Today (16 May) marks the European Union’s ‘End of Fish Day’ - the date by which the EU has theoretically exhausted all its domestically sourced seafood for the year, says Seas At Risk.
From now until December, the bloc will depend entirely on imported fish and seafood to meet consumer demand.
Anne Seidler, Marine Policy Officer at Seas At Risk, said the symbolic day highlights the EU’s unsustainable relationship with the ocean. “The ‘End of Fish Day’ in the EU serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable fishing practices and mindful consumption,” she said.
“Protecting the ocean is primarily a political task but individuals can also make a difference.”
The EU’s appetite for seafood, averaging 23.5 kilograms per person annually - more than that recommended by the World Health Organisation, far outstrips its capacity to sustainably produce it, currently covering just 37.5% of its needs domestically.
Overfishing remains a central issue, with 50% of stocks overexploited in the North-East Atlantic and Baltic, and over 90% in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
The environmental impact is compounded by destructive fishing methods that damage seafloor habitats and lead to high levels of bycatch, including marine mammals like dolphins.
“European consumers can help protect marine biodiversity by reducing seafood consumption and choosing more sustainable, regional or plant-based alternatives,” said Seidler.
As EU reliance on imports grows, experts warn this merely shifts environmental and social pressures to other regions, threatening marine ecosystems and food security worldwide.
