestic aquaculture — approximately 12,000 tonnes annually — remains below its potential, as estimated by the Ministry of Agriculture, mainly due to limited investment in recirculating water systems and fish farm modernisation.

In the long term, better integration of fish products into the food system could increase protein diversity and reduce the gap with the European average. Expanding aquaculture capacity and improving cold-chain logistics are essential to ensuring broader consumer access to high-quality fish.

(Photo: Freepik)